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Suggest Oral Medicines For Hives All Over Body

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Posted on Wed, 28 May 2014
Question: Training for a half marathon, running in the sun, I broke out in to hives on my stomach, chest, back and face. My face was swollen for 2 days. I was very itchy and red. I took benadryl and used oatmeal soap. It has now been almost 2 weeks and hives have gone away but now everywhere I had them including my scalp are peeling and itchy. Is there anything I can do for relief or take? Is this normal? I need to train outside and now I am scared to run in the sun. May be stress related pushing myself to run. I am a 31yr old female.
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Answered by Dr. Karl Logan (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Photoallergy / photodermatitis

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for you question. Sorry to hear about your problem.

There is nothing you can now take orally for your skin problem following your hives but topical moisturizers will likely help you current skin condition.

Breaking out in hives as you did is not a response to stress. It is an allergic response to something you have ingested or put on your skin possibly in combination with sunlight.

Many medications and conditions can cause sun sensitivity, including:

Sulfa used in some drugs, among them some antibiotics, diuretics, COX-2 inhibitors, and diabetes drugs.
Psoralens, coal tars, photo-active dyes (eosin, acridine orange)
Musk ambrette, methylcoumarin, lemon oil (may be present in fragrances)
PABA (found in sunscreens)
Oxybenzone (UVA and UVB chemical blocker also in sunscreens)
Salicylanilide (found in industrial cleaners)
St John's Wort, used to treat clinical depression
Hexachlorophene (found in some ℞ antibacterial soaps)
Contact with XXXXXXX from Giant Hogweed. Common Rue (Ruta graveolins) is another phototoxic plant commonly found in gardens
Tetracycline antibiotics (e.g., tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline)
Benzoyl peroxide
Retinoids (e.g., isotretinoin)
NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen sodium)
Fluoroquinolone antibiotic: Sparfloxacin in 2% of cases
Amiodarone, used to treat atrial fibrillation
Pellagra
Photodermatitis can also be caused by plants. This is called phytophotodermatitis.

Prevention includes avoiding exposure to the sun and wearing sun block on the affected area.

Cover up: wear long sleeves, slacks, and a wide-brimmed hat whenever harsh exposure is probable
Avoid chemicals that may trigger a reaction
Wear sunscreen at least factor 30 with a high UVA protection level
Wear gloves and/or remain indoors after handling fruits or plants which increase sensitivity to light

I hope this answers you question.

Best wishes
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Karl Logan

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 705 Questions

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Suggest Oral Medicines For Hives All Over Body

Brief Answer: Photoallergy / photodermatitis Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for you question. Sorry to hear about your problem. There is nothing you can now take orally for your skin problem following your hives but topical moisturizers will likely help you current skin condition. Breaking out in hives as you did is not a response to stress. It is an allergic response to something you have ingested or put on your skin possibly in combination with sunlight. Many medications and conditions can cause sun sensitivity, including: Sulfa used in some drugs, among them some antibiotics, diuretics, COX-2 inhibitors, and diabetes drugs. Psoralens, coal tars, photo-active dyes (eosin, acridine orange) Musk ambrette, methylcoumarin, lemon oil (may be present in fragrances) PABA (found in sunscreens) Oxybenzone (UVA and UVB chemical blocker also in sunscreens) Salicylanilide (found in industrial cleaners) St John's Wort, used to treat clinical depression Hexachlorophene (found in some ℞ antibacterial soaps) Contact with XXXXXXX from Giant Hogweed. Common Rue (Ruta graveolins) is another phototoxic plant commonly found in gardens Tetracycline antibiotics (e.g., tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline) Benzoyl peroxide Retinoids (e.g., isotretinoin) NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen sodium) Fluoroquinolone antibiotic: Sparfloxacin in 2% of cases Amiodarone, used to treat atrial fibrillation Pellagra Photodermatitis can also be caused by plants. This is called phytophotodermatitis. Prevention includes avoiding exposure to the sun and wearing sun block on the affected area. Cover up: wear long sleeves, slacks, and a wide-brimmed hat whenever harsh exposure is probable Avoid chemicals that may trigger a reaction Wear sunscreen at least factor 30 with a high UVA protection level Wear gloves and/or remain indoors after handling fruits or plants which increase sensitivity to light I hope this answers you question. Best wishes