Hives? Lip Swelling/Itchy "Bites"..etc... HELP!

[popps]

In the past month or so, this all came on..

I first thought I was being eaten alive by bugs at night, and that still may be. But, I've been waking with what look like spider and mosquito bites all over my body. Big welts on my hips (4 different times, right along the pantsline in the front)

I've also had 4 swollen lips. Two in the top left corner and one in the bottom left and right. It looks like someone punched me in the mouth. It lasts about 24 hours, or less.

It's become more frequent. I've never really had any allergies, so I have no idea what this is.

I looked at pictures of hives, and it doesn't look quite like what I have. Mine look like bites, very specific. Mosquito bites and the welts look like spider bites. ALL of the symptoms appear the worst in the morning.

I've thrown out my bed, and even went to stay with a friend for a few days.... washed everything I own. The bite (if they are even bites) seemed to get better but I still woke up with a really fat lip.

I eat a very strict diet and don't waver from it. I could have developed an allergy, I suppose... but if it was a food allergy, it seems that I'd show effects soon after eating, and I never do.

I've seen a few people with similar stories on this board, but the posts were outdated. I'm really hoping that someone will read this who has had some success in figuring out what it is. I'll be going to the doctor this week, of course... but 99% of the time, that yields no results. (Same thing the other posters here said about it)

Also, even if someone has any idea how to treat the lip swelling so I don't look like a freak at work, that would be much appreciated!

Thanks in advance for any help!

[ditsmom]

Sounds familiar!!! I started getting hives in February 2003. They lasted a year! My allergist figured out which combination of medications worked for me. Zyrtec, Singulair, Zantac, Brethine and hydroxyzine for the "flares". They are under control now and I keep taking the meds. I hope to start the weaning process soon. Your case sounds like mine was... I would wake up with the red, itchy spots, sometimes welts. Mostly on my legs, arms and back area. My face (lips, eyes mostly...) would be swollen alot too... Daily I'd have welts around my waist where my jeans waistband went, and around where my brastrap was. I was miserable!!!! benedry helped alot too... even if the redness did'nt go away, it would provide some relief. I was a miserable year, but thank goodness it's better now. I hope you can find a doctor to help you. My doctor diagnosed it as: Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria and Angioedema. Take Care!!

[Dave64]

Personally, I would set up an appointment with a quality allergist as soon as possible! I just recently had an allergic reaction to fish oil capsules. I went to the ER with rashes everywhere. My face and lips became swollen and numb. MY blood pressure dropped all the way to 75 over 39. I almost passed out. Very scary stuff. No more fish oil capsules for the rest of my life! Please be careful and proactive! God bless! Dave

[caaber01]

I am having symptoms almost EXACTLY as you are. If I take Zyrtec, then I have no symptoms. However, my husband and I want to conceive a second child and I cannot be on the meds then. I'm curious to find out if you have been diagnosed or found any sourse of the problem??!

[jojo25]

Sorry, but my only suggestion is not to touch your lips and try not open them wide I have a similiar problem I have had this for about 6 years now with no diagnosis yet. All of a sudden my lips come on with little bumps then by the second day my lips itch and burn and it feels as though they were sunburn for this I have tried everything the only thing the works is to leave them alone try not to get food on them and not opening my mouth wide it sounds werid but it has worked for me I also get these hives on my hands. DON't know why?