Hives: Why are They Worse at Night and What to Do?
By Staff
The other night, my friend called me regarding her daughter who had a strange rash, hives we determined. What she didn’t understand was, though her daughter had the rash the night before, it had cleared up during the day, but was back that evening. I did tell her that it’s not unusual for rashes and hives, even insect bites to be fine during the day, but resurface or flare up at night. Though I knew that, I had no idea why, and curiosity got the best of me.
Hives are raised skin irritations that resemble mosquito bites, but can be much larger. They usually appear in groups, most frequently on arms, legs, back and torso, and can disappear as quickly as they come on. For some, however, they become chronic (lasting months or more) and as we’ve said, are usually worse at night. Obviously, this can become a very uncomfortable and frustrating situation; it’s important to understand why they are worse at night.
The body actually produces its own anti-itch chemicals which help us out with relieving all types of rashes, stings and hives. Often, this chemical provides enough relief for us; sometimes we need to help it along with an antihistamine like Benadryl or Chlortrimeton. As the sun goes down and our body prepares for sleep, however, this chemical in our body decreases. It is very common, like my friend’s daughter, for the rash to worsen at night and then disappear completely during the day. This is also why your insect bites itch more at night.
So we have the why, but what to do? Trying to sleep with a body full of itchy hives is not only hard to do, but while sleeping, many people scratch the rash unknowingly, making it worse. There are several recommendations of treatment worth trying.
Taking an oral antihistamine will not only relieve some of the itchiness, but also help with sleep. Benadryl and Chlortrimeton are the most often recommended (Benadryl is my particular drug of choice). Another non-medicative option to try is a cool shower or bath before bed, but not hot because that will exacerbate the hives. You can also add an oatmeal bath to your water, like Aveeno. Oatmeal baths are also a good option for babies and young children if you are opposed to medicating at a young age; it’s also a relaxing alternative.
Another suggestion is increasing your water intake throughout the day to help your body flush out the hive causing toxin. You can also try rooibos tea as it contains quercetin, a natural antihistamine, and it will simultaneously aid in the cleansing of your body.
Hives are not only uncomfortable, but also frustrating due to their mysterious nature. If you can’t find the cause, at least perhaps you can alleviate some of the nighttime itchiness. Here’s to a good night’s sleep.
- Heather Legg
Thank you I am just now dealing with the mysterious hive issue I have my husband hold my hand at night to help avoid scratching though it does make for a tough nights sleep your explanation is helpful to me since I am new to this problem
I am 17 and through out my childhood i have had hives only when i am allergic to something such as hard taco shells, pinecillin(idk if i spelled that right),for some odd reason the gas in small potatoe chip bags, and downy clothes deturgeant. I ate at a restraunt the other day and i got a little bit of hives nothing like the cases i have had before. The ones before this one i had them everywhere i looked like a balloon. Needless to say they didnt go away after about 3 days and my mom took me to the er. They gave me epi pens and they gave me an allergy medicine and a steroid and something called ranididine i think is how its spelled sorry its late at night and i have the hives
. They are the worst thing in the worldwell close to it anyways. The case im dealing with now. They are really small and on my lower tummy and upper thigh and i have 1 or 2 close to my upper arm. I try to wear really light clothing that doesnt fit tightly. I also try not to scratch. Also bynadryl doesnt work anymore. it worked the first time when i was little and at the taco shell but after that it was like my body became immune to it. i guess since i am reading this maybe it had to little antihistamines in it and made me sleepy which lowered my natural ones too idk im just a 17 year old girl but i have noticed the pasted two days they go away during the day and come out at night…But thank you for the information i wasnt sure or not if drinking water would really help but now im drinking a lot of water.
I’ve dealing with hives for quite I while now and have ruled out alot of things that might have triggered it. I thought for the longest time that my pets in my house or the soap I was using might be the cause or the onset of my condition but it is not. I have also thought it might be something I ate such as gluten, peanuts, or some kind of preservative. All the things I thought it might be I have omitted in my diet and home environment. Hives still come back. I still have my pets and there are days that i do not get hives. so I don’t think my pets are the cause. my hives are not consistent and there is no way of knowing what is causing them. One thing I know for sure, is when I do have an outbreak it is only during the evening. Weird! I am still trying to figure this whole thing out, and it is super frustrating. Trying teas and cold compresses to alleviate the pain and swelling. If anyone has additional remedies that work please post! I am desperate to find a cure!
