Got Hives All Over Body After Eating Crabs. Took Benadryl. What Is Causing This Hives?

Posted on Thu, 9 Aug 2012

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 9 Aug 2012 Answered on

Tue, 28 Aug 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : My husband ate crabs for dinner last night, he got higves all over his body by bedtime. He took benadryl, gone by morning, but returned that evening. Gone again by the next morning, but returned the next day. I didn't think he was allergic.

Does this sound like it was the crabs he ate, or something else?

Answered by Dr. Ram Choudhary (-4 hours later)

Hi XXXXXX,
Welcome to healthcare magic Physician's desk!
Your husband is allergic to crab proteins and should avoid eating them for life time.
He may be allergic to prawn as well.
He should be very cautious because persons allergic to these foods may have a rapid onset Anaphylaxis reaction the next time just creating a medical emergency and may XXXXXXX fatal consequences due to laryngoedema, bronchoconstriction and hypotension if not shifted to medical facility within minutes.
His recurring symptoms denote the holed up crab proteins in gut and he should consult a physician at local ER.
He will need an oral steroid Wysolone 40mg in morning and an anti-allergic medicine Tab. Levocetirizine 5 Mg a day in morning for about 5days till his system disposes the crab protein off.
I think the advise would be helpful for you.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar