YOUR HEALTH
Chronic hives-an itch that won't stop
DR. DONOHUE

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I have had crops of hives for the past four months. I just get rid of one crop, and another one appears. It's driving me crazy. The itching is unbearable. I have used calamine lotion and several creams containing cortisone, but nothing works. What brought this on? What stops it? -- R.K.

ANSWER: Chronic hives are hives that last longer than six weeks. Definitely, you merit the designation "chronic." Just about everyone has had one outbreak of hives, but few have to put up with chronic hives. A hive is a central, pale, elevated patch surrounded by a halo of red skin. It looks much like a big mosquito bite, and its itchiness can be monumental.

What brings on a siege of hives? Allergies, thyroid gland problems, rheumatoid arthritis, blood vessel inflammation (vasculitis) and hepatitis B and C are some of the things linked to hive outbreaks. However, in more than 80 percent of people with chronic hives, a definite cause is never found.

You're not going to win the hives battle by yourself. You need a doctor's help. Start with the family doctor. If that doctor feels overwhelmed by the problem, a dermatologist or allergist can tackle it.

If the doctors can't find a cause for your hives, then they most likely will put you on antihistamines. Histamine release produces the hives. In this situation, antihistamines shouldn't be taken on an as-needed basis. They should be taken on schedule. Atarax and Benadryl are two often chosen to start a program. If they make you too sleepy, the newer antihistamines -- Zyrtec, Allegra, Clarinex -- don't do that. The latest antihistamine is Xyzal.

If antihistamines don't bring relief, then combination treatment might. Cimetidine and ranitidine are heartburn medicines. They're also antihistamines, and they can be paired with standard antihistamines for a one-two punch.

Medicines applied directly to the skin rarely work to suppress hives or their itchiness. However, an oatmeal (Aveeno Oatmeal Bath) bath can lessen the itch, at least temporarily.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: For six months I have put up with constant diarrhea and stomach pain. I can't begin to tell you how many tests, scopes and X-rays I have had without an answer. Finally, a doctor took a biopsy of my colon. The answer is collagenous colitis, something quite new to me. I can't find much information on it, and I have searched the Internet. What can you tell me about it? -- H.P.

ANSWER: Colitis indicates that the colon -- the large intestine -- is inflamed. Collagen is a protein found throughout the body. It's the body's support material. With collagenous colitis, colon inflammation and collagen deposition beneath the colon lining are linked. No one knows why this happens. This pairing produces watery diarrhea with abdominal pain.

It was opportune that someone finally did a biopsy. If not, you probably would still be suffering. Sulfasalazine (a sulfa medicine), Lomotil, Pepto-Bismol and budesonide are some of the drugs used to control this illness.

READERS: Many readers have requested information on restless leg syndrome. The booklet on that topic explains it and its treatment in detail. Readers can obtain a copy by writing: Dr. Donohue -- No. 306, Box 536475, Orlando, FL32853-6475. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6 Can. with the recipient's printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery.

Dr. Donohue regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible. Readers may write him or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL32853-6475. Readers may also order health newsletters from www.rbmamall.com. 2006 North America Syndicate Inc. All Rights Reserved