Chronic hives (uticaria)
I came down with chronic hives in 2018 at age 65. Take maximum Xolair injections monthly. Take 5 mg prednisone to help with itch, and sometimes it has to be daily, and daily Allegra. Has anyone found something that actually helps with the itch or control of the hives?
The prednisone, if I take daily, does keep the hives from getting out of control, and even though the dose is low I sure would like to not take it. Thank you
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Thank you jnb. Good information for me.
Trying to reactivate this discussion…I’d love to find a doc in/near Philly with an interest in chronic urticaria. I made an appt with Allergy and Immunology at Penn in May, but none seemed to have special focus on it. Any great docs with interest from this area?
Background: I had a 6 month bout of urticaria 12 years ago for 6 months. They came and went for no apparent reason. After about 6 weeks during which I went to ER, saw a PMD and dermatologist, I saw an immunologist who diagnosed me with autoimmune hives with the serum skin test. That episode was bad with nocturnal angry, burning red hives that would subside during day. It was awful. I was treated with the standard protocol of large doses of antihistamines (little help) and a couple short courses of prednisone (cleared me). Zolair was in trials. This episode, which I’m guessing is chronic hives, started when I had a sinus infection and so far is milder with fewer hives and much less angry skin, though my skin is very sensitive and I get intensely itchy spots and have had a couple nights with eye swelling. The hives come earlier-6-8 pm and fade next morning. It seems to be slowly worsening (started end of Nov). I’m on Zyrtec for allergies-added one- and restarted Pepcid. I take doxylamine 1/2 at night for sleep and allergies.
Any advice, esp with doc rec? I’m thinking I might see my fairly new primary just to get documentation that I’m taking antihistamines. I think if it worsens and I need zolair, they require time on antihistamines. Is that correct? I’m also hoping she’ll check Vit D level.
Yuck on uticaria
Hives started in 2018. Diagnosed through biopsy.
I’ve been on Xolair since 2020. I have had maybe 4 really bad breakouts since, and if that happens I take a low dose, 5 mg., of prednisone, usually just for a week.
Otherwise the allergist tells me to take antihistamines daily. Sometimes I do, sometimes I don’t 😂. when I have mild breakouts I do take them, in addition to the Xolair. the Xolair is monthly. not fond of those trips monthly but it’s better than the big breakouts. those are horrible.
If things get bad (not too often,) but not bad enough for the prednisone, I take two allergra in the a.m. and a zyrtec at night. The zyrtec makes me sleepy so I try to avoid that.
i found found help with pepcid, also, when I have a breakout. even with the xolair i get mild breakouts. gratefully mild enough that it doesn’t interfere in my sleep. some of mine come on if I wear tight clothing for too long, so I get out of my workout tights as soon as possible after working out. heat can bring them on, also.
Ice packs work wonders for the itch! Over the counter tecnu Calagel helps with the itch, also. I have many prescription topicals but I’m not really sure they help that much.
feel free to private message me if there is something I have missed. i am in California so that will not help you, doctor wise, good luck! i know how bad those things are
Thank you for sharing what works for you! It’s helpful information.
I have struggled with medication onset head to toe uticaria since 2019. I finally have relief by taking two fexofenadine (Allegra) 180 mg in the AM and one in the PM. I cleared this dose with my cardiologist before starting so I suggest that everyone do the same before trying.