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Hives and the "itchies"

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Posted 3/21/2007 12:05 PM (GMT -8)
Hello,

I am from the fibro forum but have a question for any of you allergy experts here--about a week and a half ago, I began using some new products on my face (fairly expensive) you know, a cleanser and a moisturizer night cream. A week ago today, we had such a beautiful warm day, almost 80 degrees and I spent it outside with my grandchildren. The next day, I noticed my skin was a bit irritated so I stopped with the new face products. This didn't seem to help at all so I am thinking, it probably wasn't that. Now I have hives all over my face and I itch all over my entire body.

I am taking a mild antihistamine that is helping a little bit. I take bp and other meds but have been taking them for a fairly long period of time so I doubt if they are the culprit. I did switch detergents about a week ago but I usually have no problem as long as I don't use more than directed. I use a fabric softener too which is one of the newer perfumey types, so right now I am in the process of rewashing my sheets, towels and other things to see if there is any improvement. I am using different detergent and no softener.

Here is my question to any of you--I live in an area populated with trees. Maples and oaks, I understand can cause alot of allergy problems, especially from the time they form buds until the leaves are out. In fact, I have noticed some mild effects before--itchiness and dry taunt skin. Could this be related to a tree pollen do you think? Of course there is probably alot of mold out there as well as the ground is extremely wet.

I am not asking for a diagnosis, only some experienced guesses, if you will. If it is the detergent, that is easy. But if it doesn't go away or it gets worse, I will have to see a doctor. I have had allergies most of my life but they aren't extreme. The two I have been concerned with the most is penicillin and latex, for obvious reasons. Unfortunately with FMS, everything becomes "amplified" and often allergies do get worse. This is really annoying, to say the least. I just want to do whatever I can before I see a doctor (if necessary) so I can get a little head start on things. I have not changed any soaps or shampoos. I use oatmeal soap on my face, a moisturizer , Complex 15, and Ponds cold cream. Any one have any advice??

Posted 3/21/2007 12:56 PM (GMT -8)
Hi Foggie......it sounds like you're doing the right things. But unfortunately, allergic reactions can occur at any time even to the same things that you have used and/or are still using ie. medications, soaps, shampoos etc. That is what makes allergies so tough at times. I used to be able to eat strawberries like there was no tomorrow and one day, my body decided it didn't like them anymore and I broke into hives - the same with hazel nuts. The only true way to find out is to see an allergist. But in the meantime, at night time try Benedryl pills/liquid and during the day you can try Bendryl cream to help alleviate the itchies. Hopefully your allergies aren't from any of your medications.
Posted 3/21/2007 4:21 PM (GMT -8)
Hi Red!

Thanks for the response. This thing has got me going crazy, but you know the reason I think it may be related to pollens is because my eyes are itching so. I do use Flonase and have been for a couple years for allergies. Is Benedryl cream something safe to use on the face, do you know? I know it's not always possible to figure these things out but I would feel better knowing what is causing this. If it's something outside, that might be hard to avoid but if it's something simple like a detergent, that would be easy. I really hate to have to see an allergist, I know what that involves as I had taken my son to one when he was little. That went on for years. I may end up going that route though, if not now, eventually.

Another strange thing is that when all this began, I started into a really bad fibro "flare". I had forgotten how lousy I could feel, I haven't had one this bad for awhile. Spending alot of time on the heating pad this past week! Oh well, no use complaining as I know for sure it will all get better soon.
Posted 3/21/2007 4:51 PM (GMT -8)
I suggest you see your dr & talk to him/her............
Posted 3/21/2007 5:11 PM (GMT -8)
I had to use Benedryl cream on my face last summer from chigger bites (can we say ITCHY!) and I had no trouble other then it being a little too greasy for my face. I ended up with a few zits - at 37 no less! lol But I agree with Snowy here, you really need to see a doc to find the root cause. They might even be able to give you something to help alleviate the itching better.
Posted 3/23/2007 3:49 PM (GMT -8)
I rewashed my bedding and most of my clothes using a different detergent and no fabric softner. It has greatly improved over the past day or so. The hives are almost gone and the itchiness has subsided to my normal itchy dry skin.

I have sensitive skin and it is also dry. Consequently, I do use lotion all over my body as well. I have always had problems with bath soaps and I can only use either Zest or Dial. I think Dial has gotten into some of those perfumey variations so I think I will stick to Zest because of it's ability to rinse well off the skin.

As far as the other symptoms such as itchy eyes, well this is the beginning of the allergy season here so I guess that is due to the outside. It does get confusing when symptoms arrive all at once. Anyway, thank goodness it is improving because changing detergents is a simple solution! It may be also, that right now since my skin is very dry from the winter/heat, I could be more susceptible to detergents and soaps. Usually, I break out in blotches or very small hives but this time, they were raised up like a rather large mosquito bites. Anyway, just thought I'd let you know.
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