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Suggest Treatment For Severe Itchy Hives On The Body
Question: I have had an itch on my entire body for the past 4 weeks. There is no rash but small bumps appear when I scratch. They look like mosquito bites but disappear shortly after. The itch started on my left ear but then started spreading. It's mostly concentrated around ankles, elbows, knees, ears. A dermatologist I saw today suggested that it was hives and put me on a one month prescription of antihistamines. I'm to Zyrtec thrice a day and another antihistamine once a day for a month. What is your opinion and what do you think of the treatment plan?
Brief Answer:
Take once a day zyrtec initially
Detailed Answer:
hello. thank you for writing to us.
I an Dr. kakkar(dermatologist). I have gone through your query and I have noted your concern.
From your description it does seem like you have urticaria i.e hives. The bumps that appear on scratching are actually wheals - edematous welts that are so classic of urticaria/ hives.
Urticaria can happen in response to a recent or ongoing infection (e.g viral flu, bacterial, fungal or parasitic infection), drugs/medications, food and food preservatives, alcohol etc.
Treatment is largely symptomatic i.e with one or more of oral H1 antihistamines e g cetrizine(zyrtec), loratadine(claritin) or fexofenadine. The dose of an oral H1 antihistamine may range from a tablet, once or twice a day (which is usually effective) to 2 tablets, twice a day depending on the severity and efficacy of treatment. Also, two or more oral antihistamines may be combined, if required
However for start i usually start my patient of urticaria on once daily dose of an oral H1 antihistamine I.e either cetrizine, loratadine or fexofenadine. Later depending on the response either i increase the dose (max 2- 4 times) and/or add another oral H1 antihistamine or a H2 oral antihistamine at night.
So, in my view I would just start you on once a day zyrtec initially and then later hike the dose of zyrtec (x2) or add another oral antihistamine depending on the response.
Topically you may use a soothing lotion e g calamine lotion.
Regards
Take once a day zyrtec initially
Detailed Answer:
hello. thank you for writing to us.
I an Dr. kakkar(dermatologist). I have gone through your query and I have noted your concern.
From your description it does seem like you have urticaria i.e hives. The bumps that appear on scratching are actually wheals - edematous welts that are so classic of urticaria/ hives.
Urticaria can happen in response to a recent or ongoing infection (e.g viral flu, bacterial, fungal or parasitic infection), drugs/medications, food and food preservatives, alcohol etc.
Treatment is largely symptomatic i.e with one or more of oral H1 antihistamines e g cetrizine(zyrtec), loratadine(claritin) or fexofenadine. The dose of an oral H1 antihistamine may range from a tablet, once or twice a day (which is usually effective) to 2 tablets, twice a day depending on the severity and efficacy of treatment. Also, two or more oral antihistamines may be combined, if required
However for start i usually start my patient of urticaria on once daily dose of an oral H1 antihistamine I.e either cetrizine, loratadine or fexofenadine. Later depending on the response either i increase the dose (max 2- 4 times) and/or add another oral H1 antihistamine or a H2 oral antihistamine at night.
So, in my view I would just start you on once a day zyrtec initially and then later hike the dose of zyrtec (x2) or add another oral antihistamine depending on the response.
Topically you may use a soothing lotion e g calamine lotion.
Regards
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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