My hands, fingers, forearms itch like crazy all night long. I have hives all over my arms, shoulders, waist, chest. They come and go so quickly at times. The hives and itchy skin aren’t related, according to my allergist. I’ve been taking 20mg of Claritin AND 20mg of Zyrtec every day and they helped for a while but my symptoms are back again. Doctor prescribed a medication called doxepin and wants me to take two capsules at bedtime and stay on the Zyrtec but stop taking Claritin. I’m not… read more

I have a severe tree nut allergy, and I tried the challenge approach in the allergist's office. After 5 hours I ingested one whole almond, but because I did not show any symptoms in the office he told me I could eat almonds (ha, ha). I didn't have a reaction until 2 hours later. My tongue began swelling. Needless to say, I stay away from all tree nuts!