If itching is torture (it is) than my body is torturing itself.
March 25, 2016 3:51 AM Subscribe
I am itchy all over. And now, from scratching in bed, entirely covered in hives. My body is throbbing and I feel like my brain will snap if I don't scratch the incessant creeping itchiness that is simply everywhere.
YNAMD - but also, my doctor won't be in until Tuesday and I feel this issue isn't worth taking up time in urgent care or emerg.
I'm looking for how to relieve this asap, as well. If you have any suggestions. The best thing I've come up with is running a cold towel over the hives and letting the cool air them. I can't reach all of my entire body!
This is what has changed in my life/diet that could factor in:
1. the Jian Gomeshi acquittal and Judge Horskin's pronouncement made me choke back tears all day, and have a complete emotional breakdown when I got home to my husband (It's been a long week--other factors there. Thankfully, I have a wonderful and supportive husband). Then news broke that Garry Shandling died, and I began crying again--I love Garry Shandling. I've been re-watching the Garry Shandling show lovingly since mid-February. So: emotional and depressive breakdown. It will pass. As I said, it has been a +++stressful week and I have anxiety at the best of times. I'm coping. My last depressive "episode" was around 2 years ago. It lifted with effort.
2. eating a TON of sugar while we watched a mindless, favorite movie to cheer me up. Very sugary candy. like sour patch kids and chocolate covered sour candies. Don't judge me: ITS BEEN A HARD WEEK.
3. A new tea I'd never had before: "Feeling Soothed" tea with Peppermint, Ginger and Fennel (also has lemon grass, lemon peel, lemon balm leaves, roasted chicory root) which I coupled with another bag of Fennel tea that I drink regularly.
The itching started before I went to bed, but I was so exhausted that I fell asleep pretty early and quickly.
I woke up around 4:00 with my body completely covered in incessant itchiness. My face itches. My hands itch. My fingers itch. Oh heavens, my legs and arms are screaming. My body is a Rorschach of puffy, red hives. My eyelids are swollen.
What the hell?
What can I do to alleviate this? I rubbed my legs with coconut oil because it was the closest thing I had.
I've been using a cool wet cloth to calm my skin.
I'm going to play SNES Harvest Moon to distract my brain.
Any other suggestions? How long can this last? How long do I wait to go to a doctor?
I'm looking for how to relieve this asap, as well. If you have any suggestions. The best thing I've come up with is running a cold towel over the hives and letting the cool air them. I can't reach all of my entire body!
This is what has changed in my life/diet that could factor in:
1. the Jian Gomeshi acquittal and Judge Horskin's pronouncement made me choke back tears all day, and have a complete emotional breakdown when I got home to my husband (It's been a long week--other factors there. Thankfully, I have a wonderful and supportive husband). Then news broke that Garry Shandling died, and I began crying again--I love Garry Shandling. I've been re-watching the Garry Shandling show lovingly since mid-February. So: emotional and depressive breakdown. It will pass. As I said, it has been a +++stressful week and I have anxiety at the best of times. I'm coping. My last depressive "episode" was around 2 years ago. It lifted with effort.
2. eating a TON of sugar while we watched a mindless, favorite movie to cheer me up. Very sugary candy. like sour patch kids and chocolate covered sour candies. Don't judge me: ITS BEEN A HARD WEEK.
3. A new tea I'd never had before: "Feeling Soothed" tea with Peppermint, Ginger and Fennel (also has lemon grass, lemon peel, lemon balm leaves, roasted chicory root) which I coupled with another bag of Fennel tea that I drink regularly.
The itching started before I went to bed, but I was so exhausted that I fell asleep pretty early and quickly.
I woke up around 4:00 with my body completely covered in incessant itchiness. My face itches. My hands itch. My fingers itch. Oh heavens, my legs and arms are screaming. My body is a Rorschach of puffy, red hives. My eyelids are swollen.
What the hell?
