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Posted 2/1/2006 10:36 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,

Well after having Chronic Urticaria for 8 years, I am still trying to get this horrible condition resolved! I doubt it will ever go away, as it is a histamine release from within the body, and my blood cells just aren't fighting like they should! I am allergic to every anti histamine which has been prescribed to me, but am now on another lot, which is for Asthma sufferers, as there is a slight link between asthma and urticaria. So far so good, they seem to be working, but not when it is that time of month! nothing seems to work! I flare up also, if I am stressed, upset, too hot, cold, if i have applied to much pressure on my skin, ie belts, and certain shoes I cant wear anymore. I only found out last summer that I am allergic to Quinoline (yellow colouring), Erythrosine (cherry pink colouring) and Sodium Benzoate E211. These e numbers are mainly found in packaged foods, ie curry sauces etc. Also alchol is a big factor, so guess what, I hardly drink anymore. After producing some nasty photo evidence to my skin specialist, was I taken serious. I am now seeing my skin specialist every three months which is a blessing, but I think I know, that there isnt much more they can do for me.....I have another appointment in March, so I hope to keep you all posted. Well, I do sympathise with you all, and after 8 years, I know it is a horrible thing to have to live with.

Take it easy, and try not to get too stressed over it, as you will flare up!

Cheers
Toni
Posted 2/2/2006 9:50 PM (GMT 0)

It really helps me to read that other people stories about chronic urticaria. I've only had mine since November but it feels like a lot longer. I'm now taking Zyrtec in the morning and at night and also Benadryl for the past month. I go back to my allergist on Monday.I don't know what he'll prescribe next. I've already taken the Presidone. I thought the hives were going away, my arms look a lot better but my back and stomach still have them. It's usually clear in the morning and then through out the day it gets worse.  It also doesn't help that I'm in the process of buying a house so I'm a little stressed but I've never gotten before because of stress. I know it probably takes a while for the skin to heal but does anyone have any suggestion for lotions  or creams to use. I hate not being able to work out that much and I'm worried about having the hives during the summer, at least in the winter you can wear long sleeves. Would swimming be okay or does the water aggravate the hives?

Posted 2/3/2006 9:11 PM (GMT 0)
After reading your reply, I'm happy that you can take certain antihistamines to at least keep the "Urti" under control. With regards to swimming, I am not sure if this will cause a break out or not, I doubt it would, but you might want to do some research just incase. With regards to lotions, creams etc, the only one I found to work for me is Aloe Vera Gel. Buy it from any Health Food shop....I always buy the larget tube and it does last ages which is good as it is about £8!!! It is really cooling on the skin, and does relieve the itching......give it a go!!

Keep me posted as I am intruged by other peoples history regarding Urti.....
Posted 2/7/2006 2:24 PM (GMT 0)
Dear Longtime,

I had to write you because idiopathic urticaria is something that I suffered off and on since the late 80"s. My dermatologist and an allergist could find no reason for it. I did not have hives, I just itched like crazy - my back, my head, arms, and parts of my legs. It would come and go. I also had dermagraphia (sp?). In 1995 I crashed from being in top notch shape, working, taking grad courses (I was 44) to a diagnosis of Fibro and Chronic Fatigue. My yard is full of deer and I live in Chester County PA which has a high rate of lyme but no one put it together. Suffered, figured out how to work part time and still bring income in to the household. In 2003 got very sick, had to stop working, terrible tooth and facial pain, Bells Palsy, ITCHING, feet hurt and burned, could hardly walk, muscle spasms, hurt all over, felt like I was going crazy ( all things I had experienced before off and on, but this was x's 10). One thing I tested positive for was Bartonella which can affect you neurologically and give you rashes that look like spider veins but they are not. My back looked like a river of red veins running down it - all doctors did not have clue.