I have been dealing with hives almost on a daily basis for the past 8 or so months, I get them at night and I notice them more when I get warm, they drive me insane, it’s 3:10am and i can’t stop itching long enough tp even lay down, this article has been most helpful, just right now is a bad time, becuase I have NONE of the things listed to help me out, we’ve had the 5th worst ice storm where I live ever recorded and my truck is completely iced over the doors wont even open! It’s horrible! I wish I could take some benedryl, that’s my choice, I take it everyday and I ran out de to being iced in for a week now. Thank you for your research!
Casey i had hives bad also. my doctor gave me a prescription for Cetirizine HCL 10 mg and my hive problem is gone.
Casey i also stopped completely taking benedryl, free at last Casey, try it.
john d.
I get hives at night. I’ve found that a zyrtec before bed makes them go away, if I find that they are disapearing I stop the meds. I was also told I had an over active adrenal gland. I am taking half a packet of Knox geletin a day to increase my amino acids, which has helped and in the afternoon I take 1000 mg of vitamin C and a 1/4 teaspoon of magnesium oxide in juice. I drink lots of tea. And I was also told it was my pets although I find it doesn’t make a difference if I am around them or not. I do however keep my bedroom door closed to the cats and I have a room air purifier. I hope this will help you too.
One other helpful hint. I have been using Yes To Carrots, Yes To Tomatoes, and Yes To Cucumbers Products, etc. They are great. They are organic, and they are 99% natural. They gentle and have helped greatly.
Hi, vie had chronic hives for nearly a year now. Body is immune to benadryl, so my dr prescribed me atarax for the itching. It was working great until of course it wasn’t as effective. I’m a 21 year old female with no serious health conditions and it’s the worst feeling in the world and only someone who gets them everyday can vouch. I’ve seen my dr and dermatologist and they never give me the answers I want, just advice. I’ve kept
Diary of eveything i eat and do.. And still no relief. Tomorrow I start a new prescription for allegra, I will be taking one tablet a day and pray that this works. The hives occurred out of no where and at first were Any time of the day now just always at night. My dr also prescribed me xanax thinking its stress related— still no luck. I’ve read so much about it and just wish I could find or come up with a cure. Good luck to everyone with chronic hives, I know how miserable you are!!
So I’ve had a hive problem going on a couple of months now. At first, it was only on one small spot right where the tag of my boxer shorts would b, so I thought that was the irritant and didn’t think much of it. Now in the past week the problem has exploded and I’m a bit worried about it becoming like kudzu. Last night it spread up my shoulders, up my neck and up one side of my face. Being fairly itchy at this point (just after 1am) I went to the store to get some benadryl, but my store didn’t have anything. I got some of the counter antihistamines that would make me drowsy, as I’ve been sick about the same time as the hives break out tour, so I could get a good night’s sleep. I’m feeling better this morning and I removed my new memory foam pad (the only new thing from the past week and a half). Hopefully that solves part of the problem.
About the tea, I work at Teavana and we do sell the best Rooibus teas on the market. Very high in vitamins, minerals, and proteins, and a natural antihistamine. Good stuff! I’ll be drinking more of that during the day.
I have all those symptoms. Actually it use to only be clusters of (Urticaria like) hives on my arms and legs but not more than a couple of months later it spread to the rest of my body. It got worse tho.. it wasnt just at night no more i began to break out during the day. Point is i went to my allergist and after 3 months of research and experimenting with different possibilities and drugs we found out i was both allergic to ASPIRIN and DOGS.. i have 5 dogs so it was great news… here is what was given to me 9by the allergist.. it really helps. ( Hydroxyz HCL 25 mg and/or Levocentizine ) i suggest u talk to your allergist cause is very likely you have an allergic reaction to an unkown or u have some type of Urticaria. This started out of nowhere an it got worse.. symptoms where hives at night on arms and legs and they where very itchy and with time they got worse.. much worse so dont wait.
I recently got a left total hip replacemnet on Jan 5,2011. From day 1 I have itched SO bad, then 3 weeks post op I developed hives All over my body! They are the worst thing ever!! I dont have them at night only after I shower in the am and then they slowly start popping up all over and then by night time 7pm ish Iam totally cover from head to toe in giant welts! They itch and burn, Iam finally going to a allergist this week. I think its a reaction to my new hip. Nothing new ive been using. My family Dr and Otho Dr seem to just keep blowing me off and saying hives are not harmful. They may not be harmful but can surly drive you nuts! Worst part is I cant take Benadryl or any creams for itching for 5 days prior to Allergy appt and Im going crazy with the itching, they are getting much worse!! AAAAHHHHH!!!! Good Luck to anyone with chronic hives!
