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Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria and Pregnancy
I am a 30 year old female and am 9 weeks into my first pregnancy. For the past 6 years I have suffered with chronic fatigue and chronic hives. I have been diagnosed with Chronic Idiopathic Uticaria. Over the past 6 years I have been to 7 different doctors ( 4 immunologists, 1 geneticist and 2 rheumatologists). The consensus is that I may also have an underlying autoimmune disease, as numerous other illnesses (from food allergies, celiac sprue, h pylori, thyroid disorders, etc...) have been ruled out. I would also like to note that I have had elevated LFT's on three seperate occasions (AST/ALT in the 40's- 50's, which then stabilize back into the teens when I get a blood re-draw). I have had a Hep 4 panel, which was negative.
My pregnancy is going well. I actually have had a SIGNIFICANT decrease in my fatigue and now experience some insomnia! Prior to becoming pregnant, a few doctors mentioned to me that if my hives are autoimmune, I may experience a remission during my pregnancy.
My hives are actually a little worse now that I am pregnant. I have to take Zyrtec1 tab po q 12-24 h as opposed to my previous regimen of 1 tab po q 24-48 h.
Here are my questions:
1) Does my increase in hives indicate that my hives are not autoimmune?
2) Could my hives be related to a hormonal imbalance? I wonder this because I am pregnant and the only variable that could be responsible for the increased hives are the changing hormone levels in my body.
3) Is BID dosing of Zyrtec safe in pregnancy? I know it is safe during pregnancy but I think most people who are pregnant are using it PRN, not QD or BID.
Without the Zyrtec, my hives are not only unbearable but they also start to present in my throat, mouth and on my lips, so going without it is not really an option for me.
Thank You
My pregnancy is going well. I actually have had a SIGNIFICANT decrease in my fatigue and now experience some insomnia! Prior to becoming pregnant, a few doctors mentioned to me that if my hives are autoimmune, I may experience a remission during my pregnancy.
My hives are actually a little worse now that I am pregnant. I have to take Zyrtec1 tab po q 12-24 h as opposed to my previous regimen of 1 tab po q 24-48 h.
Here are my questions:
1) Does my increase in hives indicate that my hives are not autoimmune?
2) Could my hives be related to a hormonal imbalance? I wonder this because I am pregnant and the only variable that could be responsible for the increased hives are the changing hormone levels in my body.
3) Is BID dosing of Zyrtec safe in pregnancy? I know it is safe during pregnancy but I think most people who are pregnant are using it PRN, not QD or BID.
Without the Zyrtec, my hives are not only unbearable but they also start to present in my throat, mouth and on my lips, so going without it is not really an option for me.
Thank You
im suffering for 6 months for chronic hives then lately im notice that im pregnant i go to my ob to make it sure that im pregnant,,,the result is im 6 weeks pregnant ,,,i tell also to my ob that im suffering to chronic hives they give it medicine chlorophenamine maleate 4mg,,, i used this for 25 days,,,but nothing happen my hives more and very echy my mouth,eyes,palm,arms,and all part of my body start to swollen,,,,i stop the medicine i take because im pregnant to affect to my baby,,, i start to used the home remidies to cure the chronic hives,,,i drink plenty of water everyday,,,excersice,,and put the mineral oil or baby oil to all parts of my body,,i taking a bath every day with cold water im using soap baby soap and also my shampoo for baby also i put to my body baking powder and leave for 5 minutes ,,,, i cange my diet for all vegetable food only,,,,i continue this routine for almost 2 weeks,,and one day i wake up im free to chronic hives ,,,,i share this my testimony to can help some people suffering for chronic hives for long time,,,,,i hope it works also for you god bless to all
Thank you doctornee medical- I appreciate your response and I will follow your suggestions. I am sorry if I sounded rude in my last post. This is such a frustrating affliction, particularly in the midst of morning sickness and mood swings.
Thanks again for all of your suggestions. =)
Thanks again for all of your suggestions. =)
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi
Thanks for keeping me posted!
Well, I did read your post carefully and have answered accordingly. I am sorry I sounded off the mark to you. You say your hives have worsened with pregnancy and I am giving you reasons why this could be so. Pregnancy is associated with rashes and worsening of existing rashes.
“1) Does my increase in hives indicate that my hives are not autoimmune?” and “2) Could my hives be related to a hormonal imbalance? I wonder this because I am pregnant and the only variable that could be responsible for the increased hives are the changing hormone levels in my body.” My answer is same for both: Prurigo of pregnancy is due to abnormal hormone levels, will disappear on delivery and reappear on subsequent pregnancy. Hence it is possible that your hives are hormonal in origin.
“3) Is BID dosing of Zyrtec safe in pregnancy? I know it is safe during pregnancy but I think most people who are pregnant are using it PRN, not QD or BID.” My answer: Zyrtec also causes hives, sounds strange when it is used for the cure. It is also possible that Zyrtec is aggravating your hives. Please take a skin test or RAST test to know what you are allergic to.---I know you have chronic idiopathic urticaria. But with pregnancy as a new factor in increasing your hives, there is no harm in repeating the test and seeing if you are allergic to Zyrtec.