My LLMD knew what it was and had a positive test for Bartonella so she gave me zithromax for it along with IV for 4 months for neuro Lyme. The veins slowly disappeared as well as the itching. However it did come back along with lyme symptoms and I was put on IV and zithromax again for 3 months. A few months later I was put on 400mg of doxy. After a terrible summer of heat I was in bad shape again. This time a doctor put me on diflucan. The itching did disappear. At the end of the diflucan treatment (which is several months) he will dose me with a pencillin based antibiotic. I was always faithful about taking probiotics and milk thistle.


So, to sum up what I know at this point: itching may be a part of lyme, bartonella, liver disease, parasites, fungus, diabetes, and many other disorders. Have you had a an Hga1c done to check average blood sugar levels over a three month period to rule out diabetes? How are your liver enzymes? Have you been on antibiotics for long periods of time? If so,a course of antifungals might give you relief. I used many bottles of anti-itching lotions which woud help me get to sleep along with sleep aides. As I write, the itching has returned in the last couple of days but it is milder and I am hoping it might be part of a herx. This Lyme is a really a dangerous and destructive disease if it goes undeteced. I think we should all pray together (and I am not terribly religious) that our medical, political, and insurance community will come to its senses. OK - now I am starting to get upset..........what a waste of so many years for so many patients, families, jobs..........I had a neuropsych exam and they said I was angry(wonder why??) but see myself as a positive person. Truth be told, any of us who have been dealing with this have to be tough and positive people to keep at it.
I really hope you can find some relief soon because I know how awful it can make you feel. Hang in there.
With much sympathy,
Keenan B
Posted 2/16/2006 9:30 PM (GMT 0)

Well now I'm on Doxepin at night and Zyrtec in the morning. The Doxepin seems to be helping but just today I got new hives on my arms. I think it's work related but  it makes me wonder will I ever be fully rid of the urticaria.

Has anyone had good results using Doxepin?

Thanks

Posted 2/17/2006 7:16 PM (GMT 0)

Hi everyone,

I have been suffering with a chronic case of hives for 5 years.  I have been to 5 doctors and no one can figure out what causes my hives.  I am now at a dermatologist/internist one of the top doctors in the nation and he can not even cure my hives.  I am on so many medications (cyclosporine, cyproheptadine,ranitidine, allegra d and hydroxidine).  I am tired of being on all these medicines so I am now trying this chem free technique.  You buy new clothes, bedding and towels from stores that have not prewashed their items in laundry detergent (victoria secret and wild oats).  Wash these clothes in baking soda only for 8 weeks.  Let your clothes air dry instead of putting them in the dryer. This is suppose to break down your immune system and get rid of the hives.  I have tried this for a week and so far it is working.  Right now I am not taking cyclosporine and taking my meds only once a day instead of twice.  I have a few hives on my face, but they are tolerable.  I am also not exercising right now b/c I know I will flare up  from the heat.  If anyone has any good ideas that have worked for them let me know.  Thanks.

Jenn

Posted 2/18/2006 3:40 AM (GMT 0)
I was also on Doxepin at night and Areius and Zantac during the day.  What you may not know is that Doxepin is a mild anti-depressant.  When taking these drugs, my hives would sometimes increase (as well as my fatigue and irritability)  My allergies started as mild seasonal 10-15 yrs ago and slowly developed into small amounts of hives on my hands and feet (which we thought was athlete's foot) and has developed into constant full body hives (minus my face and private areas)  Sometimes they area small raised and white (very painful) and other times large low red patches (very calm)  When they climb up my neck is when they drive me nuts.  The pressure hives in the morning are also very annoying.  I have started pro-biotic treatment and naturopathic accupressure to rid myself of the thousands of allergies I have (hopefully) and eventually detoxify my body and stop eating chemical foods with too many additives, colourings and preservatives.  I am starting to realize it took my body 15 years to get to this point so I must be patient and allow at least 2 years to rid my body of the crap I have put in it.  It is a constant battle against your own body and mind and it really sucks.  Drugs only mask the problems that could happen later on...Get healthy and good luck.

