Hives due to viral infection

I have been getting hives whenever I get a viral infection (I thought that they were just allergies as well, but GP said its like body is attacking itself) and theyre driving me right up the wall. Does anyone else get these things or is it just my body that decides that its going to break every rule in the book?

[Skee-skee]

I have chronic idiopathic urticaria- so it isn't always allergic! I tend to get it after exercising and sometimes when stressed, I guess you body is 'stressed' by a viral infection so it might be something similar. I think I get it most days but have got used to it now.

I take an antihistamine (neoclarityn) twice a day. This is double the normal dose, it seems the second one doesn't reduce the number of hives just makes them less itchy. I also take rantidine which has anithistamine type properties. Sadly I think the best thing is that after a few years you don't notice them any more! I only tend to notice them itching when coming off a few weeks of high dose steroids now.

Have you asked your GP fo anything to help with them? If they have tried everything you could ask for a referral to a dermatologist. You might find simple things like wearing loose cotton clothing helps as well.

Bryony