Replied by Rsw (Uniontown, Oh) on 12/21/2011
I have had the hive problem due to anxiety for almost 50 years. I am better now, but any severe stress can bring them out, usually when I go to sleep. First my fingers and feet swell, and it feels like I am walking on rocks and can't bend my fingers much. It can get a lot worse from there. Lips, ears and huge raised welts. I use benadryl immediately, 50 mg. And submerge myself in a cool bath with a lot of blue liquid starch for the itch. I imagine Xanax would help but I was always given Benadryl, either an injection or pills. Sometimes I just fill the sink with cold water and starch and soak them at night so I can get to sleep. It usually takes a week or so until they go, but I have had times when I think I'm OK and go out, only to have my lip or ears swell, not my favorite. Good luck!Replied by Bonniem (Riverside, Cal., United States) on 12/22/2011
My son has hive attacks that seem to be caused by being around dogs and cats. Zyrtec is the only thing that seems to help him.
Also if you are a woman have you tried "Lydia Pinkham tablets"? I can assure you that this old remedy is great for anxiety and nerves! They are vitamins but you must take them religiously for about 2 weeks and continue taking them. Lydia Pinkham tablets stopped my anxiety and nerves.
You can order them from your pharmacy or on line. Hope this helps.
Replied by Coco (Teaneck, Nj) on 12/22/2011
Thanks so-o much--it is always a relief to know I am not the only one. Please can you advise what starch are you using for the bath and in what concentration?Thanks again for your help.Replied by Debbie (Melbourne, Australia ) on 12/22/2011
May I suggest supplementing with magnesium for your anxiety. A magnesium deficiency will cause panic attacks/anxiety amongst other things. I am not sure but maybe it is also related to your hives?
You could also have baths with magnesium chloride in the water. You could also make magnesium oil (50/50 magnesium chloride and water) and spray on your body. Having it in the bath water and spraying it on your body is a quicker way to get it into the body via the skin. Magnesiumforlife. com is a great website for info.
Replied by Rsw (Uniontown, Oh) on 12/22/2011
I just bought the blue colored liquid starch from the laundry department. I was told to put enough in until the water felt starchy. Sorry, I know this is not much help, but you might use a half a bottle in a low water bath. The starch is inexpensive. If you put cold water in a sink, you only need a cup or so of starch and you can put your hands or feet in until they feel better. I usually just let them air dry.
I also recently read that drinking more water can be helpful.
Replied by Amy (Dekalb, Il) on 06/12/2017
I know this is an old post, but I thought I'd reply anyway in case anyone else is looking through these old posts looking for answers. If the hives are caused by stress/anxiety instead of treating the hives, try treating the stress/anxiety. Look up alternate nostril breathing. It is a breathing practice from yoga that really helps to calm the body/mind. It is simple and useful.