Posted 3/7/2006 6:57 AM (GMT 0)
I am so happy to have people to connect to about this problem... I am 29 yrs old, and a guy who has been dealing with chronic urticaria for at least half my life-- my worst hives occur on my scalp, neck, and shoulders--they are horribly itchy and sometimes consume my life.. I have anxiety and stress which I think contributes to this... I have seen the top allergists in california, and although they could not identify the cause, they have helped me a little-- I am now on the urticaria diet! no longer eating foods with preservatives, colorings, additives, etc...which seems to be helping a little--although I just started and I think it will take sometime for this to have effect as I have been putting chemicals into my body for the last 29 yrs! my allergist has prescribed hydroxyzine (atarax) H1 and tagamet H2 although I do not want to take antihistamines forever as they do lower immune functioning--my allergist said she had urticaria too, but has been on the diet for fifteen years and she reports that she no longer gets hives nearly as bad as previously... the atarax seems to work better than any other antihistamine I have taken (it is also a mild anti-anxiety, which may be a good thing)-- the trouble is, I just don't want to take drugs! What I am very intrigued by is the chem-free clothing plan that I have heard about where you buy clothes untreated by detergents and wash them with baking soda-- I have read about this and would be willing to try (another major life changing venture) if I think it may significantly help... DOES anyone have any experience or knowledge of this ?? I am very interested... it's good to know that in life we are not alone, and humans have shared experiences that allow us to support one another--
Mars
Posted 3/21/2006 2:53 PM (GMT 0)

Hi to all,

I suffered form dermographism for 5 years which I believe is also urticaria, just a little worse.  I could write several pages of things I did to my skin to cure what I thought I had.  Tea tree oil all over for days, bleach baths, vitimans, herbs, epsom salt baths, etc.....  Here is some of my symptoms - skin that itch so bad I could not think of anything else, hive right after itching, burning ears, tingling in my lips, feet that would burn and felt painful at times when walking and few I bet I forgot about.  Here was my culprit, (aluminum) !!!!!! At the age of 32 I became intolerant to it.  I, who does not even have a allergic reaction to poison ivy became allergic to aluminum.  Where is aluminum?  (Antiperspirant/deodorant) main culprit, then some antacids, aluminum cans, cook ware .......  Looking back I see what happened, I was lifting wieghts, going to the tanning beds and working in one of the hottest summers, I was showering 2 times a day and applying antiperspirant more like three times a day.  So I guess I absorbed more than my body could tolerate.  I still am amazed that my arm pits never itched but my feet would always be the first to start to itch if I did not take my antihistame, probalby because of walking friction on the skin.  Here was my cure I used aloe vera for deodorant for several weeks, I believe three weeks and then I quit taking my antihistamines, I remember being nervous, what happens if this is the cure and my nervous anticipation causes me to itch and my experiment fails.  Well I felt slightly itchy and I pressed on with no antihistamines and 2 years later I am doing great, I definetly had sensitive skin several inches below my armpit but that has almost totally subsided. I have been using Old Spice deoderant with out ANTIPERSPIRANT with no ill effects.  When looking at deoderants look for active ingredents and steer clear of aluminum. Also, I was taking Milk Thistle the three weeks I was using Aloe for deoderant, I dont think that helped but I dont want to leave any of the process out.  After having affliction as that, I hope I can help others.

                                                                            Good Luck


Post Edited (Dangerdav) : 3/21/2006 7:55:27 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 5/10/2006 4:20 PM (GMT 0)
Well, I have not used anti-perspirant for two months now-- no improvement!! oh well! on to the next possible cure!
Posted 5/16/2006 1:12 AM (GMT 0)
I am truly sorry the no aluminum did not work for you.   sad    Maybe someday you will find the cause to your allergy.  I hope that someone who has read my symptoms and solution will be helped, in the same way the internet helped me. Good Luck!!! 