What can I do to alleviate this? I rubbed my legs with coconut oil because it was the closest thing I had.
I've been using a cool wet cloth to calm my skin.
I'm going to play SNES Harvest Moon to distract my brain.
Any other suggestions? How long can this last? How long do I wait to go to a doctor?
Best answer: If you're covered in hives, go to the ER or Urgent Care. Right now. Don't be brave or think your problem isn't worth bothering medical people over. You are suffering, you need to see a doc.
Good luck.
posted by james33 at 3:56 AM on March 25, 2016 [19 favorites]
Good luck.
posted by james33 at 3:56 AM on March 25, 2016 [19 favorites]
Go to the urgent care. This is totally worthy of urgent care or ER. If your breathing gets even a little bit wonky, seek ER now, do not hesitate.
I would also take some Benadryl, if you have some on hand, but only in addition to heading out for urgent care.
As for cause: sometimes there are mystery hives in your life and there's no clear cause. I'd toss the new tea, just to be on the safe side, especially if it has "natural flavors" or some other catch all in the ingredients list that can hide unexpected ingredients.
posted by pie ninja at 4:05 AM on March 25, 2016 [3 favorites]
I would also take some Benadryl, if you have some on hand, but only in addition to heading out for urgent care.
As for cause: sometimes there are mystery hives in your life and there's no clear cause. I'd toss the new tea, just to be on the safe side, especially if it has "natural flavors" or some other catch all in the ingredients list that can hide unexpected ingredients.
posted by pie ninja at 4:05 AM on March 25, 2016 [3 favorites]
Response by poster: Aw geez. Okay thank you. Urgent care opens in an hour. I'll start to get ready.
posted by Dressed to Kill at 4:09 AM on March 25, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by Dressed to Kill at 4:09 AM on March 25, 2016 [2 favorites]
Do you have anti histamines in the house at all? Take some.
Hot water works better for hives than cold. A bath as hot as you can stand might help. And rather than scratching, try slapping the itches. It still relieves them briefly but won't break the skin.
You should probably see a doctor too, or even a pharmacist.
My guess would be it was something in the tea.
posted by lollusc at 4:11 AM on March 25, 2016 [1 favorite]
Hot water works better for hives than cold. A bath as hot as you can stand might help. And rather than scratching, try slapping the itches. It still relieves them briefly but won't break the skin.
You should probably see a doctor too, or even a pharmacist.
My guess would be it was something in the tea.
posted by lollusc at 4:11 AM on March 25, 2016 [1 favorite]
The first thing you could do if something like this happens again is take a couple of Benadryl. It's safe, will almost certainly reduce your reaction if not eliminate it (might get it down to a bearable level, even if it doesn't cure you) and it's the first thing a doctor is likely to try anyway. It causes drowsiness of course, but if your problem is that the itching is keeping you from sleeping then that might be a side benefit.
Another thing that I find is really good for itchy skin is cortizone cream. I always carry some of that stuff in my first aid kit for rashes and bug bites. It is also pretty safe, though you shiuld 't use it for a chronic condition without a doctor's supervision as in the long term it can cause skin thinning. I wouldn't think twice about using as much as I needed for a day or two though, if I had what you describe.
You can definitely use both of them together. (I don't know of any contraindications, but I'm no doctor so don't take that as gospel.) I've done so myself on multiple occasions, where I or someone in my party has come down with a horrible rash while out in the middle of the woods, days from professional medical care. It's always helped a lot, though your mileage may vary.
The next step up is generally Prednisone, but you need a prescription for that. Personally I'd only go to a doctor if my rash wasn't controlled by a combination of the first two options. You should do whatever you're most comfortable with of course, but that's where I stand.
posted by Anticipation Of A New Lover's Arrival, The at 4:45 AM on March 25, 2016 [5 favorites]
Another thing that I find is really good for itchy skin is cortizone cream. I always carry some of that stuff in my first aid kit for rashes and bug bites. It is also pretty safe, though you shiuld 't use it for a chronic condition without a doctor's supervision as in the long term it can cause skin thinning. I wouldn't think twice about using as much as I needed for a day or two though, if I had what you describe.