I have asked you to use “Simple moisturizing creams, wet soaks, calamine lotions etc are generally enough to soothe the symptoms of hives of pregnancy. Try these along with Zyrtec.” If you do these and your rashes decrease then you know the increase is due to pregnancy.
“Without the Zyrtec, my hives are not only unbearable but they also start to present in my throat, mouth and on my lips,”—the rash of Zyrtec also causes similar symptoms.
I know you have been to a number of doctors and specialists and fully empathize you’re your frustrations. Hence I asked you to take a second opinion and consult an allergy specialist. Immunologists also take care of allergies but allergists specialize in allergies. Hence there could be a difference in their approach.
I sincerely hope you can find some answers and wish you well with your pregnancy. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!
Thanks for keeping me posted!
Well, I did read your post carefully and have answered accordingly. I am sorry I sounded off the mark to you. You say your hives have worsened with pregnancy and I am giving you reasons why this could be so. Pregnancy is associated with rashes and worsening of existing rashes.
“1) Does my increase in hives indicate that my hives are not autoimmune?” and “2) Could my hives be related to a hormonal imbalance? I wonder this because I am pregnant and the only variable that could be responsible for the increased hives are the changing hormone levels in my body.” My answer is same for both: Prurigo of pregnancy is due to abnormal hormone levels, will disappear on delivery and reappear on subsequent pregnancy. Hence it is possible that your hives are hormonal in origin.
“3) Is BID dosing of Zyrtec safe in pregnancy? I know it is safe during pregnancy but I think most people who are pregnant are using it PRN, not QD or BID.” My answer: Zyrtec also causes hives, sounds strange when it is used for the cure. It is also possible that Zyrtec is aggravating your hives. Please take a skin test or RAST test to know what you are allergic to.---I know you have chronic idiopathic urticaria. But with pregnancy as a new factor in increasing your hives, there is no harm in repeating the test and seeing if you are allergic to Zyrtec.
I have asked you to use “Simple moisturizing creams, wet soaks, calamine lotions etc are generally enough to soothe the symptoms of hives of pregnancy. Try these along with Zyrtec.” If you do these and your rashes decrease then you know the increase is due to pregnancy.
“Without the Zyrtec, my hives are not only unbearable but they also start to present in my throat, mouth and on my lips,”—the rash of Zyrtec also causes similar symptoms.
I know you have been to a number of doctors and specialists and fully empathize you’re your frustrations. Hence I asked you to take a second opinion and consult an allergy specialist. Immunologists also take care of allergies but allergists specialize in allergies. Hence there could be a difference in their approach.
I sincerely hope you can find some answers and wish you well with your pregnancy. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!
Dear Doctornee medical-
No offense but if you bothered to read my post AT ALL you would see that my hives ARE NOT because I am pregnant- I have had them for 6 years. Your post only tells of rashes common to pregnant women and I have clearly stated above that I have chronic idiopathic urticaria and that I have had allergy testing done. And I obviously haven't gained a lot of weight because I am only 9 weeks pregnant. You didn't answer any of my questions. Please take a second to actually read what a person is saying before you post something.
No offense but if you bothered to read my post AT ALL you would see that my hives ARE NOT because I am pregnant- I have had them for 6 years. Your post only tells of rashes common to pregnant women and I have clearly stated above that I have chronic idiopathic urticaria and that I have had allergy testing done. And I obviously haven't gained a lot of weight because I am only 9 weeks pregnant. You didn't answer any of my questions. Please take a second to actually read what a person is saying before you post something.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi
Thanks for writing to the forum!
There are some rashes associated with pregnancy like Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP), Prurigo of pregnancy, Pruritic folliculitis of pregnancy, and Pemphigoid gestationis. PUPPP is the most common, however it is seen more on stretch marks and during the third trimester. If you have gained a lot of weight during your pregnancy then this is a possibility. Prurigo of pregnancy is due to abnormal hormone levels, will disappear on delivery and reappear on subsequent pregnancy. Hence it is possible that your hives are hormonal in origin.
Simple moisturizing creams, wet soaks, calamine lotions etc are generally enough to soothe the symptoms of hives of pregnancy. Try these along with Zyrtec. Zyrtec also causes hives, sounds strange when it is used for the cure. It is also possible that Zyrtec is aggravating your hives. Please take a skin test or RAST test to know what you are allergic to.
Hope this helps. It is difficult to comment beyond this at this stage. Do consult an allergy specialist. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!
Thanks for writing to the forum!
There are some rashes associated with pregnancy like Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP), Prurigo of pregnancy, Pruritic folliculitis of pregnancy, and Pemphigoid gestationis. PUPPP is the most common, however it is seen more on stretch marks and during the third trimester. If you have gained a lot of weight during your pregnancy then this is a possibility. Prurigo of pregnancy is due to abnormal hormone levels, will disappear on delivery and reappear on subsequent pregnancy. Hence it is possible that your hives are hormonal in origin.
Simple moisturizing creams, wet soaks, calamine lotions etc are generally enough to soothe the symptoms of hives of pregnancy. Try these along with Zyrtec. Zyrtec also causes hives, sounds strange when it is used for the cure. It is also possible that Zyrtec is aggravating your hives. Please take a skin test or RAST test to know what you are allergic to.
Hope this helps. It is difficult to comment beyond this at this stage. Do consult an allergy specialist. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!
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