Posted 5/23/2006 9:51 AM (GMT 0)

Hi everyone

It is nice to talk to people who have this condition. I recently went on holiday and felt like a freak. People stared at me and I wanted to wear a sign saying 'not infectious'.  I started with my urticaria about 18 months ago and it is getting progressively worse as the days go by. It started as hives which appeared on my legs sparingly. I am now at the stage where my whole body is covered in almsot continuously red raised hives. The only parts of my body which are clear are the extremities - face and neck, hands, feet and privates. I still consider myself lucky that my face is not affected although the condition is getting me very down. I am seeing a skin specialist at the moment and he prescribed prednisolone at 30mg a day decreasing over seven weeks to zero (antihistamines do not work for me) which virtually cured the problem at first. Unfortunately there are side effects to this medicine (prone to infections etc) as it shuts down your immune system so it is not usual to stay on it long. As I came off it my skin became worse and worse and I am now back to square one. I am having patch tests at the moment but I am not confident they will indicate the problem. My specialist says that even if they do not, at least he has more drugs he will know he can work with. I used to be quite active and swam or ran regularly. Unfortunately I can not do any exercise now as the heat or chemicals in the water make things much, much worse. I have (probably like everyone else) tried to work out what I did differently when it started that may have been a trigger for this condition. I have tried then to change things that may have been the cause. To no avail. darned if I can work it out and it is so frustrating. Stress and pressure of sleeping on a certain side make things worse for me. It is difficult to avoid either of these. In my house is pet rabbit which was introduced about four months before my urticaria started. I know I am allergic to cats and I wonder if the rabbit may be the cause. Unfortunately my son would rather put me in a hutch in the garden so I will wait for the results of the patch tests before upsetting him. I use a basic aqueous cream to try and stop the skin becomming so itchy but it seems also to make the skin sore and more raised. I also have steriod creams which do not seem to do anything more beneficial than the basic cream. Does anyone have anything they can possibly help me with regarding the following questions?

Has anyone linked this condition to pet allergy?

Does anyone take aspirin or any medications (I do) and found this to be a trigger?

Anyone have any suggestions on how to keep fit and avoid inflaming the urticari?

Can anyone recommend a cream that soothes rather than inflaming the rash? 

Has anyone else had skin patch teset, and were they indicative of any problems?

What is the urticaria diet (I am thinking of fasting for a week to see if it is food related)?

I will keep you all posted regarding my skin tests. I hipe one day we can all feel normal again.  

Posted 9/26/2006 8:16 PM (GMT 0)

Hi,

I've been reading all the comments in the forum and am a little shocked to learn so many people have Chronic Urticaria.  I have suffered with this for over 18 years.  I've kept every kind of diary - food, outdoor activities, indoor activities, medications, life styles, on and on.  Nothing has ever added up to a cause or solution.  I have taken all kinds of medications from Zyrtec, Allegra, Zantac, Methatrexate, Singulair, steriods, too many to name.  I've had biopsies, blood tests and allergy tests.  I've been  to my PCP, Dermatologists, Allergy Specialists to no avail.  I truly understand all your frustrations.  My hives have recently centered on my face and throat as well as my feet, thighs and buttox.  I've been in the ER twice with a swollen throat, cutting off my airway.  Epi pens are common for me.

I have just recently been put on a new drug for asthma (I don't have asthma).  So far, these last two weeks, I have had very, very few outbreaks.  I'm almost afraid to mention it as it might stop working.  I have an appointment with my Allergy doctor the first of October to report on the results of the medication.  I really do hope it works.  I'm not sure if I'm suppose to mention the med (if I'm not, I apologize) but it is Zyflo.  I take it four times a day.   

After my visit with the doctor in Oct, I will report back to you and let you know just how long I've been able to go without hives. I'm praying for all of you.  Take care and keep the faith.

