*^%@#@!@ hives

[homebird]

If it is hives they are related to the chicken-pox virus. It's like recurring chicken-pox.
[[ like how Polio can return - somewhat different symptoms the 2nd time around, from the 1st symptoms]]

[kvnband]

Just got back from the doc and already feeling better. Got a shot in the butt and a prescription. The shot took the swelling away almost immediately. He suggested that it could be the new carpet at my house that might be causing it (that's the only thing that's changed). So I'm off to fill the prescription and get a carpet cleaner and some gentle laundry detergent.

[homebird]

The carpet - could that be the under-pad & the fumes released from certain synthetics?
Will washing it do any good? - maybe only needs daily vacuuming at first?? New carpets release a lot of fibbers.

[kvnband]

I vacuum daily anyway - I'm a neat freak. Was able to borrow carpet cleaner from a friend so all the furniture has been moved onto the tile and carpet is about to be cleaned. Hopefully by the time my pills are gone, we've fixed whatever is causing it....hopefully.

[Missi]

Oh so glad it wasn't anything more serious! I HATE carpet! I'm all for all tile floors!!

[Ginich]

I have all terrazzo floors in my home. Just a few area rugs. Easy to clean, no dust mites and with my fids & furrbabies no fleas,dander or fur to deal with. Sometimes, I miss having a cushy carpet to walk on but not when its time to clean. Oh yeah, I can wheel the cages to where I want very easily too!

[catschair]

aren't drugs wonderful (not to worry, that is how I make my living {err....I make my living making legal drugs}). Could be something from the new carpet that will just take a few days or weeks to dissipate.

[Buteo]

That was a fairly severe reaction. Unfortunately, if you don't know the exact cause it WILL most likely happen again. I know ya really don't wanna hear this right now, but the second time it will probably be worse. As an allergy sufferer myself, I know a lot of things can trigger an allergic reaction.....
Ya really need to talk to your family Dr. & get them to send you to a skin & allergy specialist.

BTW, oatmeal baths are helpful for itchy skin.

[kvnband]

I'm really hoping that there is something in the carpet triggering it. I'm staying the next couple of nights at a friend's place to see if it clears up - If so, I know it's something in the house.
About oatmeal baths - I've suffered from bad BAD poison ivy every year and I've found that the baths are too diluted for me and don't do much good. Instead, I make a thick gooey paste and put it on for just a bit and it always makes me feel ton better. If it happens again, I will be going to the allergy specialist in town to try to figure out what's causing it.

Crappiest...month...ever
Thanks for the advice guys.

[Ginich]

Kevin, Aloe also makes the itch go away. You might also try an Aloe Detox to get whatever poison is in your system out faster. Go to your local health food store. Also, there is a solarcaine spray with lidocaine which takes the sting out available OTC. Maybe it will go away tomorrow!