My daughter is 2 1/2 and if I don’t give her Zyrtec she breaks out in awful hives all over at night and after naps. I find it very puzzling that she only breaks out after she sleeps. We have been to the allergist and have had all kinds of tests and blood work done and have come up with nothing…This has been going on since October 2010
It might be the detergent you use to wash the sheets and pj’s. I also used to break out because of soaps. I now use Tide Free (I am 61) and no problems! Also a problem are the heavily scented dryer sheets with perfumy smell. Eliminate all those, check the stuffing of her stuffed animals.
About itching: a dermatologist told me years ago to use water as hot as I could bear (scalding) form the tap or heated, to apply to the itching area. Scalding an itch relieves the itch for about 12 hours. IT WORKS. It does not burn the skin. Wonderful relief. Try a shower, VERY hot for the affected areas.
I have developed a severe case of hives in the last couple of months since I started working nights. My upper back, neck and the scalp of my head itch uncontrollably making it very difficult for me to concentrate of work. My dermatologist has been urging me to quit my job but i am trying to look for other solutions. My body starts itching after midnight and it is unbearable.
I just started having hives two nights ago. I thought it was due to mozzie bites. There were hives on the front of my knees and hips. I took a Clarityne and they were gone in several hours. Then again last night, after using all the anti-mosquito repellants possible (air vaporisor, anti-mozzie patches, air conditioning), it happened again, except worse, including my upper arms. So I took another Clarityne and fell to sleep, only to wake with no hives. I think it’s the most recent body wash I’ve started to use, I’ll try to eliminate that and see if it helps. I will also note that I am asthmatic, which means I’m an allergic person. I’ll keep you posted on my recovery (if it comes!)
Hi,
I am troubled with chronic hives like many people here. I have never had any skin or allergy problems until recently so I was unaware of how many people actually suffer from mysterious hives. I’ve been reading from many sources since I have had these hives. I am a health care professional student so the topic is interesting while the hives are just darn frustrating!! While the causes of the hives are often due to your body’s innate hyperimmune response to some kind of allergen (food, chemicals in soap or anythig really, pets, pollens, bug bites and even long standing bacterial infections on skin, scalp, or internally). While finding the source of what you are allergic to can be very difficult as many of us have come to find out, there are certain approaches to lessen your body’s immune response to allergens that aren’t truely harmful to your body or your body has only become allergic to due to increased immune sensitivity. Children tend to be more sensitive to allergen due to the activities of their thyroid gland (adults lose theirs as time goes on) so these approaches are probably not going to help in children. Drink plenty of water (dilute the concentration of allergen in ur blood). Lessen stress. Keep skin dry (this is supposed to simply lessen the extend of your hives–more irritAted areas of ur body lead to more severe hives). This is why hives often show up in areas like belly where pants contact skin, armpits, and thighs where sweat (and not dry up) and rubbing occur. Diet is always the best way to combat any innate response (or lack of) of your body. But obviously, that’s easier said then done as not all of us have the means or time to experiment. But I would really try a more balanced diet (while eliminate possible food allergens) to allow your body to have the ability to utilize types of immunal mechanisms. Think this way–the type of immune response that the leads to hyperimmune response isn’t the only way your body has to protect you. But if one isn’t available (due to nutritional imbalance), the body then activates the next best thing in hope to continue to protect you. And this option is often the one that leads to hyperimmune response that allergic symptoms such as hives arise. I am still experimenting on myself so how effective diet really is… I don’t know. But hey, nothing to lose with trying a better diet, right? Good luck everyone. It’s neatly five. Better get some sleep now.
Andrew
I have urticaria diverculitis and over the past 4 months I’ve been constantly itchy. Now its 430 ish and they are everywhere. I’m 16 and I can’t sleep and I’m itchy and sad . Someone please tell me how I can go back to sleep!!!!
Hello all,
I would also like to chime in and say I’ve unfortunately gotten the chronic hives for a little over 3 months now. This article has been helpful as I was curious why they are worse at night. I did not realize the body naturally produces such chemicals during the day keeping them at bay. The cause is still a mystery but I am staying positive it can be solved. I have eliminated dairy, then sugar, then gluten believing each at some point may have been a trigger. Alas I still break-out every evening without fail all over. Basically I just eat spinach, organic meat, water and very little at that. The stuff I eat is very boring and should not cause allergic reactions. I’m still keeping all these things out of my diet just in case and am now removing my down pillows, vacuuming and switching to organic detergents. Expensive as they are, you all know how desperate this makes us. Anyway, I’m glad to get the tips on the water, rooibos tea, etc. I shall post if something miraculous happens and I finally find the cause of this horrid affliction and am able to nip it in the but. Take care all.
