My research into the possible causes of Hives

3 months to go until my wedding, this is how I approached the treatment of my hives.

SO, WHAT CAUSES HIVES AND DO ANY OF THESE THINGS APPLY TO ME?

Phase 1: Know your enemy:

When my hives first appeared I was so desperate that I paid about $35 (Australian) to download information from the internet on a miracle hives cure. Treatment consisted of detox, so just drinking water or juice for 3 days (I failed miserably at this) drinking apple cider vinegar morning and evening, taking supplements including Vitamin D3 and additional immune boosters such as Cats Claw. So loaded up with all of these expensive things I attempted the 'natural' route to no hives. Sadly it didn't work. My urticaria did not improve, although I felt very healthy and virtuous! The report suggested avoiding gluten rich foods such as bread and so on, and anything made with white flour or that was processed. I have tried to do this, however I don't feel that this has had a significant impact on my hives, however it is of course a healthy option.

As this natural approach was not sufficient to impact on my hives, I returned to I researching every single thing that I possibly could about causes and treatments for urticaria.

These are just some of the suggested possible triggers/causes I discovered:

• Physical urticaria: Water, cold, heat, sun, vibration, pressure, sweating and exercise.

There is a lot of information online for those people with phsycial urticaria. My urticaria is worsened with pressure from clothing etc and as such I try to avoid tight fitting clothing and things with seams when I'm having an attack.

• Physical allergies to a known item such as a cleaning product or toiletry eg. latex, pollen, animal dander, new face product etc. If you have an obvious cause then avoidance is the only option!

Virus or illness

Including urinary tract infects, strep throat, viral hepatitis, sinus infection, athletes foot, infection with Helicobacter Pylori, and even a tooth abcess were all in the list I discovered. More serious illnesses such as metabolic diseases, HIV, low or high thyroid function, lupus, rubella, cytomegalovirus, phenylketonuria, vasculitus, liver disease and kidney disease. I suffered from Glandular Fever (also called Epstein Barr or Mono) or something similar (it was never properly diagnosed) but basically a virus before I had my first attack of hives. Thoughout my hives quest I have been tested for a heap of things including having thyroid function tests which were clear,so I have no idea if any of these illnesses are the underlying cause. Generally I am very healthy and have no other symptoms so I suspect not.

• Stress/nerves

There are different schools of thought on whether stress triggers hives or hives cause stress. I personally believe that stress causes my hives. Research states that 'Many people, including some doctors and other health care specialists, believe that stress can cause hives. Stress causes the body to produce more adrenaline and cortisol, leading to a chemical imbalance. Excess hormones produced by this imbalance can lead to an outbreak of hives or exacerbate already existing cases of chronic hives'.

• Allergies to medication

For example, NSAIDS (Non Steroidal Anti Inflamatory Drugs), antibiotics such as penicillin, Ibruprofen, Codeine, Morphine, aspirin. These definitely make my hives worse and so I avoid them, they are not stand alone triggers however.

• Allergies to food and food additives

Shellfish, eggs, milk, nuts, fish, chocolate, cheese, tomatoes, soy products and strawberries are the most common but not applicable to me. Other possible food related causes are as follows:

• Gluten/Wheat allergy
• Yeast allergy
• Eating food with too many salicylates
• Food additives

I believe that some food additives eg aspartame can increase hives so I try to avoid very processed foods, anything that contains sulphites such as alcohol and items containing dried fruit.

So, I have found a handful of aggravators but no real 'cause' so that left me wondering how best to treat my hives. Especially as everyone told me to 'stress less' and 'relax' and that would help. Yes maybe, but anyone who has suffered the depressing, itchy, ugliness that is an attack of hives will understand that is much easier said than done when you are in the throes of panic about whether you will be a red blob on your wedding day!