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What Is The Cause And Treatment For Urticaria?

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Posted on Mon, 11 Aug 2014
Question: Hives over one month Severe in palm of hands and soles of feet Treatment of steroids but not cause of hives When pills run out or down to one a day from 3/3 to 2/2 to one the hives come back with a vengeance and the itching ands pain is unbearable

BP 116 over 72 5' 9 1/2 '' 178# Active and healthy working land surveyor Lisinopril-HCTZ 10-12.5 since 2008 NOW OFF
doctor
Answered by Dr. Johny Chacko (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Urticaria

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Welcome to healthcare magic.

I understand form your query that you are having hives over your palms and soles of 1 month duration.

This problem is called as urticaria. These could occur as a reaction pattern to ingestion of new foods (including health supplements like green tea) , new medications, infections like sore throat or a dental caries and contact allergens. In most of the cases, it is difficult to find a cause and we term it as " Idiopathic urticaria".

There is another type called as physical urticaria, in which the hives appear on areas of prolonged pressure ( e.g - waist line if you wear a belt), areas exposed to cold ( palms and soles) and after a bout of sweating.

From your history, the possibilities I would consider include cold urticaria and contact urticaria. You have mentioned that you work as a land surveyor. Do you come in contact with any allergens like cement or do you latex boots and gloves?

Do you have any other hobbies which make you come in contact with plants/ dust/ rubber which could possibly elicit an allergic reaction?

The other issue to be ruled out in such cases is hypothyroidism. It could present with hives confined to hands and feet.

As far as the treatment is concerned, you have mentioned that the hives re appear as soon as you taper the steroids.
You could discuss with your doctor regarding antihistamines like Cetrizine and Fexofenadine and another drug called Danazol which could be started before tapering the steroids so that their actions kicks in by the time you taper the steroids.

Do try and think about the possible triggers which I have listed above. ( cold exposure and allergens)

You could also get a thyroid profile test done to rule out hypothyroidism.

Hope this helps you.

If you have any more queries, I will be glad to answer.

Take care.

Regards,
Dr. Johny Chacko
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. Johny Chacko

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2005

Answered : 1916 Questions

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What Is The Cause And Treatment For Urticaria?

Brief Answer: Urticaria Detailed Answer: Hello, Welcome to healthcare magic. I understand form your query that you are having hives over your palms and soles of 1 month duration. This problem is called as urticaria. These could occur as a reaction pattern to ingestion of new foods (including health supplements like green tea) , new medications, infections like sore throat or a dental caries and contact allergens. In most of the cases, it is difficult to find a cause and we term it as " Idiopathic urticaria". There is another type called as physical urticaria, in which the hives appear on areas of prolonged pressure ( e.g - waist line if you wear a belt), areas exposed to cold ( palms and soles) and after a bout of sweating. From your history, the possibilities I would consider include cold urticaria and contact urticaria. You have mentioned that you work as a land surveyor. Do you come in contact with any allergens like cement or do you latex boots and gloves? Do you have any other hobbies which make you come in contact with plants/ dust/ rubber which could possibly elicit an allergic reaction? The other issue to be ruled out in such cases is hypothyroidism. It could present with hives confined to hands and feet. As far as the treatment is concerned, you have mentioned that the hives re appear as soon as you taper the steroids. You could discuss with your doctor regarding antihistamines like Cetrizine and Fexofenadine and another drug called Danazol which could be started before tapering the steroids so that their actions kicks in by the time you taper the steroids. Do try and think about the possible triggers which I have listed above. ( cold exposure and allergens) You could also get a thyroid profile test done to rule out hypothyroidism. Hope this helps you. If you have any more queries, I will be glad to answer. Take care. Regards, Dr. Johny Chacko