Sounds like I am not the only one suffering from this craziness. I have only been dealing with this for about three nights now, but I am sleep deprived and cranky. I don’t understand what is going on, I have had allergies to ragweed and mold all my life, but never anything like this. ALL NIGHT I itch and break out in different concentrated places on my body, only to get up in the morning and see nothing, just scratch marks from where I was digging at my skin all night. I woke my husband last night to show him, well to PROVE to him that I’m not losing my mind, so he could see the hives and feel the heat from them. I am going at lunch today to get the rooibos tea and see if that helps. I read one post about the HOT shower, but when I tried that it seemed to make mine worse and my skin prefers the coolest water I can stand. Benedryl has helped too but I can see how an immunity could build up if I keep doing that every night. I have showered about three times a day these last few days, thinking that would help. If the tea doesn’t help I am calling my DR and asking for a steriod pack. I have obviously come in contact with something I’m allergic to I just have no idea what it could be. JOEL thanks SO MUCH for sending me this link, you’re a great friend!
Do you have a Tempurpedic bed?
Hello all, I am a 23yo female that has also recently started suffering from this 3 nights ago. I don’t know what could be causing this breakout. I breakout starting around 9 at night in hives and welps on different areas of my body. My hands as well as the bottom of my feet get itchy and red to start out. Then, the hives start on my knees and spread to other areas throughout the night. I have not did anything out of the ordinary or eaten anything. The only med I am taking is a birth control pill daily called Microgestin, I’m allergic to iodine but I do not consume it at all. The only thing I could think of is the day this started I went to a chinese buffet… maybe its something in the food. I’m miserable at night. The only thing that has been working for me is 2 benadryls at night and a cream I bought called cortizone (which has worked miracles). When I wake up in the morning and take a shower they go away within 30 min. Somebody, anybody, please help!
I’ve had hives on and off since I was 18. I’m 38 now and I think sometimes it’s from the volume of food. If I don’t eat enough I seem to get them badly…at night of course. I try to eat evenly spread meals but once my bodies “off” it can take months and months to get back on track. Sometimes I go 8 months without any. It’s crazy. I’ve had allergy tests, blood work…no one can figure it out. I don’t go to the dr. for it. I just take loratidine daily and benadryl at night if needed. It’s so super frustrating.
Every since i moved back to my mother house. I’ve been itching like crazy and getting unusual red bumps. At first i thought it was a bug bite but then the rash started increases everywhere in my body. It looks so disgusting,I look like i have some kind of disease. I forgot I had this long time ago but it only stayed for 2 days. Right now its been pass two days and getting worse. What am i doing wrong or what do i need to do. To heal and get rid of this rushes. Why do we even get them? At first i thought it was bug bites but im the only one that’s getting these bumps. Is it really cause through allergy?
I started getting hives when I was a teenager. My parents took me to every doctor, allergist and even the Mayo Clinic. I had every test and medication under the sun. No one was ever able to pin down what I was “allergic” to. After a few years the hives left as mysteriously as they starters. For many years I was hive free. Then in my 30s I started to get them again. I know realize as an adult that I not allergic to any food or detergent, etc. They are 100% stress induced. It is my body’s natural reaction to stress. Not always is it an immediate reaction to a stressful situation. Sometimes it comes after the storm. But once I stopped searching for the cause and understood the hives were caused by my own mind and the stress I felt a lot better. The hives come and go but with this understanding they are much more manageable. I try to relieve the causes of the stress in my life and the hives get better. Although I know that at times they will return. But it’s OK. I hope this helps someone out there.
I am 18 years old, I have been suffering from the “red spots” already for a week now & they still come and go but gets worse during the evening time.
I went to A&E hospital and a private clinic but the doctors claim that its just allergies. The thing that bothers me the most is that I’ve been missing school for quite a while and moreover my exams are up in a week. I don’t wanna miss school next week as the teachers will provide useful details about the exam questions. When the spots appear during the morning time when I go to school, they appear all over my legs and my arms – it looks pretty ugly and really kicks my mood out.
Is there any cure for this ?
I started having hives for the last 2 weeks and they come usually at night, I feel really hopeless, nothing seems to help I am going for a blood test tomorrow
I think they are related to the stress I have in my job place, pray for me
Hi, i first experienced hives when i ate strawberries a few years ago. But now i experience them when i sleep, but here’s the catch, only if i sleep over my boyfriends house. We’ve tried switching laundry detergent, taking benadryll before i sleep over, even getting a new matress! I’ve never had them in the winter when i slept over but ever since spring, i get them. And now he starts getting them when i do! I know hives aren’t contagious but what’s going on with me?? I’ve watched what i eat and food doesnt seem to be a factor. My mom suggests it might be pollen in the air or even stress. I do stress ALOT but when i sleep i’m relaxed because i’m with my bf. Any help?
