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Suggest Treatment For Hives On The Body

Posted on Thu, 23 Feb 2017

Question: I recently was diagnosed with hives, am taking prednisone and need something more for the itching. What can I use? Benefryl, Lanacane or something else?

Answered by Dr. Geeta Sundar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Very often Hives are set off as an allergy to something we eat.

Detailed Answer:
Hi welcome to Health care magic,
Very often Hives are set off as an allergy to something we eat.

I would advise you to taper off your prednisone through a week and take a good acid suppressant like Omeprazole, along with Fexofenadine during day time and Benadryl at night.

It is not a good idea to continue Prednisone. It may lead to fluid and sodium retention and potassium loss leading to swelling, raised blood pressure and cramps.
If you tell me what dose of prednisone you are on I can tell you how to taper it.

Also tell me if your hives are now under control. And if not, send me a picture.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Geeta Sundar (2 hours later)

I am taking 20 mg 2 times a day. I also take metoprolol for palpitations. The welts have diminished but the rashy redness is still here and as it started on my head has slowly moved down my body. This seemed to have been caused by the nitrofurantoin I was taking for a UTI. Can't help scratching. Can't sleep, taking benedryl tonight to sleep. Is there a topical treatment for itching. I have too many side effects from drugs.

They also prescribed Allegra which I somehow didn't get.

Answered by Dr. Geeta Sundar (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You should reduce salt intake as long as you are on prednisone.

Detailed Answer:
Hi, reduce Prednisone to 10mg twice a day for five days, 5 mg twice for five days, 5 mg once a day for five days, and then stop.

You should reduce salt intake as long as you are on prednisone. Also take potassium supplements. Watch out for rise in blood pressure and precipitation of Diabetes if you are older than forty.

Do take Fexofenadine and Omeprazole too (to prevent acidity caused by Prednisone)

Caladryl lotion is good for generalised itching.

Hope you improve soon.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Geeta Sundar (7 hours later)

This morning, starting third day of prednisone. Feel less itchy all over, but have some on lower backside. Must try not to scratch! It seems to stimulate the need for more scratching.
Why are your directions for taking the prednisone so different from the doctor's that I have seen?

Answered by Dr. Geeta Sundar (12 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I guess I believe a lot in prevention.

Detailed Answer:
Hi I guess I believe a lot in prevention.

I am very careful about what and how long I prescribe and its consequences.

I review each prescription very carefully at every follow up of my patients since I was taught that if there are more than four drugs in a prescription, we may be creating a new disease.

Please try and taper the prednisone as per my advise.

Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D