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Post covid itch and hives

Posted by tania7 @tania7, Apr 4, 2023

I’m 11 months post covid and have been experiencing red, itchy skin for a couple weeks now. When I itch my skin I get hives. Antihistamines seem to work but then it comes back after a few days. Hot water and heat seems to aggravate the situation. Anyone else experience this and find something that works?

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celia16 | @celia16 | May 23 10:06pm
In reply to @lindadale "I too experienced this. It was very painful for months. I found relief after a suggestion..." + (show)
@lindadale

I too experienced this. It was very painful for months. I found relief after a suggestion from another long hauler to try Sarna, an external analgesic which was not available in Canada by that name but was available on Amazon. Instant relief. Long term results after a different post that there must be nervous system involvement for this and to ask your family doctor for a prescription for an antidepressant that calms the nervous system. A couple of weeks later and i am free of the symptoms.

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Do you mind saying which antidepressant?

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1 reply
rmca | @rmca | May 24 12:33am
In reply to @anwicker "So my nursing instructor actually suggested the Zyrtec and Pepcid combo to me after I was..." + (show)
@anwicker

So my nursing instructor actually suggested the Zyrtec and Pepcid combo to me after I was experiencing an itching attack that lasted days. I could not sleep, I could not do anything but scratch and my skin was literally torn up. I had covid in 2021. After recovering I started itching on my feet and legs. Ever since it comes and goes, some days are better than others but even after taking the Zyrtec and Pepcid combo everyday I still itch. It’s mostly at night but some days it’s all throughout the day. I can not imagine living this way for the rest of my life. I’ve seen multiple doctors and dermatologists, no body knows what to tell me. I honestly feel like they just think I’m crazy. I’ve had a doctor prescribe me Vistaril but all it did was knock me out. Sometimes I’ll take a Benadryl at night just to sleep without laying awake itching for hours. If I don’t scratch it it turns to like a burning pain like someone is shocking my skin where it itches. I’m glad I found this thread and at least I don’t feel alone or crazy.

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I’m sad reading your post….I know how frustrating it is to find help as a long hauler…3 1/2 years later, I don’t stop Googling for latest research on Covid. I am convinced I have saved my own life. I take 42 supplements…that drs have rolled their eyes at but the research supports their use for long haul and many are for exercise stamina. I workout 7 days a week at home, eat totally healthy, and pray.
The Covid fatigue is almost as bad as the itching was. It’s what I call scary tired. I drink a V8 Energy Drink which tackles the fatigue quite miraculously.
It sure sounds like your cytokine storm never stopped! You really seem to need some Dr to order a cytokine panel. I can’t imagine going through that itching constantly! When I had the itching I had immediate relief. But I will never forget the intense, uncontrollable occurrence. I don’t know if there is a more powerful antihistamine available but, again, you must keep researching on the net…
I pray for your relief…

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lindadale | @lindadale | May 24 7:54am
In reply to @celia16 "Do you mind saying which antidepressant?" + (show)
@celia16

Do you mind saying which antidepressant?

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Started with 25 m amitriptyline but was pretty wonky on it so after a week I cut them in half, that works for me.

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1 reply
celia16 | @celia16 | May 24 11:32am
In reply to @lindadale "Started with 25 m amitriptyline but was pretty wonky on it so after a week I..." + (show)
@lindadale

Started with 25 m amitriptyline but was pretty wonky on it so after a week I cut them in half, that works for me.

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So, do you think it was the external cream, oral med or a combination of both?

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1 reply
lindadale | @lindadale | May 24 12:08pm
In reply to @celia16 "So, do you think it was the external cream, oral med or a combination of both?" + (show)
@celia16

So, do you think it was the external cream, oral med or a combination of both?

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I think the cream was calming but the meds were the solution.

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dsdeich | @dsdeich | May 26 9:35pm

I get bumps under my skin and rashes. I do get to scratching and I get sores. My face gets red. I have ointments I have to be careful not to get overtired. I experience flare ups when fatigue comes on. I wish I could tell you something worked but rest seems the best for me
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