I am a 30-year old woman who has been breaking out into hives all over my body for about two weeks now. I have never had hives before – at first, they were mild, but have grown more severe this week. They are worst in the late-evening and morning hours. I have also had mild swelling in my upper lip, which reduced after about 24 hours. I went to see my family doctor, and she thinks it is likely seasonal allergies (namely, ragweed). I have been taking over the counter antihistamines which have relieved, but not eliminated the hives. I have had ragweed allergies in the past (worst around Labour Day), but have not been affected in the past few years. This morning, they spread to my face, which terrified me. Is it possible for a ragweed allergy to cause this reaction? I am very afraid they won’t resolve themselves and I’m going crazy from the constant itchiness. Please help!