And when i get hives, i mean I GET HIVES. Huge welts that take up my arms, and the weird thing is, it looks like i have ring worm because when they are at the worst, they have a ring around the huge welt. I’m not exaggerating at this but i get them at the size of anywhere from 1 inch to 4 inches. It stinks
Thank God through research i stumbled upon this site and found out that i am not alone in this. Hives are terrible i think mine might be stress related i recently had a c section which phsically i handled well but emotinally i did’t handle it well and during recovery i was moving into our newly built home so with a toddler, a new baby, a c-section and a new home brings along stress thanks to this site and every one who contributed i can try to deal with my hives which mainly occurs at nights
The responses in this thread make me quite sad and feeling even more desperate than I already am. Like me, very few people here have made much progress in determining the cause of your hives. For me, they came out of nowhere, and won’t go away – always worse at night. I’ve never been a person who is allergic to things, so the causes of this never-ending itching boggle my mind. Been to two different dermatologists and one visit to the ER in a desperate attempt to get answers. Prednisone treatment, cortisone creams and atavax prescription help some, but don’t make it completely go away. My life was so great before, and now I live in fear of these hives on a day to day basis. Really affecting my standard of living at this point. I’ll continue to come back to his site in case anyone has a breakthrough they’d like to share that might help the rest of us. Until then, wishing everyone some peace and relaxation from suffering.
I’m so glad I’m not the only one! I have food allergies so hives are nothing new. But for some reason I’ve been getting hives at night only! They are driving me absolutely crazy! I haven’t eaten anything new so idk what’s causing them!
Chris
From nowhere these hives came up! All over my torso, arms and legs but was on holiday in a foreign land! 2 hospital visits where I was blasted with huge amounts of Antihistamines etc! Just kept me going until I got home! Trawled internet and found lots of information BUT much is conflicting!!!!Tried an elimimation diet but the hives still keep on coming up! Doc just gave me piriton! Very useful…. not!!! Next week paying for a food intolerance test which hopefully should throw up something!Just keep smiling…. even though through gritted teeth!!!
CURED OF HIVES THAT I GOT FROM A PRESCRIPTION (hydroxyzine HCL). I was almost suicidal with exhaustion. It was cured by a few days of “Pearl Acidophilis” My homeopathic doctor says hives are caused by bad gut bacteria. Acidophis fixes this. I had to try the Pearl as all other Acidophiises made me gassy and gave me a painful gut. Good Luck! And take 2 to 3 per day. With food or without. It may take up to 2 wks for the last of the hives to disapear, as it did for me.
About a week ago my husband began with the same symptoms as all of you for the past year of this site. It has become increasingly worse. The interesting thing is, as I researched, I found that thousands of people around the U.S. are getting this and it’s becoming more prominent as time goes on. All walks of life, all ages, genders, religions, etc… makes no difference in mountains, deserts, oceans. Would be interesting to find the common denomiator. Could help in the the cure. I’m going to try the Pearl Acidophlis on him and see if that works. I know this is not contagious or all of the rest of us would have it in the households that are effected with one individual. I don’t believe that doctors know what it is as in every case they have either skated past the problem or ignored it. Hmmm The sun? We have been experiencing high levels of solar activity never before seen starting almost 2 years ago and getting increasingly worse.. just a thought. Good luck everyone.
Hi all, I have had what I assume is hives, no one can confirm it, for 6 months last year and now they have sprung up again for about a month, but mine do not itch much at all???? but only comes on at night, huge welts type rash all over me, but by the day they are gone. Antihistamine does nothing to help. Do all hives itch like mad?? or are some very mild?
hi dear
me too
I have been suffering from this prob since month so i thought this is desiese is just for me but now i know whole world si affected by this so i noticed the drug tomorrow inshallah i will take and use
Veronica…me too..I have hives that come on in the evening and are usually gone in the day. there are days when I don’t have them at all but I did notice that when I went and stayed with a friend of mine I had no hives. I have 3 dogs so wondering if I could be developing an allergy to my pets? I am going to try changing my washing detergent to All Free or something similar. Very frustrating to wake up itching. usually rash appears on my legs and arms and rarely on my upper back.
I just wanted to share my experience of chronic hives with everyone on this forum. They have been with me for more than 6 months now and during this period my body was hyper sensitive to allergens that would not bring about a reaction in the past. Luckily my sister was reading naturopathy and recommended a doctor to me in hong kong. He said my body was overwhelmed with toxins and suggested a course of detox to eliminate the cause of the hives. I have spent 4 months detoxing and towards the end of the treatment all my hives had gone. Unfortunately, the hives returned one month later, but less serious and only at night. Prior to detox, i was taking benedryl once a day to suppress the hives. I do not have to take benedryl anymore for the time being. I will see how the hives react over the next few weeks before taking the next course of action. Good luck everyone!
