Hello folks, I am a 23 yo male. I am a Medic and work in a high stress envionment. Starting in Mid June, I broke out with hives, really bad at first. Whole body hives, arms, legs everything. I was seen at my base hospital, and was put on the all wonderful Pregnasone, it really didn't work that great, but the hives did decapate. A few days later they were back again. I made a appt with my new Dr. but the appt is not for 3 more weeks. I know not to self diagnose, but here is what I have. I changed everything in my life, soaps, shampoos, food, everything, and nothing showed any improvement. The only other thing I can think of is that I have been a smokeless tobacco chewer since 18 yo. I quit for approx 2 weeks, and there was not much change noted, but then again I really didnt give it time since I gave back in to my addiction. I controlled the outbreaks to the best of my ability by lessening stress, taking Benadryl 25mg 3x day (every 8 hrs), it works ok, but I still get small outbreaks when it starts to ware off. I would like to know if anyone knows if smokeless (copenhagen and related brands) can cause hives like this. Am I allergic to my vice????? So far, I am 1 hr from being off shift, and I am going to make a effort to quit today, and start a healthy detoxification process. Maybe my body is so backed up with toxins, it cant get rid of them as fast as I am being exposed to them. I want the hives to go away, and if the tobacco is the cause then to heck with the stuff. Please if anyone can help please write back.