[thunderbear]

How do I make them go away? Im in a constant state of anxiousness and nervousness due to my childhood. My old pdoc says Im conditioned to it. Ive tried all kinds of medicarion to treat the symptoms of my anxiety. Benzos, Ssri, all those. But the hives never really went away. Theyve been there for years. Here lately,my anxiety is severe so my hives went frome being a little bit pinkish to being dark red. They wouldnt bother me if they werent between my breasts and up on my chest & throat. I would practically have to wear a turtleneck to cover them. Its summer. I have tried Benadryl cream and it didnt work I guess cause its not an allergic reaction. I just want them to go away.

[lostinbooks]

Have you tried oral Benadryl? I know it's not an allergy, but I think it is still a histamine reaction.

[thunderbear]

Originally Posted by lostinbooks

Have you tried oral Benadryl? I know it's not an allergy, but I think it is still a histamine reaction.

I believe it is too. My uncle, a nurse, told me that constant anxiety & stress causes raised histamine. I take non drowsy Claritin for my seasonal allergies, but its never helpe these hives.

[lostinbooks]

I'm so sorry. I wish I could help.

[IchbinkeinTeufel]

Feel your pain - I'm always anxious, too, and largely if not solely due to my childhood. I don't think I've ever had hives, though; not even quite sure what it is.

[skyerat]

I take chlorpheniramene maleate (aka chlortrimaton). I've taken it for years for recurring "hives". It is very cheap.

Hydroxyzine is what I was prescribed by my allergist for my hives, which sound very much like yours.
He also said that the strongest over the counter is Zyrtec (it is much stronger than Benadryl), which now comes in a generic at stores like Walmart, etc (much cheaper). I have found that works well, too. He said once you start having an allergic reaction, it is very hard to stop it, and things like stress and anxiety can make them worse...sometimes there is no cause for the initial hives that can be discerned. He said he himself had them for about 2 years and never knew why. I had them for 2 years+ after having an allergic reaction to an antibiotic.
I highly recommend the Zyrtec...it didn't make me sleepy, but then no med really does. If you are sensitive, try it when you have nowhere to be. Good luck, I know how they suck and how miserable you are.