Posted 9/27/2006 4:47 PM (GMT 0)
I've had chronic urticaria since 2003. I used Zyrtec/Zantac combination for awhile, which worked for 2 years at controlling them. Then, I had surgery, and they cam out big time again and could not be controlled with Zyrtec, Zantac, Atarax, etc. I have Sjogren's Syndrome and mild Lupus, so my doctor put me on Plaquenil, which is a common medicine in Lupus. I have had no side effects from the Plaquenil and, after I started taking it, my hives disappeared in 2 weeks and have not come back, despite suffering tremendous trauma on my body this winter (pneumonia, septic shock,coma). Also, there have been studies indicating that taking thyroid hormone can eliminate hives. There is a great website-- www.chronichives.com, which has a ton of info. Also, there is a Yahoo Group called Chronic Urticaria that has people posting all day long with lots of information. Good Luck! --Ashley
Posted 9/28/2006 8:37 AM (GMT 0)
hi, i have had chronic hives and HAE for 10 years now, i have been to mayo and colombia and lots of doctors, and no-one has been able to help me.. when i turned fourty i had my teeth pulled and 3 days later BOOM hives, and they have never went away.. i have them bad 24/7 and the swellings on top of everything,,, my airway closes on a regular basis.  i am getting ready to go into a clinical trial..but it is only for the HAE, not hives,, sometimes meds would work but after awhile they stop,,, i suppose it is finding the right formula, they run me insane, but i have learned to live with them, now they are a part of me, and my life i guess forever. there is nothing i can do about it, i try to live my life the best i can, i think the most thing that bothers me the worst is the some of my family just doesn't belive me that i am sick, because i stay home when i am real bad, and the others are scared of me, like i have AIDS or something,,, but i have even learned not to deal with them anymore either.  i came to the point of giving up, then my 7 year old grandson started having troubled with the same thing,, so now i am inspired again, i don't want him to suffer like i,,, he can't handle it, i am almost 50 and i can't hardly do it,,i am adopted so i wouldn't of known if this ran in the family or not. all the doctors i have been to and i still do not know what to really call what i have or why i have it?? i had a doctor once wanted me to try a med that wasn't legal here, only in france, but comeon,,i have no money to go there, and get meds,,,its crazy... probably wouldn't work anyways.  i don't mean to sound hopless, but isn't it? i mean after so many years, u just have to go with it, right? i try to think ooo it could b worse,,whatever it takes to get me thro another day of it... waking up in the mornings is like a new world,, where will i b inflicked today?  what is hurting this day... i can't even make plans.. my mother will ask me,, will u take me to the mall, thursday,,?  haha i say well if i feel up to it on thursday, cause u never know,, and she doesn't really get it,,i am just frustrated,,,frustrated to the max,,, i am at the point that i just want people to leave me along and let me sick, and stop acting like i am normal, cause i am not,... well, felt good to vent, i wish u all luck,,,   JO
Posted 9/28/2006 8:45 AM (GMT 0)
i wanted to say that the only relief i get, and this is going to go against all doctors and many of u,,, is getting into my hot tub, i got it just for my relief, i know they say that hot water should make it worse, but i stay in it for 15-20 minutes, and it doesn't make them worse, it makes me have relief,,,i mean, is what we have normal? the doctors can't even tell us whats wrong or how to heal it,, why would they know if my hot tub should make it worse?  well, i just thought i would share this,, if u know someone that has one or something, try it,, just stay in for a few minutes and see,,, it can't hurt as much as steroids (;-) can it?  just thought i would throw that out there.... good luck all,,, JO

