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What Causes Recurring Hives Throughout The Body?
Brief Answer:
Chronic urticaria
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
What you are describing is chronic urticaria. This happens to people for unknown reasons, but also people who have autoimmune disorders including thyroid disease are more prone to chronic urticaria. You mentioned that you have gained weight. I am glad you shared this because hives can happen with certain malignancies (lymphoma) but weight gain would not be associated with this. However, weight gain can be due to thyroid disorders, and given the two together, it would be a good idea for you to go in and have the following thyroid blood tests: TSH, thyroxine, Thyroid antibodies. You should also have a complete blood count (CBC) and chemistry panel.
There is new research on mast cell activation disorders causing chronic hives. This is when the cells (mast cells which are involved in allergic reactions) which contain histamine and other inflammatory chemicals are release these products even without any allergen causing it.
Treatment are medications like Zyrtec 10mg, but instead of taking 1 a day as is recommended for nasal allergies, the dose is 2 - 6 tablets/day. (The dose should be increased gradually). In addition, an H2 blocker such as Zantac can be added. And in some cases, montelukast (Singular, which blocks leukotriene, an inflammatory substance involved in asthma and allergies). All of these medications are quite safe.
If these don't help, then sometimes medications (chemotherapy type) with more side effects are used.
But at this point, I would start by getting a thorough physical exam, blood tests, and start increasing your antihistamine (such as change from Benadryl, which is more sedating, to Zyrtec twice a day) plus 1-2 Zantac/day.
Not all allergists are well versed in chronic urticaria or in mast cell disorders. If you live near a university research hospital, you can call there or look up the allergists on line and see if any specialize in this problem.
I am so sorry you suffer with this. Please let me know how you are doing after you are evaluated.
Chronic urticaria
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
What you are describing is chronic urticaria. This happens to people for unknown reasons, but also people who have autoimmune disorders including thyroid disease are more prone to chronic urticaria. You mentioned that you have gained weight. I am glad you shared this because hives can happen with certain malignancies (lymphoma) but weight gain would not be associated with this. However, weight gain can be due to thyroid disorders, and given the two together, it would be a good idea for you to go in and have the following thyroid blood tests: TSH, thyroxine, Thyroid antibodies. You should also have a complete blood count (CBC) and chemistry panel.
There is new research on mast cell activation disorders causing chronic hives. This is when the cells (mast cells which are involved in allergic reactions) which contain histamine and other inflammatory chemicals are release these products even without any allergen causing it.
Treatment are medications like Zyrtec 10mg, but instead of taking 1 a day as is recommended for nasal allergies, the dose is 2 - 6 tablets/day. (The dose should be increased gradually). In addition, an H2 blocker such as Zantac can be added. And in some cases, montelukast (Singular, which blocks leukotriene, an inflammatory substance involved in asthma and allergies). All of these medications are quite safe.
If these don't help, then sometimes medications (chemotherapy type) with more side effects are used.
But at this point, I would start by getting a thorough physical exam, blood tests, and start increasing your antihistamine (such as change from Benadryl, which is more sedating, to Zyrtec twice a day) plus 1-2 Zantac/day.
Not all allergists are well versed in chronic urticaria or in mast cell disorders. If you live near a university research hospital, you can call there or look up the allergists on line and see if any specialize in this problem.
I am so sorry you suffer with this. Please let me know how you are doing after you are evaluated.
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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