Intermittent Hives Concerns
M22, Height: 5’10, Weight: 170 Greetings, about three to four months back, I began experiencing an intense itchiness on my feet upon waking up one morning. The discomfort persisted throughout the day, worsening as time progressed. To alleviate the sensation, I opted for a hot bath, which provided some relief, albeit temporarily. The following night was troubling; I awoke to find myself drenched in sweat, suffering from mouth sores, and covered in hives on my feet and legs. This episode heightened my concern, especially since I have no known allergies that I'm aware of. Subsequently, I underwent blood tests, and a couple of days later, my clinic informed me of the results: my liver enzyme levels were alarmingly elevated, reaching around 600 when the normal range should be roughly 40, in addition to a deficiency in vitamin D. I then underwent an abdominal ultrasound, which thankfully returned normal results with only a mildly enlarged liver noted. The hives were erratic; one moment they would blanket my arms, legs, and feet, only to vanish an hour later. Notably, they never appeared on my upper body except for my arms, and this unusual skin reaction persisted for approximately two to three weeks. I'm curious to know if anyone else has faced a similar situation or might have insights into what this could be.
Answers (1)
8/26/2025, 8:02:54 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're going through quite a challenging time with these hives, itchiness, and elevated liver enzymes. Your experience is truly concerning, and it’s understandable to feel uncertain about what might be happening. The symptoms you described, alongside the elevated liver enzymes and vitamin D deficiency, suggest that there may be underlying factors that need to be better understood.
Summary of Key Points:
- Symptoms: Recurring hives, intense itching, elevated liver enzymes, and vitamin D deficiency.
- Test Results: Normal ultrasound but mildly enlarged liver and high liver enzyme levels.
Explanation:
Hives, also known as urticaria, can often stem from a variety of triggers such as certain foods, medications, stress, or chronic health issues. The elevated liver enzymes may indicate liver stress or damage, although the normal ultrasound results are reassuring. The vitamin D deficiency needs addressing as well, particularly because it plays a role in immune function.
What you’ve described — the intermittent nature of the hives and associated symptoms — suggests a possible idiopathic urticaria (no identifiable cause), but it’s important to actively manage and monitor your condition.
Next Steps:
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Track Symptoms: Keep a journal of your hives, noting specific triggers (like foods, activities, stress levels) and any accompanying symptoms. This can help identify patterns or triggers.
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Hydration: Ensure you're drinking plenty of water, which can help your skin stay hydrated and may mitigate some symptoms.
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Manage Itchiness: Consider over-the-counter antihistamines, such as cetirizine or loratadine, to help reduce the reaction. Always follow dosing instructions.
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Vitamin D Supplementation: If not contraindicated, follow up with your healthcare provider regarding appropriate vitamin D supplementation. Improving vitamin D levels can have overall health benefits.
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Lifestyle Adjustments: Ensure a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. This will support your overall liver health and may help improve your symptoms.
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Regular Monitoring: Since liver enzyme levels are a concern, follow up with your healthcare provider as directed to routinely check your liver function.
If symptoms worsen or new symptoms arise, such as significant swelling, difficulty breathing, or persistent sores, consider more urgent management. Keeping a close relationship with your healthcare provider is essential for personalized advice moving forward. Let me know if you need more information on any particular aspect.
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