You can definitely use both of them together. (I don't know of any contraindications, but I'm no doctor so don't take that as gospel.) I've done so myself on multiple occasions, where I or someone in my party has come down with a horrible rash while out in the middle of the woods, days from professional medical care. It's always helped a lot, though your mileage may vary.
The next step up is generally Prednisone, but you need a prescription for that. Personally I'd only go to a doctor if my rash wasn't controlled by a combination of the first two options. You should do whatever you're most comfortable with of course, but that's where I stand.
posted by Anticipation Of A New Lover's Arrival, The at 4:45 AM on March 25, 2016 [5 favorites]
Go to the hospital. Anaphylaxis sucks. Seriously, you could have a heart attack.
posted by fluffy battle kitten at 5:03 AM on March 25, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by fluffy battle kitten at 5:03 AM on March 25, 2016 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Wow. Ok. I'm in the waiting room. I'm a-skeered!
posted by Dressed to Kill at 5:07 AM on March 25, 2016
posted by Dressed to Kill at 5:07 AM on March 25, 2016
When I had whole body hives in reaction to neosporin as a kid, I spent basically two weeks in an oatmeal bath because my skin couldn't take anything stronger! It was soothing! I also was made to sleep with socks on my hands so I couldn't scratch at night.
posted by ChuraChura at 5:17 AM on March 25, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by ChuraChura at 5:17 AM on March 25, 2016 [1 favorite]
The most likely scenario is that they will examine you, ask a lot of questions about your breathing, and then give you Benadryl. But that examination is important, because they can assess whether you're having breathing issues, etc. that could point to a more serious reaction.
I hope for your sake that they examine you, pronounce you safe but itchy, and give you Benadryl and send you home. (That's what happened when I had a bout of Mystery Hives.) Good luck!
posted by pie ninja at 5:23 AM on March 25, 2016 [3 favorites]
I hope for your sake that they examine you, pronounce you safe but itchy, and give you Benadryl and send you home. (That's what happened when I had a bout of Mystery Hives.) Good luck!
posted by pie ninja at 5:23 AM on March 25, 2016 [3 favorites]
Response by poster: Yup. They're giving me benadryl, Prednisone, zantac and a script for more pills and a cream. He says it can last FIVE DAYS (HAPPY EASTER)
thank you, friends :)
posted by Dressed to Kill at 5:32 AM on March 25, 2016 [17 favorites]
thank you, friends :)
posted by Dressed to Kill at 5:32 AM on March 25, 2016 [17 favorites]
This happened to me last year. No idea of the cause, but a three day course of prednisolone finally got rid of it (it took all three days). Don't be fobbed off with antihistamines, you're well past that already. I'm glad you're at the doctor because it's totally treatable but needs a prescription, so that's the place to be.
Shit like this just happens sometimes. No need for alarm at this point but also no need to suffer, so just get it treated.
posted by shelleycat at 5:32 AM on March 25, 2016 [1 favorite]
Shit like this just happens sometimes. No need for alarm at this point but also no need to suffer, so just get it treated.
posted by shelleycat at 5:32 AM on March 25, 2016 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Be rigorous about taking the pills exactly on time or even a tiny bit sooner (I took them every 11 hours). The reaction will try to come back as the pills wear off, so keep beating it down until it's gone for good. The treatment you've been given is the good stuff, it will get there. But boy does it suck in the meantime.
And actually this happened to me last Easter. I guess the seasons are changing so there are new allergens around.
posted by shelleycat at 5:40 AM on March 25, 2016 [2 favorites]
And actually this happened to me last Easter. I guess the seasons are changing so there are new allergens around.
posted by shelleycat at 5:40 AM on March 25, 2016 [2 favorites]
In your place, I would NOT drink "Feeling Soothed" tea again. Ever.
