I used a new face cream and after a couple of days use I broke out in severe hives all over my face. I did not have throat symptoms so I self-treated. It was severe, small itchy bumps all over face and neck and then I scratched them and they oozed and crusted.

Sometimes for my hives, I've been able to calm myself and the swelling has gone away. But it's not a guaranteed process. Many times I cannot. It's clearly stress-related and is sometimes a daily occurrence. Last night I used an Epi-Pen at 10 p.m. then again at 5 a.m. I'm thinking of looking into hypnosis therapy in order to dig deeper. It is extremely frustrating.

I started having severe bouts of hives about 12 years ago. They start with small patches then escalate into "whole body" experiences. First time lasted 9 months until I was able to get enough steroids to stop them. Prednisone keeps them minimal. I have been tested for allergies (none) so antihistamines don't work at all, had blood tests that show nothing. I live a pretty stress-free life, so am looking for answers. It is awful.

I broke out in hives on the tops of my thighs 3 months ago. I took Benadryl and they went away in a day. Within a few days they came back, and have become chronic. The doctor put me on Benadryl and Zyrtec, which helps in the daytime, but they are back in the morning! I've been under a tremendous amount of stress, and show no signs of allergies from tests I've taken. I've changed laundry detergent, discontinued using fabric softener. Nothing has helped. I'm convinced - as is my doctor - that it's all stress related. I just wonder if they'll EVER go away, since they ADD to my stress!!

More than likely it has something to do with stress. I have a air purifier and a humidifier, but it still happens, and it's enough to send me to the hospital.