Posted 11/17/2006 4:14 AM (GMT 0)
Hi there! I hope that I will be able to help y'all out some. I found a solution to my "Chronic Urticaria", but it was crazy how it happened. I have had hives that would pop up on my hands and feet for no reason. When I would take an allergy pill of some sort such as Zyrtec, my hands and feet and some of the rest of my body would hive up like unbelievable. Even other meds my whold body would break out. It was so miserable and this had happened since 1999. It seemed to get worse as the years went on. I went to so may allergy doctors and even dermatoligists. Everyone gave me the same answer. Chronic Hives. Early this year, January 1st 2006 to be exact, my upper right side started hurting. I thought it was gas. Three days went on and it was still hurting. Then I thought that I needed to get to the doctor because if it was gas, it would have gone away by then. I went to a primary care physician and he thought I had acid reflux, even though I didn't have those symptoms. He scheduled an ultra sound for my gallbladder and it showed that I didn't have anyh stones. The pain was still constant and getting worse. The doctor then scheduled a HIDA Scan with CCK. (the CCK is important to get done). This test showed that my gallbladder was no longer working. It was essentially zero. A normal test result for this is around 33% and mine was in the negative numbers and that is why they say zero. I had my gallbladder out on February 20, 2006. While I was coming out of the anesthesia, my entire body swelled up in hives. Everywhere on my body including where they taped my eyes shut was broken out in hives. They gave me something to counteract the hives and I was good for the rest of the day. To this day, I haven't had any hives. No more hives and I can't believe it. I went to my allergy doctor a month ago and told him what was going on and he said that I was the third case he has heard of in the whole 20 years he has been a doctor. I wonder how many other people are suffering from the same thing that I was for a long time and they dont know what is going on with them. I had these hives since 1999 and had gallbladder surgery in 2006. 7 years I dealt with this. My gallbladder was slowly dying during this time. I did a ton of research on this and the reason why was because my brother was having gallbladder problems before mine even started to hurt. I did so much research and I was the one who told the doctor to schedule the HIDA Scan with CCK. The CCK part is extremely important if you go to get this test. It will tell how well the gallbladder is working. If the gallbladder is not working it sits there and swells up with bile and toxins becuase it is infected. Therefore creating hives because the body is trying to fight those toxins. If you think about it, it makes total sense. I hope that I can help at least one person by telling you my story. I still have the normal allergies, such as dog cat, etc. But no hives. I can take allergy meds and have a wonderful day. IF you have any questions about this please feel free to email me at [email protected].  The part I didn't tell you is that I fought with doctors. If I didnt do my own research, I have no idea where I would be. The doctor who scheduled the HIDA scan, scheduled it without the CCK part. I fought for him to schedule it because if I was going in for that test, I was going to do it right and not waste my time. Plus I knew from what my brother was going through. The test is about and hour to an hour and a half long. I was talking with the radilogist during this time and became quick friends. I asked him what he thought and he told me that I was going to have to have the gallbladder out, but to wait for the doctor's report and that he wasnt allowed to tell me that. Of course I knew that and I was happy that he did tell me. I finally knew what was causing my pain. I waited for the doctor to call me with the results and about a week later I received a phone call. The doctor's office called and said that everything was normal. I lost it and called them a bunch of freaking idiots. I told them to fax the report over to me and they did. I read it and was able to tell that they read the report wrong. I sent it to a friend of the family who is a doctor in Florida and they flew me out there and I had surgery to get the gallbladder out with in a week. I am in Arizona. I had surgery on a Monday and was back in AZ by Friday. You know if there is something wrong with your body. Some of the gallbladder symptoms was diarhea and everything you eat makes your tummy hurt and goes right through you. You feel sick all of the time. I mentioned my brother having the same problem but his upper right side doesnt hurt. He just has the diarhea like I mentioned before. Almost like IBS symptoms. When I talked with the allergist a month ago, he said that he can't schedule that test for everyone. I wish he could, because I wonder if that would help anyone. What would it hurt? Well I hope this has helped and maybe you can see the light at the end of the tunnel. It is miserable, but oh so sweet when you find a solution. Take care!
Posted 12/4/2006 3:26 AM (GMT 0)

Hi,

I've suffered from chronic urticaria for 2 years now. The experience has been difficult mentally and physically sad   I would not wish it on anyone but it feels good to have people to relate with. I was wondering if the asthma medication is helping you still and if it has effected your liver at all? Hope to here from you soon and hope you're doing well.

Debbie02    

tried everything said...