Feel better soon! Also, when I myself had to go to urgent care for hives all over my body (drug allergy, in my case), the doctor recommended Zyrtec in particular for skin reactions, so I always keep some on hand just in case. It helps with the reaction, but it doesn't have the drowsiness that comes with Benadryl.
posted by a fiendish thingy at 7:36 AM on March 25, 2016
Feel better soon! Also, when I myself had to go to urgent care for hives all over my body (drug allergy, in my case), the doctor recommended Zyrtec in particular for skin reactions, so I always keep some on hand just in case. It helps with the reaction, but it doesn't have the drowsiness that comes with Benadryl.
posted by a fiendish thingy at 7:36 AM on March 25, 2016
Best answer: I am not surprised that they gave you Benadryl + Zantac. Don't skip the Zantac because it's primarily used as an antacid; the way it works is that it binds to a different histamine receptor than Benadryl, so they work in conjunction to stop histamine reactions such as the one you are having right now. In my experience, this combo is given to people with food allergies, and they are probably assuming that something in the tea you ingested is causing this reaction.
tl;dr: take all the meds they gave you, and don't drink that "Feeling Soothed" tea again!
posted by bedhead at 7:51 AM on March 25, 2016 [1 favorite]
tl;dr: take all the meds they gave you, and don't drink that "Feeling Soothed" tea again!
posted by bedhead at 7:51 AM on March 25, 2016 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Ask for xanax or ativan. It will help take the freak out level down a notch.
posted by janey47 at 8:15 AM on March 25, 2016
posted by janey47 at 8:15 AM on March 25, 2016
Best answer: Just wanna say that while anaphylaxis is definitely no joke, I (a non-doctor but the child of doctors and someone who has taken wilderness medical courses up to the WEMT level) saw nothing in the question that indicated that anaphylaxis was what was going on here. Signs of anaphylaxis include tingling in the face and neck l, and difficulty breathing. If you encounter any of those symptoms then it is ambulance time, not just hospital time—but again, this didn't sound like anaphylaxis. This sounded like a really bad skin rash. Impossible to say for sure from the question, but let's not go reading in things that weren't in the question as it was written, especially when they make the difference between "that sounds nasty, consider going to urgent care" and "CALL 911 RIGHT NOW!"
posted by Anticipation Of A New Lover's Arrival, The at 8:51 AM on March 25, 2016 [4 favorites]
posted by Anticipation Of A New Lover's Arrival, The at 8:51 AM on March 25, 2016 [4 favorites]
If the ingredients you list are all that's in that tea, I would not worry about it. Maybe drink your next cup slowly just to be sure, but those are not common allergens at all, they are most likely benign and if anything slightly anti-inflammatory.
posted by clavicle at 9:41 AM on March 25, 2016
posted by clavicle at 9:41 AM on March 25, 2016
Ask for xanax or ativan. It will help take the freak out level down a notch.
Agree. Bringing down your anxiety will help with the itching, for sure. Also, Prednisone can increase anxiety and heart rate, so the benzos will help with that.
posted by radioamy at 9:50 AM on March 25, 2016 [1 favorite]
Agree. Bringing down your anxiety will help with the itching, for sure. Also, Prednisone can increase anxiety and heart rate, so the benzos will help with that.
posted by radioamy at 9:50 AM on March 25, 2016 [1 favorite]
Take stock of all the things you've been eating, and wearing on your skin. This includes anything new in the way of soap,lotions,and clothes washing chemicals. Keep Benadryl, Claritin, or Zyrtec on hand for another episode. I've had two hive episodes. I couldn't tell if they were from food, clothes washing powder, or stress. I have avoided the food/washing powder and stress, eh, well hope it won't get that bad again, lol. I took Benadryl and I was also lucky to have some benzocaine spray in the house that kept the itching numb for a while.
posted by PJMoore at 9:56 AM on March 25, 2016
posted by PJMoore at 9:56 AM on March 25, 2016
Agree with the people who say to ditch the new tea. Herbal doesn't mean safe or even benign.
