Can't stop itching my sun hives (whine) | Arthritis Information

 

I am going crazy with the itching.  Normally when I've had a photosensitive reaction from the sun I get really bad hives everywhere that's been exposed.  It takes about 10 minutes unprotected in direct sun (or at least it used to...I've added more meds since then).  But I've been going to the outdoor pool at 4:30 pm or later, staying in the shade, wearing 70 SPF (I'm going to buy 85 on the next purchase), wearing a hat and sunglasses, and I've been doing alright, with just a few hives the next day.

On Thursday I went to run some errands...lab work, bank, etc.  Then hubby and I went and ran some additional errands.  Even though I drove (so sun would be on my left), somehow I managed to get hives on the right side of my face, and a few on my upper chest.  Then yesterday, for the 4th of July, we had my parents over and went to the pool.  We didn't go until 6 pm, under heavy cloud cover.  I still wore all my protection.  Last night I had a few more hives on my upper chest and face, and today another one's popped up on my shoulder that is itching me to death!!!

 

I know it's only one hive, but it's driving me absolutely crazy.  I've put the antihistamine gel on it, taken my oral meds, but it just won't stop.  It's even more annoying considering I shouldn't even have been able to get a hive based on my exposure. It's just not fair!!!!

 

(OK, I'm done with my whine now)

You're right- it's not fair! What more could you have done? Maybe they are not from the sun at all. I have been getting hives on my face lately, at work is when I notice it. Nothing stressful has been going on so I don't think it's that. 2 months before my onset I had a sudden BAD outbreak of hives at my nephew's wedding reception. I had not eaten anything I hadn't eaten before so it wasn't a food allergy.  Maybe they are RA related?Have you tried hydrocortisone cream?  Make sure to get the full-strength 1% cream.  Works wonders! [QUOTE=JasmineRain]Have you tried hydrocortisone cream?  Make sure to get the full-strength 1% cream.  Works wonders! [/QUOTE] I too use the 1% on itches and it works well.  LOMG, I get those "sun hives" also. I have some Atarax 25mg that I use and it's wonderful. Got to love living through chemistry.....LOLAveeno has an anti-itch cream that helps a little. I have been allergic to the cold since I was 5 years old. Anytime I gt cold (getting out of shower, holding a cold drink, popcicles, cool breezes, living in Canada!) I get hives. I mean head to toe, thousands of hives. In really cold weather I can even get them really bad in my throat and it starts to close. HIVES SUCK! Just another way inflammation presents itself I guess....
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