Going on 4 months now. Mine don’t ever go away. Sometimes they ich less during the day, but the welts are always there, just in diffrent places. I know Antihistamines are suppose to decrease the iching but they do nothing for me. My hands and feet get it the worse. Cold help, I sleep with a cold pack almost every night and move it around as I need to. I also find that running my hands under cold water helps. I think the worst part for me is the loss of sleep. I loose about 2-3 hours a night. I can’t remember the last time I just slept through a night without waking up a hot ichy mess. Sometimes I don’t get welts, instead my hands just swell up esp around the joints. I do notice that eating healthy and regular exercise are somewhat helpful. It sounds like a lot of people on here get a 6 month bout, so maybe just two more months. . . Who knows. Best of luck to everone, Hives suck. If I had to pick between being puched in the face once a day or hives I would pick the puch to the face. (but just a light punch)
I have had hives when I was only 12 years old, am now 43. It was a terrible experience that had effected my daily lives for more than 10 years. It only disappeared after I gave birth to my eldest daughter.
During that miserable years, I sometimes even had hives during the morning, getting bad in the afternoon and worst at night. I still could remember that the severeness of hives on me had caused me fainted. I have been to many doctors both Chinese & western practitioners, change my diet, eating those food that believe to help, have tried on many types of cream & ailment but sad to say that nothing help. Even Clarityne has lost it power on me.
The last Chinese practitioner treated me told me that it was caused by the dirty blood in my womb and that the hives will go away after I gave birth. It seems to be true but I am so sad that I have passed the hives on to my precious daughter. She has been suffering from hives for the past 1 week, missing school and feeling terrible itch and stressful when the hives started to set in, she is only 8. Both of us feeling very sad and helpless. Hope to find cure soon. I hate those hives and hated it even more when it is on my daughter.
Intermittant hives started almost 30 yrs ago..first small itching areas on hands. Over the years have become worse, as described by others on this site, appear regularly at night, covered all over my body in morning and used to go away during the day, but now just seem to be less itchy and red during the dat, but always there. Hydroxyzine, Benadryl, H1 (Zantac, CImetidine, etc)blockers all tried, nothing helps. I also have tried diets, getting rid of house plants, changing detergents, all the usual suspects to no avail. I have had them daily for almost two years straight this time and seem to be getting worse. Really don’t see stress as causative..the hives and histamine and lack of sleep and constant itching are the real stressors. Know that one cause for me is any physical pressure..and the hives occur later. FOr example,having my hair washed at the beauty shop and the back of my head that leans against the sink has huge hives on hours after. The seams in clothes that are rough or that I can feel, always worse around waist and bra line. I often get very flushed and my skin feels like it is burning.
Been to immunologists, allergists and had allergy testing but develop hives at the site of needle tests so hard to tell if true reaction. Had hay fever allergies as a child and also developed hives after taking Erythromycin and from Toradol, given in ER after an accident.
Wish I had suggestions and would love solutions for all of you. You really cannot explain to anyone who hasn’t experienced hives. It sometimes feels that the body is being taken over by aliens! Thousands of dollars worth of tests and treatments and all the doctors can say is “Don’t scratch,it releases more histamine.”
Incidentally wanted to mention that I have been on dose pkgs of prednisone and have also taken for longer periods of time. Over the years, there is a rebound effect when I taper off the prednisone…that was really a bad experience, hives much worse and to the extreme. Was scary! Hope I never had to take them again.
I started suffering from chronic urticaria (chronic hives) about three years ago. The first bout was the worst. I spent 4 months covered from head to toe in hives and was covered in bruises from scratching them. I can relate to all of the sleepless nights and extreme discomfort!! The dermatologist I saw wasn’t very helpful. He told me that it was “some sort of allergic reaction” (duh!) and all he could do was prescibe meds. He prescribed several antihistamines (Benadryl, Zyrtec and Allegra) plus ranitadine (a common heart burn med that also “boosts” the effectiveness of antihistamines) and a topical ointment (it contained menthol, salicylic acid and a couple of other ingredients I don’t remember–it was made at a compounding pharmacy). It took several months for the hives to subside and they were back less than 4 months after they had disappeared. It went on and off like this for awhile. At this time, I found out that the townhouse I was renting had a lot of mold growing in an area behind the refrigerator that had previously suffered water damage. I suspected that this was the cause of my hives, but had no way to “prove” it. Even after the mold was taken care of (and I moved), the hives continued to appear and disappear at will.
