My daughter is allergic to something and we can not figure out what it is. We have not changed anything different as far as diet. She has been eating and drinking the same things for months.One food item that is heavy in her diet is Oatmeal mixed with yogurts. She loves that. The only other thing that I did differentky was but a brand new Fabric Softner. I have since then rewashed all clothing. The hives appear and then disapper. It is apparently something that she is coming in contact with, but we can not figure it all out. We are going to make an appointment with Allergist Special, but in the mean time I am in a limbo as to what is causing these terrible hives day in and out.
Has this been going on just for a couple of weeks? A virus can cause hives to come and go and last awhile.
My Mom, is allergic to oatmeal... anything with oats/oatmeal. It is allergenic... and in my Mom causes eczema.
My Mom is also allergic to anything citrus. It give her hives/rash too.
Fabric softener is also very allergenic/toxic.
Hives... yes does indicate allergy... versus a rash. Hives do come and go.
It can be caused by something topical or ingested.
You can give her an antihistimine... like Claritin or Bendaryl.
But depending on how old your child is... you cannot give it to a very young child. Or ask you Doctor.
If it is a systemic allergic reaction... putting topical creams won't solve it because it is in her system... versus, topical reactions, the anti-itch creams can work.
Keep in mind that allergic reactions can occur at anytime, even though a person has been eating a particular food with no previous reactions.
All the best,
Susan
Hi T.,
Hives has a numerous amount of possible stimuli. The fabric softener could be it. Most laundry products are toxic and those that are sensitive show signs like hives, etc. Once a toxin is absorbed in the skin it doesn't necessarily go away so any little thing can set it off again. Viruses can also be dormant and come and go as the immune system goes up and down. Foods should not be a reason for an allergy bout unless it has been processed and there are a lot of chemicals. Is the oatmeal a prepackaged meal or are you making it from scratch? If it's prepackaged the manufacturer could have changed an ingredient in it.
Has she started going to any new places? There are things beginning to bloom. Is there any stress in the home? Even not letting her go to the park can stress a child out if they really want to go....stress can also deplete the immune system so something that didn't cause a reaction before might bother her now.
Our family's allergies went away when we detoxed our home. The things that used to bother us don't any more because we have built our immune systems up to the point that they are able to fight off just about anything...even things we are exposed to outside the house. I know this is aggravating and I'm sure she is terribly uncomfortable but it really is a matter of elimination until you can get to the allergist.
God bless!
M.
Allergies are so hard to figure out. It could also be a specific combination of things. But at least you're paying attention - I am sure the allergist will ask you all these questions at your appointment. At least you'll be able to give a detailed report instead of saying "I don't know."
In the mean time, can you give her something topical for the hives? Ask the Dr. first, but maybe a hydrocortisone cream? You didn't say how old she is - is she too young to take an antihistamine?
Hope it's sorted out soon.
The hardest thing about allergies is they often show way after exposure...especially when it comes to foods. So she could have a reaction long after she ate the meal and others.
Only the doctor will be able to help you pinpoint exactly what it is. Or you could stop the oatmeal and yoghurt for 4 days and see if that helps. It takes 4 days for an ingested allergen to leave the body and you could have a reaction up to 3 days after you ate it!
My 18 month old went through the same exact thing. The first time I saw the hives and her crying I lost my mind! I took her to the ER, I had never seen hives in my life! The doc told me to give her benadryl and sent me home. Just like you, no new foods or anything. Well...lol it was the air.... Pecan trees were pollinating, and I myself had been sneezing like crazy, I never thought for one second that it was seasonal allergies for her because her nose wasn't runny and her eyes weren't watery. As soon as the trees were done, she had no more hives. Now that spring has "sprung" I have been waiting for the hives to come back, but I think maybe she has grown out of that stage (hopefully)
