Hives, Rash, and Benadryl

by Christine
(United States)

I think I may have this hives condition, but I'm not 100% sure yet. I started itching over the weekend, getting what I thought were rashes/hives. For three days now, I've been taking Benadryl to keep the itching at bay. When I got in to work today I started looking online at "hives" and "rashes". I came across the word "dermographia" in one of my searches and started reading up on that. To test myself, I lightly raked a fingernail down my arm. Within minutes it turned red and welted up.

So now I think I'm sure that's what it is, I just don't know why it's happening. The welt lasted about 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours. I also lightly traced my name into my arm with my nail, which now is welted up as well, but was kind of funny to me having welts that say "Chris"!!

I am going to the doctor today and I hope whatever is causing this will go away!