Fast forward to today and I’m almost completely hive free. About 7 months ago, I decided to pay for allergy testing. My hay fever was making me miserable and causing a lot of sinus infections and I was still experiencing sometimes-severe hives. I went to a great allergist, had skin testing done and found that I’m severely allergic to grasses, trees and mold (especially the dry molds that inhabit the state I live in–Colorado) and moderately allergic to weeds. My allergist explained that living with the mold had made my immune system reach a “turning point”. It was over-stimulated and couldn’t regulate histamine production. After that time, it never seemed to be able to settle down because of all of my other allergies. She suggested immunotherapy (allergy shots) and I immediately agreed to them, even though I hate needles and the therapy requires weekly shots for 4-5 years. I’m 6 months into my injections with another 4 years (at least) to go and my hives (as well as other allergies) have already improved. I still take Allegra in the morning and Zyrtec at night, but my hive outbreaks have become far less severe and further apart. I’m optimistic that in the coming years, I could be hive-free!! None of this was inexpensive (even with insurance), but it’s been worth every penny.
During my urticaria outbreaks that were really bad, I found some relief from acupuncture and Aveeno oatmeal baths and I also took ambien (rx from the doc) to help me sleep. Being exhausted doesn’t help your immune system!
About 6 weeks ago I began to feel an itch on my left breast. It was like that for about a week. I thought nothing of it. Then it moved to my right breast. Then my underarms started itching and then my inner thighs. After that my belt line on my abdomen.
6 weeks later here I am with some sort of hive in those areas. I itch all day long but it is the worst at night! I have not slept in over a week. I have seen two doctors who have both told me it is not Scabies since no one else in my house hold is having any problems. They think it is either caused by stress or an allergic reaction. The itching is so intense at night.
I have a toddler to take care of and I’m starting to lose it. This is driving me crazy! I figure my next approach is to see a dermatologist and get some testing done for allergies.
I just find it so weird that the itching is so bad only at night and keeps me up the whole night. Nothing has given me any sort of relief. None at all. Not the benadryl not the steroid cream. nothing!
I’m am 28 year male. And I have been sufferinf with hives for the past 2 months,they all start when I when wake up in the am or at midnight when I go to sleep. I’ve controlled what I eat and still the same thing. I become soooo itchy that I scracth so hard and I leave marks on my skin. All I wana do is get this problem over with so I can sleep
I too have been suffering from hives for the past 2 years, on and off. But when they do appear, like others they are better in the day and worse in the evening. However, they’ve always lasted for weeks at a time, the first bout lasted almost 4 months.
The specialist said I may be one of those people who will get hives if I’m suffering from any other infections like a bad cold or flu. And more recently I have noticed this to be true.
I have had them for 6 days with this episode. I’ve read a lot about it, and most people recommend drinking green tea about 3 times a day. Also more Vitamin C. Both are natural antihistamines. Today, I tried dabbing my hives with apple cider vinegar. It reduced the swelling and itch in about 40 minutes. I hope some of this may work for others. Failing everything else, I go with Reactine – extra strength once a day is enough to take care of the itch and the swelling goes away enough that you’re not bothered anymore. Zyrtec is supposed to be great as well. Pray for a cure everyone
I had been sick with Bronchitis for a week or so when on the 20th of November I finally went to the walk in clinic. I was prescribed a Zpak antibiotic-made by TEVA in Jeruselum(I should have looked!!!!) I took the first dose of 2 pills at 3pm and at 2 am that night I was covered in Hives… I am on my 11th day of having hives only at night, only where my body touches my bed and or other parts of my body. I was told that the medicine only stays in the system for 5-10 days and I am still having issues. 2 Benadryl a night barely help and it takes cold compresses for them to go down. I only have issues at night and this is ruining my life and family due to my stress and lack of sleep. I used all of my sick leave at work and am debating using all of my vacation time to battle the Motherfuckers. Fuck Hives!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is my secone night of having hives. I went to the doctor today and she gave me steroids to take for the next week and sent me to get a blood allergy test.I have had 4 antibiotc since August for a very stubborn sinus/bronchial infection. Just finished the last of it the other day. Hopefully, for me, they find out it is an allergic reaction. I can’t stand the though of going through this for weeks or months. Good luck and God bless.
I too just started getting hives a week ago. Reading all of your responses has me a little worried though, there is no reason to EVER TAKE STEROIDS. Doctors will tell you whatever and give you whatever drug before even knowing what is wrong with you. Like the article said, drink a lot of water, general detoxification is the best thing for your body and hives, introducing artificial hormones (steroids) is the last thing we should be doing to cure our hives. God bless every one and take care.
Try yogurt, it might be an imbalance in your stomach!
