quote:

ORIGINAL: LafayetteLady

Hives can be caused by so many things.  It could be an allergic reaction to something, and they can also be caused by stress.  Might be something you aren't consciously stressed about. 

Take benedryl or other antihistimine to counter the itching.  Oatmeal baths.  Cortisone cream on the areas.  The more you stress the worse it can get.  Welts might not always show up.  If it becomes too bothersome, go to the ER.  They will run tests and maybe have more insight.  You could have gotten bitten by something and aren't even aware of it other than the hives.  There is no way to tell.  It doesn't sound like this is a frequent thing, but that doesn't mean you just have to accept it either.  Since it has re-occurred, you need to be a bit more assertive with your doctor in finding a reason.

quote:

ORIGINAL: DesFIP

You haven't changed soaps or shampoo or laundry detergent? Has the brand you buy changed? Saying new and improved or twice as effective? You might want to run all your bedding, towels and clothes through the wash again with no shampoo. As well as use only a quarter cup in future. Otherwise detergent builds up in them.

quote:

ORIGINAL: angelikaJ

FR
For some people claritin work on hives.
It is a non-sedating antihistamine.
There have it in generic: loratadine.

If it doesn't work there are others that might work and be less sedating.
Also the sedating effects from benadryl often lessen as your body becomes accustomed to it.

Are you taking 50mgs or 25?
Maybe you could drop it down to 12.5 during the day and take more at night?

quote:

ORIGINAL: LafayetteLady

angelikaJ,

You just beat me to it.  Try reducing the dose.  Maybe even buy the liquid children's version which will give you the most control over the dosing.  Honestly, the oral steroids can, for some people be too slow acting.  I completely understand the desire for immediate relief.  I have been prone to hives (caused by stress) and get it exactly where you have it now.  Hands and feet.  Itchy feet are torture.  I will go out on the pavement barefoot and just twist my feet around, it feels SOOO good.

Sometimes Benadryl will have that effect on me, sometimes it won't.  I know, it makes no sense, but really it is fitting for how my life and body works.  Anyway,  right now, what you need is relief.  Make sure someone is around just in case the house catches fire (fitting example) and let the drowsiness and lethargia take over.  Think about it this way, at least you won't be itching.  It's a long weekend and if you keep up on the benedryl whatever is causing it may pass before the weekend is over.

Trust me, I've had hives so bad, I have scratched myself until I was bleeding.  I know how bad it sucks.  That's why I said if the benadryl gives you relief, take it.  This is the ONLY circumstance I will ever say this.....take the benadryl, then "suck it up and deal" with the side effects for a couple of days.  It will be worth it. 

Now stop scratching!

quote:

ORIGINAL: Zechriel

Good morning!
::laughs:: Benadryl and Nyquil are the adult versions of Dimetapp for kids! I love it! I know it sounds like such a pain in the fanny but you really do have to rule every little thing out..food, soaps, stress, dust. It has to be something or if it really is nothing-the mind does do funny things with the body.

Every considered hormones? Peri-menopause? You look a bit younger than me but I started having very dry vagina and all the symptoms of a yeast infection but no infection. Years of pain-day in and day out..not being able to walk or sit or anything!!! I got tested for everything twice-even STD-s. This year I found out I am going thru peri and my hormoes are going crazy. I am on a specific birth control to regulate it and have to be re-evaluated next month for more hormone testing. It is helping but I still itch and burn sometimes. I am just saying that yeah we can go thru it real early and it can start manifesting in ways some doctors usually don't notice. Just another thing to throw into the mix. But I understand what you mean when you are so bad and it is like "ENOUGH! JUST MAKE IT GO AWAY" and just wanna cry cause no one believes you. Good luck!!
Love,
Zechriel