Hi,

I've been reading all the comments in the forum and am a little shocked to learn so many people have Chronic Urticaria.  I have suffered with this for over 18 years.  I've kept every kind of diary - food, outdoor activities, indoor activities, medications, life styles, on and on.  Nothing has ever added up to a cause or solution.  I have taken all kinds of medications from Zyrtec, Allegra, Zantac, Methatrexate, Singulair, steriods, too many to name.  I've had biopsies, blood tests and allergy tests.  I've been  to my PCP, Dermatologists, Allergy Specialists to no avail.  ult bioth I truly understand all your frustrations.  My hives have recently centered on my face and throat as well as my feet, thighs and buttox.  I've been in the ER twice with a swollen throat, cutting off my airway.  Epi pens are common for me.

I have just recently been put on a new drug for asthma (I don't have asthma).  So far, these last two weeks, I have had very, very few outbreaks.  I'm almost afraid to mention it as it might stop working.  I have an appointment with my Allergy doctor the first of October to report on the results of the medication.  I really do hope it works.  I'm not sure if I'm suppose to mention the med (if I'm not, I apologize) but it is Zyflo.  I take it four times a day.   

After my visit with the doctor in Oct, I will report back to you and let you know just how long I've been able to go without hives. I'm praying for all of you.  Take care and keep the faith.

Posted 12/12/2006 10:38 PM (GMT 0)
Hello,
I've been suffering from chronic urticaria for 3+ years and every single day I have hives.  I've been to doctors in Japan (where I was originally from) and the US but none found the cause.  I took blood test, skin test, etc but came out nothing.  No matter what I do, eat, or feel I have hives.  I'd had various prescripted antihistamine but none of them worked as I hoped. 

What killing me is that I can not know what the cause is and how bad the next day will be.  Some times I have to show up to work with swollen face like watermelon (looks like I've been beaten up confused )

I had allegra, niporajin (japanese prescribed antihistamine), Clarinex, and Zyrtec.  What else is good?  I even tried chinese herbal drugs but didnt solve problem...

I am glad that I found this forum!

Posted 12/13/2006 12:02 AM (GMT 0)

yumi said...
Hello,
I've been suffering from chronic urticaria for 3+ years and every single day I have hives.  I've been to doctors in Japan (where I was originally from) and the US but none found the cause.  I took blood test, skin test, etc but came out nothing.  No matter what I do, eat, or feel I have hives.  I'd had various prescripted antihistamine but none of them worked as I hoped. 

What killing me is that I can not know what the cause is and how bad the next day will be.  Some times I have to show up to work with swollen face like watermelon (looks like I've been beaten up confused )

I had allegra, niporajin (japanese prescribed antihistamine), Clarinex, and Zyrtec.  What else is good?  I even tried chinese herbal drugs but didnt solve problem...

I am glad that I found this forum!

Hi yumi,

There are different types of antihistamine blockers. The ones you listed that you've used seem to all be H1 blockers, there are also H2 blockers. Zantac is an H2 blocker and works really well. Most times doctors will prescribe H1 and H2 blockers together to have a better effect.

Good luck!

Posted 9/22/2007 5:38 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,

Im 20 years old and in pretty good shape. When i 15 i would randomly get these itching breakouts mainly on my chest, face and arms. My skin would be normal, and anywhere i would scratch would turn red. The scratching sensastion was unbearable. My skin would turn dark red and occasionaly hives would pop up, but not all the time.

It comes up every year around the same time. The first breakouts happen during the end of september and first week of october. This year it poped up early in the begining of september. The cold seems to dry out my skin and cause me to break out when i am cold and walk into an area that is hot. If i am cold and sweat or get stressed ill break out. Also if i eat spicy foods i break out. When i break out i just itch on the places i listed before, it goes away in a about 5 mins. The hives pass at the end april/ begining of may. I break out during the summer time but it is rare and isnt that bad, winter time is the worst.

