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Suggest Treatment For Hives On The Arms And Back
Question: In January I had an allergic reaction to something, broke in out n in hives on my arms, back and red blotches on my stomach. Took benadryl tablets and the hives and blotches went away but t the itching remains. What can I take to get rid of the itching or do I need to see a doctor, I lost mu job and i don't have medical insurance, thanks
Brief Answer:
Information
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
If you are not having worsening symptoms - difficulty breathing, wheezing,swelling of lips, mouth, tongue, feeling light headed or nausea, you can try to control it at home.
It is possible for the antihistamine to block the wheals (hives) without fully taking away the itching. You may need to take more antihistamine to control the itching. You can take cetirizine (Zyrtec is the brand name) 10 mg twice a day, which is double the dose. The hydrocortisone cream won't do anything really as the reaction is coming from the inside out, but if the itching continues unabated, a short course of oral corticosteroids (which would require being seen by a doctor and a prescription) may work. Try an increased dose of the antihistamine first first.
If that doesn't help, it is time to see either an allergist or a dermatologist. An allergist can test you for ongoing allergic reactions. And either will test your thyroid levels, and autoimmune blood tests. All of these things can cause persistent itching. They will likely add other medications such as montelukast (Singulair). If there is an underlying problem (such as a problem with the thyroid), they will treat that.
Use lotions and soaps that are fragrance free.
Please let me know if I can provide further information.
Information
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
If you are not having worsening symptoms - difficulty breathing, wheezing,swelling of lips, mouth, tongue, feeling light headed or nausea, you can try to control it at home.
It is possible for the antihistamine to block the wheals (hives) without fully taking away the itching. You may need to take more antihistamine to control the itching. You can take cetirizine (Zyrtec is the brand name) 10 mg twice a day, which is double the dose. The hydrocortisone cream won't do anything really as the reaction is coming from the inside out, but if the itching continues unabated, a short course of oral corticosteroids (which would require being seen by a doctor and a prescription) may work. Try an increased dose of the antihistamine first first.
If that doesn't help, it is time to see either an allergist or a dermatologist. An allergist can test you for ongoing allergic reactions. And either will test your thyroid levels, and autoimmune blood tests. All of these things can cause persistent itching. They will likely add other medications such as montelukast (Singulair). If there is an underlying problem (such as a problem with the thyroid), they will treat that.
Use lotions and soaps that are fragrance free.
Please let me know if I can provide further information.
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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