I worked this summer outside. I was out in the hot sun in long pants and sleeves. I was working in the water and would go swimming. I noticed twice that after spending the day doing microscope work in our (not air conditioned) lab I had leg swelling. I was sitting for 8 hours (with breaks) and noticed the swelling when I went upstairs for the day to take a shower. I then had swelling in my hand when holding an ice-cream carton. One day, after icing my leg and holding a cold water bottle against my arm, I developed large wheals. Cold Urticaria was my thought. I saw an allergic who put me on Zyrtec twice a day (I also have taken singular for a year for asthma).
However, AFTER being put on Zyrtec, I noticed full back and stomach hives a few hours after a shower and blow drying my hair. I developed red splotches and some hives after going into ac on a hot day. I have random red marks on my body, hives in small amounts even when I am not exposed to cold or sweating. (Now I am at college, the condition worsened after I left my job for the summer).
This is all within a couple months of the first swelling. I now carry around an epipen. I am 20 years old. My mom used to get hives when she was my age that she describes as worse than mine BUT where well managed with antihistamines. Since I still have continuous reactions break through my meds, are these actually severe reactions that are being tempered? I am worried about severe reactions. I am supposed to take a long plane ride in a few months and am worried about reacting to the AC on the plane. I am afraid to exercise and shower and especially swim. As someone who wants to go into fieldwork, I am starting to think that this may not go away fast enough and I may need a Plan B. Thoughts?
Anonymous says
I’ve been dealing with hives daily since may 22nd, 2014. I’ve been through the worst, lips swelling, etc. I’m an athlete, so the first month was brutal because I was trying to gain control, scared to work out. After all the meds prescribed, the only thing that keeps them somewhat controlled is Zantac (ranitidine), Hydroxyzine at night and five Zertec a day, 2 Zyrtec when I wake up because it’s worse in the morning. Uncomfortable Zyrtec intake, but relief is what I’m seeking at this point. I’m exercising now, HARD! Feels good to release by sweating. When I don’t work out they seem worse and less tolerable! Good luck and hang in there.
Ali says
I am 20 years old and in college like you. Having hives while attending college is frustrating because you have to walk around campus a lot. I have CU and I found out that if I force my body to sweat my hives would stop. The best thing that worked out for me was going to a sauna where the temperature would be 170 – 180 and I stay there for about 20 minutes until my entire body sweats and then when I get out my I will feel relief for the entire day. I still get itchy but compared to before the itches are much weaker.