Experiencing Widespread Hives Five Days After Lake Swimming
I'm a 34-year-old male, standing at 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 160 pounds. I've been diagnosed with Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease, and I'm currently on a medication regimen that includes CellCept, Plaquenil, Cymbalta, and Celebrex. I don’t have any known allergies. Recently, I spent a weekend camping in a cabin in northern Minnesota, where I brought my own bedding and personal care products. On Saturday, I took a swim in the lake and made sure to shower immediately afterward. Throughout the weekend, I noticed several ticks crawling on my skin, although I didn’t find any that were attached or had bitten me. By Monday, I observed a small itchy area on my hand that gradually expanded until Wednesday. This morning, I awoke to discover that I had developed hives all over my body. I researched potential causes, including swimmer's itch, but the typical symptoms didn’t align with my situation, as I've read that such reactions usually occur within a day of exposure. My diet has remained unchanged, so I’m puzzled as to what could be causing this reaction. Can anyone offer insight or suggestions?
Answers (1)
8/15/2025, 12:21:47 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about the widespread hives you've developed after your recent camping trip, especially considering your medical history. Hives can arise from various triggers, and identifying the cause is essential for managing your symptoms.
Main Points
- Potential triggers could include an allergic reaction, environmental exposure, or even an infection.
- Immediate actions focus on relieving symptoms and monitoring your condition.
Explanation
Hives, also known as urticaria, can appear as raised, itchy welts on the skin and can result from various causes, such as:
- Allergic reactions: You might have been exposed to something new in the environment, like plants, chemicals in the lake, or even food.
- Medication side effects: Although not common, it's possible for medications to interact or cause skin reactions, even if you've been taking them for a while without issue.
- Insect bites: You mentioned seeing ticks; while ticks themselves can cause reactions, even just being in an area with insects can introduce allergens.
Swimmer's itch usually presents differently and typically occurs shortly after swimming, making it less likely the culprit in your case.
Action Steps
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Symptom Relief: Use over-the-counter antihistamines (like loratadine or cetirizine) to help relieve itching and reduce the hives. This can provide symptom relief while you identify the cause.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any additional symptoms (e.g., difficulty breathing, swelling, or fever) which would require immediate attention. Take note of any changes in environment or products that could have contributed.
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Identify Triggers: Reflect on your camping experience—consider any new products, exposure to plants, or foods that may have caused your reaction.
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Cool Compresses: Apply cool compresses to affected areas to soothe itching and help reduce inflammation.
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Follow-up: If the hives persist for more than a week or you develop severe symptoms (like swelling of the face or trouble breathing), it's advisable to seek medical assistance promptly to rule out more serious conditions.
In the meantime, focus on symptom relief and monitoring your condition. You're taking proactive steps, and hopefully, the hives will resolve quickly. Feel free to reach out if you need further details or specific advice.
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