Hives | Arthritis Information

Has anyone with RA ever had hives? I broke out a couple of days ago and have no clue what caused it. I have not used anything different as far as detergent, soap, shampoo, etc. As far as my meals, I have not had anything out of the ordinary to eat. I have not been out in the sun and have had no new medications either. When I was in my teens, I had a really bad outbreak of the hives that was cause by stress, but I have not been under any kind of stress that I am aware of.

Could this possibley be caused by RA? I haven't called my doctor as it isn't a bad case and Benedryl seems to help.

Hi shay Welcome to you.. I have been having hives on my face recently.

Also 2 months before my onset I had a big outbreak of unexplained hives mostly on my face (lips looked like I had collagen injections) and back.

i went to the docs whith a very pimply nose.. I had problems with hives last year. I think mine was due to the sun and sulfasalazine. What meds are you taking?Are you having any seasonal allergy type symptoms? I got hives a few times during the middle of the night 18 months ago and it turned out to be from ragweed allergy. This is allergy season in many parts of the country. Taking Allegra now stops hives from coming later. Jesse882008-05-25 13:07:14Thanks so much for your replies. I don't have any kind of allergies that I know of and I don't think it is my meds as I have been on them for a while now. I haven't been out in the sun either. I really think it is a mild case of hives. I have read online that you can sometimes break out and never know what caused it. I have been taking Benedryl and it helps. The welps are almost gone but I still have an itchey feeling all over my body. I have a dr appt on the 6th so unless it gets worse, I will ask my doctor about it then.I found this info while searching for causes of hives:

"Chronic or recurring hives might mean you're being repeatedly exposed to a trigger, or it might be a sign of underlying disease. Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid disorders are diseases likely to cause hives to appear."

I will definitely ask my doctor about this.

shay4252008-05-25 15:49:31 [QUOTE=shay425]Thanks so much for your replies. I don't have any kind of allergies that I know of and I don't think it is my meds as I have been on them for a while now. I haven't been out in the sun either. I really think it is a mild case of hives. I have read online that you can sometimes break out and never know what caused it. I have been taking Benedryl and it helps. The welps are almost gone but I still have an itchey feeling all over my body. I have a dr appt on the 6th so unless it gets worse, I will ask my doctor about it then.[/QUOTE]

Zyrtec works well too, and with once-a-day dosing and lower incidence of sedation, it might be something to consider if the problem persists.

Allergies can develop at any time. Dust mites, mold, even a change in formulation of the laundry soap you've been using for years.

Just because we have RA doesn't mean that all of our symptoms/issues are RA-related. I have chronic hives as a result of RA. I take Allegra everyday and it takes care of the problem quite nicely. You do not have to use something new or eat something new to become allergic. I have become allergic to things that i had used or eaten for years before having an allergic reaction. Keep a diary of what you eat or use. If this continues to happen it should show on your list. Be careful and get well soon.Hi Shay,

A few weeks ago I was awoken in the wee small hours with raging itchiness and burning on the soles of my feet and palms of my hands. Light on and discovered I was covered from scalp to feet in a massive rash. Every time I stood up I felt like I was going to pass out. Double dose of antihistamine and lashings of a spray for bites and stings that had lignocaine in it ultimately settled it after about half an hour. Mid morning there was no evidence of the rash at all. Really scary!!

I have had allergies and reactions to a few things (eg spider bites etc) over the years, but nothing like this. Was on prednisone at the time (not now) plus mtx plus others. Spoke with my GP about it next time I visited and the only thing we can put it down to is that because my immune system is compromised (diabetes, myeloma and ra) there are times when it basically will turn on itself and do some really strange things!!

I hope it settles soon and the hives visits are few and far between for you in the future!

I have broken out in hives before but it was everyday for months. I finally figure it out that we had new carpet installed right before winter started and being in a close house and whatever they use in carpeting I was allergic to. Clartin did the trick.

Did you buy anything new for your house??