Help please?!!?

Question

I have been under a considerable amount of distress this past year or so. But for the past month or so, I have been breaking out in hives...on all parts of my body...but what most concerns me are my eyes, lips, face. I went for and alergy test last week and am waiting for the results. But also, I have been suffering from some intense migraine headaches. CAn someone help me understand what this all could be? Should I be really concerned? Or are these symptoms of stress?

Thank you.

Answer 1

Mia: Allergy is a defect in the immune system. It is chronic and cannot be cured. However, the symptoms can be controlled when you control your exposure to your triggers. Right now, you are awaiting results. Once you get that, you will know your triggers. Stress does affect the immune system. When you are stressed, your allergies will get worse, because the stress weakens your immune system. The cause of migraine is not completely understood. But from personal experience, I can tell you that when my allergies were not under control, I suffered intense migraines several times a quarter. First, I would quit worrying about the hives and migraines. The worry is only going to add stress and you are going to get yourself in a bad spiral. Just relax, take it easy, and when you get those test results back, you will be able to take action. Also, don't stress over the hives on your face. It will pass and it will NOT leave scarring. Just breathe deep and enjoy a cup of herbal tea. If caffeine does not bring on migraines, have a cup of yerba mate tea. Its great for clarifying your thinking.

Answer 2

I can only offer a suggestion. I have twice had what you are describing, and for me, it was soap I was using.
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The first time was with an inexpensive laundry soap that gave me a rash, first in my sweaty areas, then gradually during the day it would spread over my arms, chest and legs, but not my face. Finally figured that out soon after when I wore a t-shirt one day that I KNEW I had washed in the soap and only that made me itch and develop a rash. Rinsing the clothing didn't seem to help, I remember, so I threw it all out.

Second time was just last month in which I used some really rough-type soap for my shower, the type your great-grandmother may have used to clean floors with. The block-cut brown soap sold in the old-timey hardware stores. That made me itch right away - stopped using it - and it's all gone now. Maybe something about similar chemicals in the production process... lye? I dunno.

Just a thought - try switching soaps, or consider it a possibility. BTW, I've had those allergy tests, too, and they are rather miserable to endure...and I do think that stress may be a factor in your sensitivity to whatever is causing your reaction.

Answer 3

This really sounds like the hives I get when under prolonged periods of stress. By the way, the test results might still come out negative, so don't rely much on them! As far as I know, there is no cure; you just need to miserably wait them out, which make take 4-10 weeks! Very important : DO NOT scratch them. I know, it is nearly impossible not to do, but the more you scratch them, the worse they will get!!

For me, only Aveeno Anti-Itch gave some temporary soothing results http://www.aveeno.com/productDetail.do?prodid=3690 Also, doctors prescribed calming medication Doxepin HCL and Hydroxyz HCL.

When I lived in a different country, the doctors over there gave me just one shot of adrenalin and it cleared all the hives in just 2 hours! For some reason, the docs here, in U.S., refused to do the same and put me on weeks of medication and suffering instead.

Hope you will feel better soon.

Answer 4

I have a quite a bit of experience with hives, stress, and allergies. My daughter and I have both suffered with this. The stress in your life can be a real issue here. You need to find some ways to release it with exercise, deep breathing, maybe yoga, or some relaxation exercises. What we found out on allergy tests, was kind of mixed. There was allergies to lots of things like cats, dogs, grass, mold, mildew, dust mites, some foods. What they did not tell us, and probably is not a test for is the allergies to laundry products, house hold cleaners, bath soaps, shampoo's, hair conditioners, hair spray, beauty products, air fresheners and body lotions. We found out that both of us have a lot of allergies to the chemicals in these store bought brands. We found that our head aches were often caused by bleach, ammonia, and other harsh chemicals used in home products. We both changed our homes over to natural products last year. It has helped so much, and has helped our health a lot, our allergies and head aches are finally under control. This co. also has a great product that breaks down allergens in the air, it is a spray, you can spray it in the air, or on furniture. It also kills dust mites, kills mold and mildew, which are big allergy culprits for many people. These chemicals in home and personal care items also mess with the nervous system, so if you are stressed, they will only make it worse. I have listed some of the places that helped us, maybe they will help you also. Good luck.

Answer 5

I'm surprised that you haven't gotten your test results back yet. I just had an allergy test done about a month ago and I got my results while I was @ the office. The migraines may be from the test. I know after I had mine done the next few days I felt worse than I had when I went. Continue to take your meds as prescribed and it should get better.

Answer 6

Looking at this literally, what is getting under your skin? Is there something going on in your life that is bothering you that you cannot deal with? Try a solution, any solution. Movement, even in the wrong direction, is more likely to help that remaining stationary and suffering.