I’ve had heat-generated hives for about 10 years now after being impacted by stinging Fire Coral in the Caribbean & then being bit by an unknown insect in Queens, NY (from that moment on, the hives went wild).
I’ve been managing them for years with a medication called Hydroxyzine. However, I am now 3 weeks pregnant and this medication can cause severe birth defects (3rd arm, other mutations). I’ve been told Benadryl is a safer option, but it does Not do the trick.
I’m on day 4 without my normal medication and having intense outbreaks all day and night. I can’t get an appointment with my allergist for another 2 weeks, and I am desperate for any advice.
My options now are sleeping on bags of ice, and I still had hives this morning when I woke up where the ice wasn’t.
-Nicole
Hivesguy says
August 15, 2015 at 5:09 amNicole,
Congrats on the pregnancy! I’m sorry to hear that you have to stop taking the meds, and that you’re struggling in managing your hives without Hydroxyzine. However, I also applaud your decision to look out for your baby’s health.
The non-medicinal ways that individuals treat heat hives include diet modification (removing allergens like wheat/dairy, etc.), sweat therapy (using a sauna, exercise, or hot showers), or using cooling vests to keep cool. Diet modification can help if you have unknown food intolerances/allergies. That’s what worked for me, and it has helped others too. I have a video and several articles about that on this site.
Sweat therapy isn’t always ideal, and it may not be safe for you if you have an extreme case of heat hives. But some people use it to force out an attack, and then they can sweat easier or have relief for a short period. I always suggest talking to a doctor before trying.
Of course, avoiding heat or using cooling vests can help prevent unnecessary attacks. But it isn’t going to cure you.
Finally, there may be other antihistamines besides Benadryl that could provide some relief. Some are questionable to take while pregnant, while others may be relatively safe. I’d definitely consider consulting a doctor about which ones are safest, because there are many different types of antihistamines available.
Pregnancy often results in a change in hormones, and sometimes women will experience an increase or decrease in their hives or allergies. Your body could even change after the pregnancy, and maybe your hives will even go away (I hope so).
I know this must be unbearable and hard right now. I said a prayer for you. I hope you get to feeling better soon!
If any ladies out there have any other advice on hives and pregnancy, I’m sure Nicole would appreciate your advice.
Liv says
August 16, 2015 at 1:42 amHi, I take fexofanadine 180mg and that keeps them under control to an extent. I don’t feel drowsy on them but I’m not 100% sure they are safe to use during pregnancy
Katie says
September 3, 2015 at 2:25 pmI have had hives outbreaks in the past but they seem to get worse with pregnancy! I think it’s because of the increase in body temp. I’m going to start keeping aloe Vera gel in the fridge and applying it when I get hives. I’m yet to read up if it is safe but I’m assuming it is. It won’t stop them from occurring but at least it should help them go away faster.