FWIW, I experienced stress-related hives when I was in college once. Large welts and insane itching. It happened during mid-terms during one of my most heavily loaded semesters. Just a thought....

Could it be stress? Have you eaten anything different lately? Get a different brand of rice milk? Buy a different detergent? I get hives on occasion but in my case it's always food-related -it happens when I have large amounts of citrus, or (for some reason) non-organic fresh tomatoes.

I really have no had anything different food wise. Haven't been anywhere different environmentally. I did get a new shampoo but I've been using it since last Sunday without issue. No new detergents. I'm not under any amount of stress compared to other times in my life..work is okay, family is okay, etc. Maybe it's all these sleepless nights coming out LOL That's my biggest stress. Who knows...what I do know is THIS BLOWS.

Sorry to hear about the hives...but what's this about a NEW shampoo???? Do tell, please.

Ah, you know... I just can't justify the Sap Moss. I absolutely love that stuff and while I had a supply I was using it only if I was going to wear my hair down. That stuff is gold. Sadly, I just can't justify it. No matter how much money we make, I will never be able to justify spending that much money to clean my hair...so I've been trying their other shampoos praying for a substitute..so far, no go. I tried Shampure - that stuff SUCKS. The new one is the Rosemary & Mint - definitely better but still no Sap Moss.

I went through a period last year where I had hives every day. Big, itchy ones. It lasted a few months. I actually went to a doc, they couldn't figure anything out. I think they were just from stress. ((Julie)) They totally suck. They itch like fucking crazy!

OMG please don't tell me that!!! I have a new crop of my face as of 1/2 hour ago! These are small ones but all over a specific area and it seems to come and go in different areas. Oh the itching is overwhelming. I just took some Benadryl and I really hope that helps me some... I don't know what to do ... I don't feel stressed..haven't had a lot of stress in my life...I'm feeling pretty centered actually.

(((Julie))) I'm sorry you are so itchy. Do you think this could be related to your recent revelations/transitions (for lack of better words) that you've been going through spiritually? Perhaps it's not stress as one might think, but a big mind change.

Have you used any homeopathics? Apis is a general one for hives. Urtica urens is good when the hives are made worse by warmth or exercise, especially if the exercise is particularly strenuous. Bathing my bring on a reaction and you may get relief by laying down. The other remedy my book give is Rhus tox if the hives are brought on by rubbing/scratching or getting wet or persiration.

I hope you are feeling better soon!

Just {{{{{HUGS}}}}} Hope your feeling better soon

i've had hives appear days after exposure - mid 80's - i took a steroid shot and pills. worked great. poor julie....

I know you try to avoid mainstream medicine and with good reason, but mamakat's post reminded me of something. I had a really severe allergic reaction to something last fall - I never did find out what it was, but basically it started out with hives and progressed to my fingers swelling and having difficulty breathing. I went to an urgent care clinic and got a hydrocortisone shot, and I felt better within a couple hours. Obviously you don't want that to be your first resort, but thought I'd LYK so you'd know what you can do if it does get that bad.

The hives came back last night...all down my face and neck so I took some Benadryl (can you believe I was so worried about taking that and having it affect Seren - no change in her at all...she certainly didn't sleep any more than usual).. nayway, it seems to have worked..they are gone today and no more itching. I'm crossing my fingers they stay away.

{{{Julie}}} I hope they stay away.

{{{Julie}}} I get hives every once in a while and it is HORRIBLE! Mine always seem to be stress related, at least I think so.

Hope you're feeling better soon.