General Chat

A homeopathic remedy that may be helpful is Urtica Urens. I found it brilliant when my daughter had an attack of Urticaria, and we didn't need to use the medication prescribed by the doctor. Best of luck to all sufferers. Brenda.

Hi Dilys, I can sympathise. 3 years ago, I was going through a huge amount of stress and my body just erupted! I had urticaria, huge hives, constant itching, and my face would swell up to football sized--it was a miserable time, and embarrassing as I looked hideous. A friend of mine is going through the same thing now--I think the hot weather is a contributory factor. Anyway, I was treated with mizollen which did help, but a dietician sorted the problem. It turned out I was allergic (or had developed a sensitivity to) aspirin. Little did I know that aspirin is in all sorts of foods--strawberries and lots of other fruits, nuts, booze, lots of veg, food colourings, etc. She put me on a very restrictive diet for 3 weeks--I basically lived on jacket potatoes! After this, I slowly re-introduced foods until I had a more balanced diet but was careful to note any response due to the 'aspirin' foods. It seemed to kick start my system, and I've been fine since. I can now eat most of the 'banned' foods (not nuts) as long as i don't go mad. I think today's foods are so over-processed that we can develop hyper-sensitivity. It has made me much more aware of what I put in my mouth, especially after I had an attack of anaphylaxis on the M1 after eating Jelly Babies! I almost died as a toddler from eating peanuts, so I am well aware of the risks. It might be worth you trying a very bland diet for a bit to see if that helps, or you could ask for a refferal to a dietician from your GP. Another common trigger, apart from strawberries and nuts is tomatoes. I still now find that stress can cause a reaction to something I'm normally fine with, so it would be worth you looking at that as a possible trigger. Good luck. I hope you feel better soon! Sal

No helpful suggesstions - just a sympathetic word and hope someone else comes up with something to help you. My cousin suffered through eating fish and strawberries - Doctor just said don't eat them!!

I have urticaria, have had it since March this year, it is horrible, i get mine at night at 1am (always the same time). Went to Addenbrooks Hospital tuesday just gone, for allergy tests. I am not allergic to anything and have been told that its just something that I have to put up with. I was taking Citirizine but the hosspital have told me to stop as I will never know when it goes. I now have Benedryl Allergy (given to me by the hospital) next to my bed incase I wake up all lumpy, then I can take one and the itching will stop within 15 mins. I have been told its the itching that causes the lumps, but when I am asleep I dont know I am itching so when I wake up its too late. The hospital have said it will go over time but no-one knows when!!!!

I have just read all your suggestions for treating Psoriasis. Is anyone suffering with chronic Urticaria? I have had it 4 years and so fed up with it (aggravated by heat) and living on antihystemenes. I slowly got off steroids (which gave some relief) as I was worried about the long term side effects. Any fellow sufferers? I send my deepest sympathy......... Dilys