Help with itchy hives!!?

Question

I have hives that have disappeared and reappeared over the past few days. I went to the doc and he perscribed Prednisolone as well as Benedryl and cool compresses for itchings. He also told me to avoid baths.

I have been taking both meds according to dosage reccomendations and I still itch all over. Also, the cool compresses seem to make me break out even more in the areas where I apply the coldness. Does anyone have any ideas that don't require bathing?

Yes, I do live in a colder area. I live in Iowa and the hives seem to get worse after I have returned inside from being outside and also when I get goosebumps. It's weird.

Answer 1

I had chronic urticaria and the one thing that worked real well for me was over the counter Claritin. I also use the drug stores itch relief gel (powders and other creams made it worse for me). And both cold and hot extremes made it worse. Use warm temperature when taking a shower and do not itch, will spread and cause more. Also, leave the skin as open to air as possible. With moister from layers it can get worse and air will help relax the itching.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

When I was previously taking a prescription drug, I got the most intense itching of my life that would just strike wherever (could be my side, my back, legs, arms, everywhere!). It felt like something was actively biting me and had even caused me to run out of a restaurant so I could get in my car and reach the itchy area to scratch it. I tried Benadryl (topical and oral, which would knock me out), topical hydrocortisone, Caladryl, Calamine lotion, After Bite, Lanacane spray, Bactine, Eucerin Calming Cream & Dry SkinTherapy Itch Relief , Aveeno Anti-Itch Concentrated Cream, liquid hand sanitizer, Preparation H, aloe, Band-Aid Anti-Itch Gel, cold milk compresses, Gold Bond Medicated Anti-Itch powder, rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol, witch hazel, hydrogen peroxide and all kinds of various household brand lotions. Products that had a coolant like menthol were helpful very briefly. The product that I finally found that worked was After Bite Xtra (http://www.cspoutdoors.com/afterbitextra.html), which is the only product that contains ammonia. Give that a try. I found it at a CVS pharmacy. Good luck in finding some relief--I seriously know your pain.

Answer 4

I had hives recently, also had prednisone. Dr gave me a Atarax for itching, then Zyrtec, but if you want something non drowsy, try Clariton 24 hour. Generic name is Loratadine 10mg, it's much cheaper. The prednisone helped me right away, but before I went to the dr I took the clariton. It didn't last 24 hours, but got me through the day at work. Cool showers also helped. Hives would raise up, but cool down pretty well.

Answer 5

Do you live in a cold climate? This could be caused by the cold! Some people get chill Blaine's from the cold. Raised reddened areas that itch like crazy. What the Doc prescribed for you is what I would have suggested to. You really need to find the cause of the hives to stop them from reoccurring

Answer 6

Oatmeal Compress:
Put some oatmeal in a nylon stocking (use an old pair that you are willing to cut or a unmatched knee high).
Wet the stocking/oatmeal and apply it as a compress.

You cold compres made you break out??
Have you tried a new/different laundry detergent recently? Try a fragrance free one or one for sensitive skin.
Keep seeking the source of the itching - once you find the cause, avoid it!

Answer 7

Sound like you are treating the symptoms, but not the problem. What is causing the hives in the first place? If whatever you are allergic to is still around, you are fighting a losing battle.

Get a referral to an allergist and get some allergy testing done.

Answer 8

mix baking soda with a little water and spread the paste over the hives that will help relieve the itching...or you can take a bath with oatmeal or baking soda. I've never heard of not being able to take a bath with hives.

Answer 9

Call your doctor. There are other medications you can take to control the itching that may work better for you.
Stay away from Aveeno and Calamine lotion until you talk to your doctor. Those are quick remedies for itching, not hives.

Answer 10

There is such a thing as "cold induced urticaria". It means that cold gives you hives. It sounds like you might have this. So stop the cold compresses.
The Prednisolone is not necessary. Benadry is fine except it causes dryness and sleepiness. Claritin is available over the counter and cause much less of these symptoms.