hey all,
here's the short of it:
developed nasty hives in january. went to doctor, allergist, derma, etc, no luck. derma took a biopsy, said it was something maybe biting me. no bed bugs, no mites, encased mattress, allergen free laundry and soaps, etc. thought it was my foam mattress topper - got rid of that. the bumps started to get smaller and less angry, but still present. have evolved from HUGE wheals (that itched and HURT for a week or more) to smaller things that look like mite bites.
mostly on left arm and back - now on neck, a few on hands (on backs, not in webbing), a few on left arm. mostly on right arm and back. boyfriend in my bed isn't affected - so likely not mites or bugs, right? i know they can "pick a host" but. you know. also, can't tell if they only come up when i'm sleeping or if i just notice it more when i wake up because i'm looking for it.
things that don't help: steroid creams, topical creams (store bought or RX), antihistimines (zyrtec, claritin, benadryl, singulair... i've done it all), elimination diet.
next possible culprit: birth control?
this is a post looking for anyone who has had hives related to hormones or contraceptives.
please share your experience!
(not necessarily looking for other "what if" scenarios because that can go on for years
)