It is not unheard of to have an allergic reaction to lemongrass or lemon balm. Or a whole host of other herbs that are supposed to be "soothing."
posted by monopas at 10:49 AM on March 25, 2016 [1 favorite]
It is not unheard of to have an allergic reaction to lemongrass or lemon balm. Or a whole host of other herbs that are supposed to be "soothing."
posted by monopas at 10:49 AM on March 25, 2016 [1 favorite]
Word of advice: Prednisone, while wonderful in many ways, can make you act like a horrible, irritable jerk. Warn your loved ones! My husband was taking it for several days recently and we kept having these awful fights, totally out-of-character for us, until he read about the side-effects and realized what was happening. Once he tapered off of it, all was well.
posted by Jemstar at 10:53 AM on March 25, 2016 [3 favorites]
posted by Jemstar at 10:53 AM on March 25, 2016 [3 favorites]
Your reaction could have been caused by food or detergent, but hives (urticaria) can be caused by all kinds of things, including heat and sweat. Another thing to consider while you try to identify the source!
posted by zenzicube at 11:39 AM on March 25, 2016
posted by zenzicube at 11:39 AM on March 25, 2016
I used to share an office with a woman who was intensely allergic to fennel. Fennel allergy is a thing.
posted by workerant at 11:57 AM on March 25, 2016
posted by workerant at 11:57 AM on March 25, 2016
Best answer: I totally agree on any and all prednisone warnings. It's a miracle drug and it is the devil. If, however, you've got a short course of 10 mg or lower, you might not get the horrible side effects.
In another context, someone I know once said, "I knew I was on prednisone when I found myself cleaning the baseboards of my kitchen with a toothbrush at 3 am. And crying." That really sums it up for me.
posted by janey47 at 12:26 PM on March 25, 2016 [1 favorite]
In another context, someone I know once said, "I knew I was on prednisone when I found myself cleaning the baseboards of my kitchen with a toothbrush at 3 am. And crying." That really sums it up for me.
posted by janey47 at 12:26 PM on March 25, 2016 [1 favorite]
I used to break into dozens and dozens of tiny hives seemingly at random. It was painful and unpredicatable and made my life awful. I eventually realized that I had two major triggers: Stress and/or sweat. I started taking a zyrtec every morning and it's been peachy ever since.
Def. go see a doctor- In my case, the dude was like "lol idk- allergies?" and it took some deep Google to get to the Zyrtec thing, but be proactive.
posted by GilloD at 3:32 PM on March 25, 2016
Def. go see a doctor- In my case, the dude was like "lol idk- allergies?" and it took some deep Google to get to the Zyrtec thing, but be proactive.
posted by GilloD at 3:32 PM on March 25, 2016
Response by poster: uuugh Update: It's dawn of day 3 and I'm still super duper itchy. The mornings are the worst. You were right: I definitely have to stay on top of the meds. There is no fooling around.
I'm reeeeeeally hoping this won't last. I get these little panic episodes where I go, "what if this doesn't go away and I'm itchy forever?" and then I have to distract myself.
Haven't noticed any behavioral changes with the prednisone (yet) but your depictions were weirdly specific and I shared them with my husband, just in case. I'm trying to stay away from google for side-effects.
Thank you again.
posted by Dressed to Kill at 2:39 AM on March 27, 2016
I'm reeeeeeally hoping this won't last. I get these little panic episodes where I go, "what if this doesn't go away and I'm itchy forever?" and then I have to distract myself.
Haven't noticed any behavioral changes with the prednisone (yet) but your depictions were weirdly specific and I shared them with my husband, just in case. I'm trying to stay away from google for side-effects.
Thank you again.
posted by Dressed to Kill at 2:39 AM on March 27, 2016
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by mikek at 3:54 AM on March 25, 2016 [8 favorites]