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Suggest Treatment For Itching And Spreading Hives Rashes

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Posted on Wed, 6 May 2015
Question: I have hives that pop up in various places, usually on my torso but sometimes on arms and legs. I have switched to free detg, gone off of all supplements, no change at all. I have heard that a chromium sensitivity could cause itching could cause it, and there was quite a bit in my supplements, but no change after going off of them. Help?

Itching is intense and travels. Is it possible that I have an Iron deficeincy from taking the chromium? And can an iron deficiency cause itching?
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Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (58 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
iron deficiency anemai is one possible cause

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Hives can also be called urticaria.

Chronic urticaria refers to the formation of hives for over 6 weeks. If it has been occurring for less than 6 weeks, it is called acute urticaria.

Iron deficiency, if significant, would cause iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency anemia can be associated with itching.
Chromium can sometimes affect the body's ability to use its iron.

There are however other causes of chronic urticaria that should also be considered.

Urticaria can essentially be divided into: (1)due to underlying medical condition eg lupus, thyroid disease, rheumatoid arthritis, infections such as hepatitis, parasite infection of the gut, side effect of medication

(2)chronic idiopathic urticaria- cause is not known

(3)physical urticaria-(a) cold urticaria- due to exposure to cold
(b)delayed pressure- due to pressure on the skin
(c)solar- due to sun exposure
(d)cholinergic- heat,exercise stress
(e)aquagenic- water

These are some of the physical urticaria

To find out the cause investigations would be needed: (1) complete blood count- this can identify anemia and any signs of infection.
If iron deficiency is present, it can be treated

(2)work up for autoimmune diseases (lupus, RA)

(3)Allergy testing

(4)screening for hepatitis

(5)thyroid blood tests

By taking a careful history of the symptoms and any additional symptoms, examination and investigations , the cause can be found.

Treatment would involve reducing any triggers , treating any underlying conditions and medication.

I hope this helps , feel free to ask any other questions
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
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Itching And Spreading Hives Rashes

Brief Answer: iron deficiency anemai is one possible cause Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic Hives can also be called urticaria. Chronic urticaria refers to the formation of hives for over 6 weeks. If it has been occurring for less than 6 weeks, it is called acute urticaria. Iron deficiency, if significant, would cause iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency anemia can be associated with itching. Chromium can sometimes affect the body's ability to use its iron. There are however other causes of chronic urticaria that should also be considered. Urticaria can essentially be divided into: (1)due to underlying medical condition eg lupus, thyroid disease, rheumatoid arthritis, infections such as hepatitis, parasite infection of the gut, side effect of medication (2)chronic idiopathic urticaria- cause is not known (3)physical urticaria-(a) cold urticaria- due to exposure to cold (b)delayed pressure- due to pressure on the skin (c)solar- due to sun exposure (d)cholinergic- heat,exercise stress (e)aquagenic- water These are some of the physical urticaria To find out the cause investigations would be needed: (1) complete blood count- this can identify anemia and any signs of infection. If iron deficiency is present, it can be treated (2)work up for autoimmune diseases (lupus, RA) (3)Allergy testing (4)screening for hepatitis (5)thyroid blood tests By taking a careful history of the symptoms and any additional symptoms, examination and investigations , the cause can be found. Treatment would involve reducing any triggers , treating any underlying conditions and medication. I hope this helps , feel free to ask any other questions