Try yogurt!
I have recently started breaking out in hives in my sleep. It seems to happen at 4:00 a.m. I wake up scratching and find welts all over my body. When I get out of bed and start my day the welts dissappear and the itching stops. This started on Christmas day so I figured it was just stress. The doctor prescribed steroids and antihistamines but they still come in my sleep. Have not changed detergents, soaps, perfumes nothing. I really thing it is stress-related.
My Son is 3 and when he woke from a nap the other day he was covered in a red rash with hives. I took him to the er and they gave him a shot of benydryl and a shot of a steroid. Then prescribed me with the steroid and told me to givet that and benydryl to him twice a day for 5 days! Well everytime the meds wear off the rash/hives come back. Esp after nap and when he wakes up ok the morning! ?? We changed nothing, he just woke up with it ?? I hope its not something like Idiopathic urticaria!
For some strange reason, I get a round of these hives every few years. At first, I thought I was allergic to paint since I was, at the time renovating houses. The itching started in my hands and I thought maybe washing paint brushes, rollers, etc., with no gloves was the culprit. WRONG. The itching went on for several weeks, if not months, then went away as suddenly as it came.
A couple of years later, the exact same symptoms, itching in hands that spread up arms to torso and down trunk of body to legs. Funny thing is, it rarely goes to face and jumps from thighs to feet. Calves are rarely involved. Mine also heighten at night which made an evaluation by the numerous doctors I went to almost impossible.
An allergist administered prednisone which rendered my legs useless for several days. I went to get out of bed about three days after the shot and just could not stand. No pain, just unable to stand. Again, after several weeks, the itching went away. Stress and certain foods, especially seafood such as crablegs, seemed to make the itching worse.
After a mild third episode, I was not troubled by hives until this year. BUT, I found that my need to have a hip replaced due to avascular necrosis was probably due to the prednisone use. There are no other factors besides prednisone that it can readily be attributed to.
I urge anyone, especially those seeking help for younger children, NOT to let the doctor administer prednisone. Had the internet been as big of a resource as it is now, I would have had the opportunity to research other options avoiding a lot of physical, emotional and mental anguish.
Instead, drink lots of cleansing liquids like water, flavored waters, rooibos and other teas, clear soups, etc. Also, try fasting and praying. I fasted for ten days on a regular basis until I had the hip replacement and my body is bogged down with toxins which no doubt have contributed to the hives popping up again recently.
With soooo many people having so many mystery illnesses such as this, it makes one wonder about diabolical schemes that may be the root cause of such.
Good luck to all and God bless.
Today is Thursday. First itch on thigh was on Saturday. No big deal. Next day, minor itch. Last couple of days – my body has been taken OVER. This thing migrates. First arms , then legs, then outline of my underwear, then my torso. I am scared to look at myself. I have always prided myself on my looks and I guess this is the karma I have to pay. I hate not knowing why I am getting this. I have been prescribed prednisone and also zantac and benedryl. I dont even know if I should just take them all together. I hate taking antibiotics, the side effects are usually worse than the symptom. I guess its detox time, if anyone who has done a detox regarding hives, please let me know what they did, and how. Is this something I have been in contact with outside, or is this something inside my body? I am so depressed
Hi, read all of the above comments. My experience is interesting. My husband first got hives about 4 months ago. Now in the last month i have them – so we are both itching together and keeping each other awake. I accept what people are saying that it is not food or allergy related. I think it must be stress. There is a big issue in our lives which is comming to a head in the next few weeks. i will watch closely to see if the hives disappear as the annoyane disappears. Oh yes in reply to the person who suggested Acidophlis. I just coincidently finished a full course and it has had no impact on my hives. I go to yoga 4/5 times a week. I am very fit and healthy.
My son started getting hives around the time he turned 1yr old. He had them off and on for 1 1/2 years before we figured out what was causing them. There seemed to be no rhyme or reason to the outbreaks which would often cover his entire body or sometimes just one body part. As it turned out, the breakouts were caused by cold. During the summer, we would open windows at night and the house would cool off. He’d wake up covered with hives. He would get them when he went swimming, but not when he took a bath because bathwater was warm. In the winter, we bundled him up when he went outside so only exposed skin would break out. Hope this helps someone. We were so frustrated for so long. He seems to have grown out of them somewhat, but is prone to getting them for other reasons. For example, after having a cough and taking Ricola cough drops for the better part of a week he had 50 or so pop up on his legs.
I get hives when I sleep.When i get a night sweat from menopause and the pressure of laying in bed i break out.I scratch them in my sleep I look like I have been whipped.cool showers and benedryl and they go away Now i get them when the sun goes down I hate this