Hives - Anyone Have Any Experiences?

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   Lisa HWposted 14 years ago

   Has anyone had hives caused by a virus, and how did they show up?  How about hives with no known cause?  In general, who has had a Hives experience, and what was it?
   
   Specifically, has anyone had Hives that showed up as nickle-sized, pink circles; "grew" in diameter but faded; and came in batches (without the the oldest batches disappearing)?

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      Davinagirl3posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I use to have hives due to a nervous condition.  When I had a bout of extreme stress, or excitement, I would get red streaks on my neck and around my mouth. They lasted until I was able to calm down.  They would burn and swell, but mine were not caused by a virus.

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   Colebabieposted 14 years ago

   When I was little I would get Hives all the time. I'm allergic to Red Dye #4 which when I was younger was in everything, fruit juices, gummy bears, etc. Since then they don't put it in much because so many children were allergic. I would take a medication prescribed by my pediatrician that tasted very strong and minty.
   
   I also got hives once due to stress. They went away on their own a few days later.
   
   I also got hives out of no where once. They were so bad I had to go to the emergency room. We later found out I was allergic to a vaccine I had received. Since then, no vaccines for me
   
   Hives could be caused by an allergy, look for something new you've eaten, or new lotion/soap. They can also be due to stress! Are they itchy? Or just clammy? Take the Benedryl liquid, it is clear,  it will make you sleepy, as directed until they go away.

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   Lisa HWposted 14 years ago

   Colebabie, thanks.  They're suspected of being from a hanger-on virus I've had, and I stopped eating or using anything questionable for a while (none of which was anything I haven't used or eaten for decades).  Based on pictures I've seen online they aren't all that dramatic as far as "ugliness" goes (some pictures look like people have Leprosy or something  ; these are just big, pink circles that, in some cases, blended).  They itch here and there, but viral Hives are said to be "mildly itchy", as compared to allergic ones.  I was told to take Benedryl, but I used the tablets.  After a day of eating those every 5 hours - no difference.  I may try the liquid.  I didn't realize there was a difference.
   
   I was told viral Hives can last about two weeks (the first of these showed up a week ago); and unless they get more dramatic/dangerous in the meantime, I should wait.  If they don't clear up by then I should look further into it.  In the meantime, they're just giving me the creeps!    My sister got them a couple of times as a kid, but hers looked more "mosquito-bite-y" and raised.  She said the other day if anyone saw my arms and legs they'd think someone has been smacking me around.  The only other ones I've seen are those really horrible ones in online photos - so I guess I'm questionning if these are really Hives at all.

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   Colebabieposted 14 years ago

   Yeah I would try the liquid. The hives you describe sound basic, like the ones I've had before. Especially since they aren't very itchy, I remember just feeling "clammy" and like my skin was tight. Have you seen a doctor yet? I mean they might try to give you a steroid shot, but the side effects from steroids are usually worse than the hives themselves I would just wait it out!

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   Lisa HWposted 14 years ago

   Davinagirl, thanks.  The thought of stress did occur to me, although these aren't streaks at all and they seem to be long-lasters. 
   
   Colebabie, thanks.  I went to a quickie clinic that deals in the basics. They only delve so far before telling you to go to your own doctor.  It's good to know what you had was similar.  I've done so much researching on Hives I considered writing a Hub, but what's out there sometimes is so different, I'd be worried about the accuracy.  Here's the different info that's out there:  They can come and come in minutes or hours, while other spring up or don't; they can last for two weeks, six weeks, or twenty years!   Then again, one place said the "flares" can get bigger, fade, turn more light beige, and then go.  Then again, where I am, it seems that the "get bigger" thing is making them seem like they're "taking over".  With the exception of a few that do seem to be fading, I can't really tell if they're getting better or worse. 

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   Davinagirl3posted 14 years ago

   I have a similar affliction, even still.  I was told it was "contact dermititis".  In 2003, I had a case of it for 3 months.  My face was completely covered in big red patches.  I was miserable and nothing helped.  I had steriod shots and took steriod pills.  The doctors still have no medical cause for it.  They just say "stress".  My eyes swoll shut.  I couldn't drive, or even walk, unassisted.  I hope you find out what is wrong and are able to fix it, because I know how frustrating it can be.

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   Lisa HWposted 14 years ago

   Davinagirl, thanks.  I actually thought I'd used too much detergent (which I tend to do because the brand I have doesn't make much smell if you don't add extra).  I read where a lot of cases of Hives just go without any cause ever being figured out.
   
   Stress is an interesting idea.  I do live with a lot of demands being made on my time and energy.   

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