Hives and reducing pred

[Tonkinca]

I’ve had terrible itchy hives on my arms, back, chest and neck for weeks now which is just not getting any better, it started from heat rash whilst on holiday in the summer. I’ve had a small amount of relief from antihistamines (Fexofenadine 180mg) and 2 weeks of Eumovate steroid cream and I’m slathering my skin in Doublebase cream. I’ve read a few past posts where people have experienced hives whilst on lower doses, what I’d like to know is should I persevere with reducing or do I need more prednisolone to knock this on the head? I’m currently on 2mg and on week 4 of a slow reduction to 1.5mg.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

[Kendrew]

Hi Tonkinka,

I experienced severe hives a couple of years ago. I never discovered conclusively the allergen that triggered them but it took two different prescription antihistamines (taken at same time...one am & one pm) plus an increase in my pred dose from around 5mgs (can't remember exactly) up to 30mgs for 10dys, before things began to improve.

I also bathed and moisturised with Dermal500 only, and still take great care with the products I use on my skin. I only use very 'simple' nourishing, moisturising products.

You may need a bigger hit of antihistamines and steroids for a longer period to bring this under control.

It was a good six weeks before my skin looked and felt completely back to normal.

Hope this helps.

[Tonkinca in reply to Kendrew]

Thank you for your reply Kendrew, I will do yet another E consult today!

[SnazzyD]

When people here complain about allergy type symptoms it is usually on low doses. I was no exception, suddenly getting skin reactions, hay fever and food intolerances. Some have got a reaction to foods high in histamine, getting hives until they reduce them. See this.

webmd.com/diet/foods-high-i...

I just assumed that whatever bit of the allergic reaction process the Pred suppresses, might be having a rebound with the removal of the steroid. Mine settled over a number of months.

[Tonkinca in reply to SnazzyD]

Thank you for your reply and the link, time to stop the cheeky vinos me thinks!

[SnazzyD in reply to Tonkinca]

Perhaps make a symptom diary before any drastic cuts! 😉

[Miacaro45 in reply to SnazzyD]

I have been experiencing hives( not many) a couple of times and extreme itchiness under my breasts. I am on 11 mg and have never experienced anything like this before. The dermatologist gave me 2 different kinds of creams which, in order to stop the itch, have been helpful. But, it has been a couple of weeks and I do not see an end it sight. I guess this problem will be with me a lot longer. I am always so appreciative for this website. I have mentioned it to my rheumatologist and neuro-ophthalmologist. Thank you.

[Daffodilia]

I had antihistamine and betnovate from

GP - use aveenocream every day now

[Richmond162]

Hi. I have been suffering with very itchy spots on back, torso and hives on arms. Had biopsy as the itching has been so intense since May. I have Grovers Disease! Never heard of it. As I tried several creams, antibiotics, antihistermines, nothing seemed to work. I am now awaiting appt for blue light therapy. I though it was reduction of steroids, but Consultant said no. Hope you get an answer soon.

[Tonkinca in reply to Richmond162]

Thanks for your reply, never heard of Grover’s disease either! I contacted Dr again yesterday and all I got was a text to say there was a prescription waiting for me for a shower gel! I’ll give it a week and try and insist that I see someone as the itching is driving me mad! Good luck with the Blue light therapy I hope you get some relief 🤞

[jaycee444]

Am suffering from hives at present but only on the front of my neck and upper chest. Wondered if I’d suddenly become allergic to something but cant pinpoint anything particular. Do you think this maybe something to do with me being on a low dose now of Prednisolone (5mg)?

[Tonkinca in reply to jaycee444]

It seems that way with me, I’ve never had hives before or taken antihistamines for anything. I hope you can get on top of it before it flares up in other places like mine has!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to jaycee444]

Several people have had similar experiences - I suspect that many develop an intolerance to something with PMR/GCA and the deranged immune system. I did - allergic to something in the structure of commercial wheat starch!! Once diagnosed with PMR (after 5 years) and put on pred it all improved a lot. It did emerge if I ate too much wheat but sticking to rye, spelt and kamut was fine. Now on Actemra I can eat anything because my immune system is far better suppressed.

[Tonkinca in reply to PMRpro]

How did you find out what it was, is it a long process of elimination? I wonder if skin allergy tests would be worth investigating or just bide my time and hope it burns itself out along with the PMR 🤔

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Tonkinca]

I had cut carbs while at home, immediately removes wheat containing foods. The rash improved - but was always worse when we were in Italy on holiday: pizza and pasta!! I was fine with rye - so wasn't gluten, I went wheat-free and solved the itch. The local coeliac specialist said there was no point going through the agony of testing if I could control it with diet unless I was desperate to get gluten-free food prescribed - in those days it was awful and restricted.