Im now 20, its been 5 years since my first outbreak. Now it seems that the uri has moved up my body, i get it less on my chest, arms and face but more on my head. It is mainly focused on my head. it still appears on my arms and chest but its bearable and i can block it out. I have been perscribed zyrtec and allegra and it seems to work decent when i take a lot of it. My doc told me to take 2 10 mg zyrtec at night and one allegre at the highest mg in the morning. The docs dont seem to know what there talkin about, at one point they thought i was faking it for some reason.

Getting in shape seems to help, when i work out during the winter i break out for about ten mins then it goes away. It seems that it gets stored up, flares up, burns itself out and then it goes away (in my case at least) Sometimes i like to get it out of the way so i can be more comfortable later.

If anyone has any questions or advice for me please email me at [email protected]

the doctors cant seem to help so its up to us to help eachother
Posted 11/17/2007 10:58 PM (GMT 0)
I also have suffered from this terrible condition for 7 years now. Have been on every type of medication that one can be on to treat it to no avail. Five years ago I was also put on Klonopin and it did seem to help a little for a while. Now I am suffering from withdrawl since I haven't increased the Klonopin and the new docotor told me he is taking me off of it. This means terrible withdrawls from the Klonopin (been through the benzo withdrawls years ago for chronic anxiety for 14 year and it was my wost nightmare getting off of them. No meds for years and then these hives started. Since my body is not getting the Klonopin it needs to keep working I am having withdrawls from that and the hives are getting real bad again and when I take Benadryl it makes the hives go away for a few hours but it aggravates the withdrawls. Has anyone else been through this with the Benzos as treating hives and then had to get off of them and deal with benzo withdrawl and hives at the same time. I don't think I can get through this. Between withdrawls that will get a lot worse and the hives I am at the end of my rope and ready to just check out of life.
Posted 11/20/2007 3:51 PM (GMT 0)
I've currently had urticaria for about 2 months and I'm trying to find an antihistamine which will make a difference. I found some info on the net about the potential benefits of ALOE VERA to treat urticaria as well as other conditions such as asthma/chronic fatigue syndrome.

I'm interested to know if anyone here has any experience of using aloe vera - either direct from the plant or in a processed form. I believe it can be drunk as a tea or in a liquid gel form and that there are various pills and creams available.

Even though I'm climbing the walls with this at the moment, it's hard to imagine what it must be like for all you beautiful people who have been suffering over months and years. This is a traditional Gaelic blessing for you all.

Deep peace of the running wave to you
Deep peace of the flowing air to you
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you
Deep peace of the shining stars to you
Deep peace of the gentle night to you,
moon and stars
pour their healing light on you
Deep peace to you
Posted 11/20/2007 4:38 PM (GMT 0)
hi olly glasgow...Its groovey from worcestershire, england..I have been taking aloe vera capsule for 12 months now and I have seen a great difference in my asthma...I was told about it by an old friend I visit every year in corfu, whose daughter is a herbalist.She collects her herbs from the mountains and I ALWAYS BRING A SUPPLY HOME WITH ME. On her advice I eat a meditteranean diet with lots of fruit, veg, fish, garlic and olive oil and drink neetle tea and make my own soups from watercress, peppers, broccolli and spinach adding nutmeg,coriander, thyme and any other herb that takes my fancy for taste. my sister suffers with psoriasis really badly and I have given her aloe vera gel to rub on and capsules to take and she is improving every time she phones...she had been under a specialist for 5 years and had all sorts of treatments but she thinks the aloe vera is the best so far...so make your own conclusions...natural is sometimes best...lovely blessing...say hello to scotland for me...best place in the world for caravanning..be happy..grooveyxxxxx
Posted 12/4/2007 5:53 PM (GMT 0)
Hivelady it sounds like you should talk to your doctor about what you are feeling.. or get a second opinion maybe. Checking out of life, is not the answer even though it may seem like it. Did your doctor wean you properly? Honestly, I don't know what benzo's are in the medicine class.. but.. my allergy doctor prescribed me Doxepin for the chronic urticaria (hives) and although I am not sure if they work yet it is an antidepressant (its a trycyclic that makes you calm down ... but very sleepy) that I take at night now.
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