I started getting a mild rash three months ago. When the itching became so bad, I went to the doctor. I had a flu shot the week earlier so he said it could've been a reaction to that. He gave me a shot of cortizone in the butt, told me to take some loratadine over-the-counter and sent me on my way.
But the rash never went away; it got worse. I called the doctor right before Thanksgiving, who then prescribed me some Prednisone and Hydroxyzine. But those didn't help either. And on December 2nd, I woke up covered head-to-toe in hives.
My mom took me to the doctor because my eyes were near swollen shut and I couldn't stop scratching. The doctor diagnosed me as being allergic to dog dander and put me on more meds (Singulair and more Prednisone). At this point, my brother and his wife (and dog) had been living with me for almost six months.
Ebby, their Boston Terrier is a short-hair dog, so it made sense that I didn't have symptoms right away as it takes awhile for dog dander to build up. Maybe I never liked dogs because I'm allergic to them?! My brother and sister-in-law found a new place to live temporarily while they are building a house on our dad's lot, and we've been cleaning the house like mad, vacuuming and dusting everyday.
But my hives still continue. I can take my prescription antihistamine four times a day, and I pop one as soon as feel my skin starting to raise and itch. During the night though, the antihistamine wears off, and I wake up covered in hives nearly every morning (and I've tried sleeping in different areas of the house).
I took this photo Christmas morning after my friend text me, “Merry Christmas from my family” to which I replied, “Merry Christmas from my hives.” She may have found it more funny than I.
So I only have hives while at home. When I venture out for more than 12 or so hours, I'm perfectly fine (skin-wise anyway). Then the moment I'm back home, my welts return. I have tried nearly everything possible in my house to rid it of the allergens causing my hives:
- Bought two air purifiers
- Installed the highest quality (aka most expensive) furnace filter
- Washed all curtains and bedding
- Vacuumed floors and furniture repeatedly
- Vacuumed bed and put all pillows in dryer
I saw my primary doctor once again who decided to draw blood and recommended I see an allergist. My Immunglobin E was high (that means I'm allergic to something) and my thyroid activity was low (probably from the urticaria), so the doctor now put me on Levothroxine. Yes, I'm now “that lady” that carries a pill box in her purse.
I can't get into see the allergist for my chronic hives until next week. Let's hope he has some insight for me!
WOW! Sorry to hear this! I have over 250 food and environmental allergies. That doesn’t include medications. I’m on thyroid meds too (1/2 my thyroid was removed in 2011 – cancer survivor). Have you ruled out laundry detergent, air freshener, fabric softener, soap (bath, laundry and dish washing), shampoo, toothpaste, fabrics that your clothes are made out of, even under garments, jewelry, dustmites? I didn’t have allergies until a contractor installed cabinets in our home in 1995. They had formaldehyde in them. Then the carpet guy installed carpet in the basement. He used glue that was to only be used outdoors. It was in November in Colorado and we didn’t dare open our windows. My reactions aren’t mild. I now carry an Epi-Pen 24/7. P:ray you’re doing better soon.
Hello , I hope you’re fine now.
I’m from Kosovo and I write you because I read your history in google , I’m allergic in dog too , my body now is like yours , what do you use ? I’m 15 years old now I use loratadine but they didn’t help me. I stayed for 1 week in hospital but nothing changes .
Maybe you can help me .what tablet should i buy ?
Wow, this is a pretty scary story. While I know people can be highly allergic to dogs, this seems to be more extreme than anything I’ve ever heard of. Hope you’ve gotten through discovery & have been able to solve the mystery … and problem.
Have you resolved this issue? I’m suffering from the same thing and have no idea what it is. My doctor originally said it looked like ringworm when it was only on my thighs but it soon spread all over my body. I washed everything in my house (sheets, pillows, slip covers, kitchen towels, bath towels, comforter, etc.) in hot water and had my car shampooed but it’s still there. My hives look just like yours and are worst when I wake up in the morning and best late evening, which makes me thing it’s something in my house. Anyway, please let me know if you figured it out!
Hi Hannah, I ended up getting shots of Xolair from an allergist. I got a few small flares up after that, but Allegra Allergy worked then.
Have any of you figured out what is causing This? I have been having the exact same problem for almost a year now. They started on my thighs and I now get them on my legs, feet, arms, and hands. It comes and goes. Loratadine and benadryl do not help, I was prescribed hydroxyzine, which helps on occasion but not always and I hate the drowsy effect. I have been around dogs my whole life and never had this problem, I did however move into my apartment a few weeks before the hives started. Please help, I am scared it is going to start spreading to other parts of my body and I am so itchy!
Hello, did you find out what this was from as I am suffering exactly the same. Steriods and antihistamines are no longer working but doctor cant work out what it is. I’m waiting for an appt with an allergist which could still take weeks to come through. I’ve been suffering for 9 months and don’t know how much more I can take. Its driving me insane.
Curious as to if you ever found any answers?