Help with itchy hives!

**Missy** · 12-03-2007, 08:44 PM

Im stressed out, i know it. i haven't changed soaps, foods, or meds. No new critters, etc. Nothing at all new in the house in fact.

the problem is i am covered from elbow spreading to finger tips (now, was just forearms) inner thigh, spreading to behind knees (was just inner thighs), upper chest (not inside bra, above bra) spreading from upper chest up to shoulders and down the soft under side (mud flappy as they are) arms.

it's reall bad itchy. i have really stood in my kitchen contemplating how much better it would feel to scratch with a brillo or green scrubbie. it's bad itchy

i have used calamine, lanacane spray, benadryl pills, and hydrocortisone creme throughout the day and i don't see much difference at all.

help help. i just want something to ease the itch until i call the doc in the am.

**monkeywrangler71** · 12-03-2007, 09:39 PM

I used to have chronic hives and the only thing that worked when it got to that point was Benadryl liquid. The pills made me worse, ointments did nothing. The liquid always knocked them down, and also knocked me out (which is the greatest blessing possible in your condition).

I also found that rum had a similar effect as Benadryl, only I had to drink a much larger quantity. Seriously, after three years, you'll try anything.

**thriftstorequeen** · 12-03-2007, 09:55 PM

Try a warm bath with baking soda added to the water. I do hope it clears up soon!

**starsapphire** · 12-03-2007, 10:00 PM

If you have a food processor or coffee grinder, grind up some oatmeal into a powder, about a cupful or so then pour it in a warm bath.

**KJayEsq** · 12-03-2007, 11:57 PM

I agree with two of the above posts...liquid Benadryl and oatmeal baths. I occasionally break out due to allergic reactions and both of those things help tremendously. You can also get Benadryl as a topical gel to spot treat. Hope you feel better!!

**Ceashels** · 12-04-2007, 10:09 AM

Oatmeal Baths and Aveeno oatmeal soap helps alot. I took 2 oatmeal showers a day to help when I had an allergic reaction. It was quicker and easier than a bath and worked great.

**claimsgirl66** · 12-04-2007, 08:09 PM

You poor girl! I had a similar reaction to some meds years ago....benadryl helped greatly til I got it out of my system. Hope you figure out what was the cause!!

**cottageliving** · 12-04-2007, 08:10 PM

Did you get to the doctor's this morning?? What was the diagnosis? Was it hives or something else? Hopefully not scarlet fever or anything - am concerned about how it was spreading.

Please let us know that you are ok.

**Missy** · 12-05-2007, 02:46 PM

It's driving me nuts. not able to sleep at night...can't sit comfortably, can't lay down, nothing. Miserable.

I go at 3 this afternoon, hopefully he'll know what's up.

**lottaLove** · 12-05-2007, 04:37 PM

I had a similar thing happen after giving birth to DS. I spontaneously developed an allergy to fabric softener. Now we have to run our clothes through an extra rinse cycle and avoid all fabric scofteners (even the scent free ones!) to prevent another "outbreak".

Very hot baths helped me immensely. I run the bath as hot as I possibly can stand it, and sit in there for a bit with a glass of ice water. When you hop into the hot bath, the hot water acts like a million little fingers scratching your itch. Sounds weird, but it feels wonderful, and helps you sleep too. I find that Benadryl helps, but only because it knocks me out so I stop itching and get some sleep.

I know what you mean about the green scrubbie. When I was breaking out, anything abrasive was starting to look very tempting. I found myself eyeing things like a hair brush or pieces of velcro thinking how wonderful that would feel

Good luck at the doc!

**Missy** · 12-05-2007, 07:12 PM

he said i have a viral...something-gitis. gave me meds and wants me back on friday

**ilovechocolate** · 12-05-2007, 08:25 PM

How is the itching? Any better since you went to the dr.?

**Missy** · 12-05-2007, 10:34 PM

No better yet. tomorrow, I hope, will be better. He was kinda flabbergasted at the extent of the rash. You can see it's gone into my hairline in the back of my head, clear down to my ankles. across my chest to down each arm to the backs of my hands. down each leg back and front, thigh and chin/calf to the ankles and tops of feet. he did some swabbing and i hope i have more knowledge tomorrow about what this is.

**zenmama** · 12-09-2007, 10:26 AM

Missy, how's your rash coming along? Are you feeling any better?

**Missy** · 12-24-2007, 03:38 PM

I still have it!! Argh. It's across my face, in my hair, down my back, arms, legs, stomach...etc. the prednisone is gone. i was told to call monday (today) if no improvement from last call/ visit. well, guess what? they're closed! till wednesday. grrrr. I am getting some relief from the aveno rash cream.