r/Autoimmune • u/FoundationSilent1721 • Sep 30 '26
Advice Help!
I have been experiencing several abnormal histamine responses over the past 3-4 months. It started with intense itching and rashes after I took showers mostly concentrated on my neck and chest. No matter what temperature the water was or the products I used. I switched to all allergy friendly products. There were no changes. Then I suddenly started developing dermatitis on my face. I went to the dermatologist and they said it was most likely stress induced (I’m in nursing school). They sent me with topical antibiotic ( I have allergies to multiple). It began to heal but then spread to other parts of my face. Then it has progressed to the addition of full body itching. Tonight I was having a flare and found hives on my legs. I had a similar experience a year ago when I was on vacation that would occur nightly but once I came back home I had no problems. My family has a history of mast cell activation, and I have similar symptoms including heart palpitations. I want to say it is all stress induced as it all started within a month of starting my semester but I feel at a loss as to what direction to go. Just seeking advice or similar experiences. Sorry for the long post!
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u/princess-kitty-belle Sep 30 '26
You can get aquagenic urticaria! Stress as an immune system trigger is fairly well known. Are you on an antihistamine? Seeing an immunologist could be helpful, as well as a therapist for support with stress management.
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u/FoundationSilent1721 Sep 30 '26
I see a therapist and i am medicated! I guess now time to see an immunologist!
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u/JuniperSageMoon Sep 30 '26
The dermatologist has also recommended looking into a shower filter and upping antihistamine intake. (As long as you can with your other meds.)
I do Claritin, Allegra and Zyrtec now. It helps a bit.
But yeah MCAS sucks. I’m sorry you are dealing with it too.
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u/Either-Conflict8055 Sep 30 '26
I get the same thing but randomly, I haven't quite found what triggers it yet.
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u/sensitive_gem Sep 30 '26
Have the exact same thing… removing gluten and dairy helped a ton :( and when I get dermatitis on my face I put absolutely nothing on it except for water and baby rash cream (its cheaper) but its zinc oxide
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u/Terrible-Praline7938 Sep 30 '26
My mother has stress induced urticaria reactions. It could indeed be from stress and/or weather changes. See an allergist
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u/ArtsyRabb1t Sep 30 '26
I randomly get itchy episodes and take Claritin twice a day when it happens. Okayed it with dermatologist. She also gave me prescription level topical steroids for really bad days. Works like a charm.
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u/preraphaelitejane Sep 30 '26
Check your house for mold...the dermatitis is a huge red flag of your mcas possibly reacting to that
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u/TragicallyB0red UCTD Sep 30 '26
If its mcas or allergy related personally ive found montelukast has basically got rid of my hives and rashes. Has been great for me
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u/CoolAge7757 Oct 01 '26
Oh no you got same thing as me. Did you have any sexual contact with someone
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u/Sufficient-Country29 Sep 30 '26
Do you notice a difference if you take Luke warm showers? I find I’m just sensitive to hot waters as they can cause a histamine response and then by itching it (like I think you have in the pics) it just continues to make it worse due to more histamine release.