Anyone had hives?

At least you got some meds to clear it up. Based on what I saw on my daughter it didn't sound like hives to me.

I'll be in Lousiana in October, hopefully the scabies aren't as contageous then!

 

Sorry to hear Zophie. Scabies doesn't sound very pleasant.

Hope it get's cleared up.

 

The first answer is, I don't really know. The second point is that almost all hives should initially be treated with an H1 blocker (standard allergy type antihistamine) and an H2 blocker (standard anti-acid antihistamines)--that is our standard in our practice, most folks with hives get both an H1 med and and an H2 med to start. (Of course this is simplified--depends on the possible cause and severity of the hives, etc.)

Next point is that I personally take 2 150 mg Zantac per day, and have for years (for my gut). What I remember as the normal max dose was 300 mg twice a day, though I would think it would be good to not go that high (but, given the safety of antihistamine meds in general, most folks would probably tolerate an even higher dose). I would work with you doc to try to find a balance of the minimum dose of Zyrtec + Zantac that keeps you symptom free.

 

Thank you Scotty! I'm a pretty big guy, so I think I will try and add another dose of Zantac to see if that helps (going to 450mg/day). The only side effect I'm noticing is that I actually *get* heartburn when it wears off now - I guess because of the changed balance of acid and body trying to compensate.

 

I had Roseola during the Gulf War... no real treatment, just let it run it's course... Any docs know the difference between that and Scabies?

Mike in Kuwait

 

I second Neil's idea. I was having a rash. It would come and go and I couldn't figure it out. A family member mentioned that he had the same thing going on and that switching from Tide clothes detergent to All, that is hypoallergenic, cured him.

That switch has worked for me, and subsequently for a niece also. Before the switch, I went through the same research you have gone through. I was thinking it was scabies, flea bites, or something else brought on by the visit of a new dog to the home. There would be these red welts on my body. Often where my body contacted closely with my clothes, like my beltline, but other spots also.

The strange thing is that we had used Tide detergent for years. Not sure what "suddenly" made me allergic.

Good luck.

 

Sorry Bud, but that's the Hollywood version. Epinephrine is a vasoconstrictor; inject your neck and you are asking for all kinds of complications. The instructions clearly state "... jab firmly into outer thigh..."

I've been carrying and using epi-kits/epi-pens for over ten years and a neck injection is new to me.

But hey, if you've got the latest needle-your-neck-quick-fix then I want to know about it.

http://www.epipen.com/
http://www.epipen.com/pdf/ord.fm.pdf

 

Ah. I never actually bought it - I thought I had read that somewhere... good thing you put the proper instructions here though so I don't get sued for negligent info (medical malpractice against an attorney over an internet forum comment? hey, there are craaaaazy people out there! ).

 

I never knew that. May be worth wild for me to switch to ALL just because of that. Not show any reactions, but you never know.

 

That would be a stretch but it's probably happened already (damn internet) lol

Unfortunately, there are too many inconsistencies when it comes to anaphylaxsis. Often, ERs will administer epinephrine through an IV when (research has shown) an intramuscular injection works much faster.

 

Part of my allergy shot routine is carrying an EpiPen. The instructions are very clear--right in the thigh/upper leg.

 

i sent a pm to Zophie, but i wanted to add i am the poster child for allergies it seems. i have been through hell in the last 3-4 years. the food allergies are more under control now that i know what to look out for. one thing i wanted to expand upon:

the laundry detergents today are more and more concentrated, and people use way too much of the stuff. now that summer is here, its more noticable. your pores open when its hot and you sweat. the chemicals in the clothes from using too much detergent react with your open pores and wet skin and form a weak organic base. this is irritating to the skin and can cause hives, blotches and small itchy patches. undegarmets of both the male and female types are also more prone to holding more of the soaps in, which will cause rashes in places you dont want them!

aside from switching to a different detergent, its a very good idea to actually read the bottles now and see how much you should use.

another allergy trigger: your dishwasher soap. most of them are deadly toxic, but only in large doses. however, if your dishes are not getting rinsed well, you will get a dosage over time that can cause health problems.

aint technology great !

 

Is heat rashes somewhat the same as hives? I've been dealing with it for years and seem to have it under control recently. Perhaps I suffer from both as when I overheat I do get heat rashes. This is a huge issue as this has limited my exercise as weight has been increasing. Then when I'm not overheated, most likely pollen triggers hives.

I can deal with the heat rash/hives but the terrible thing that sometimes comes along with it is my eyes get swollen. Swollen to the point that it is shut and I can't see. Looks like someone socked me in the eye but without any bruising. Does this happen to anyone else?

I've tried everything that has been mentioned here: Clariton, Zyrtec, etc and even a recommendation for Zantac without much success for any of them so stopped taken them.

What seemed to of gotten it under control is changing:
Soap - switched from Dove fragrance free to Aveeno Moisturizing Bar
Lotion - switched from Dermasil Sensitive skin to Aveeno daily moisturizer along with Vaseline Petroleum jelly

The area where I am at there is hard water/chlorine so i'm now using a shower head water filter.

Last thing is taking a daily fish oil pill.

With those things it is not a 100% solution, but it has greatly reduced it.

 

This thread is worthless without pics!!