Allergic reaction to -? Want to cry.

[SunflowersSmile]

Had horrible few days with previously 'allergy free seeming' ds getting full body and face hives culminating in steroid prescription for 3 days [emergency GP] and continuing use of piriton.
It is sunday and have to wait til 9pm before I give him piriton. His face is blotching again and he has told me I have scared him because I look so worried.
Dh just told me after googling that I have fed him high histamine meal which will have made things worse. [macaroni cheese and ginger bread man].
Will make GP appointment for tomorrow. Last predisolone 20mg tomorrow morning. Wonder if there is better antihistamine. Wonder if my fault for changing fabric conditioner or was it food? [Fabric conditioner will never be used in this house again].
Must keep eye on him. Probably back much later on.
He is 7.

He has gone to sleep. Waiting for 9pm to give piriton. Just feel so stressed and worried. Don't think getting worse but will look carefully at 9pm.
He really wants to go to school for last week of term as so much on- fingers crossed. Have managed to make doctors appointment for tomorrow.

Hi Sunflowers

Poor you and your poor DS. It's a scary experience watching your child have a reaction, so it's no wonder you're feeling frazzled. :(

Can I ask, how long has this reaction lasted? If he is flaring up everyday, then it could well be a viral induced urticaria. Does the rash stay in one place or does it move around, i.e. is it there one minute and not a few minutes later, reappearing either in the same place or in a different area? If you DS hasn't ever had allergies before, and is suddenly allergic, this could be the cause as it can affect anyone and not just people who suffer from allergies.

There are other non-sedating longer lasting anti-histamines that your GP can prescribe, that are very effective for things like hayfever as well as viral urticaria. Piriton is great in an emergency, but it isn't long lasting and you do have to give it for 24 - 48 hours after a reaction to make sure there isn't a repeat reaction after exposure/ingestion of the allergen.

If it's been going on a few days, then it is unlikely to be an allergy, unless he's coming into contact with it all the time.

It's actually difficult to know sometimes which it is, but when you see your GP ask to be referred to a pediatric allergist who will be able to do the necessary tests to check for the main allergens. Until you see the allergist, try and keep a diary of what he is eating and note any reactions, like hives but also delayed reactions like eczema or anything else that's unusual.

I'm not sure if this is helpful, but at the moment you are doing everything you can. Try not to worry, although I need to listen to that advice myself . I hope your DS is able to go to school for his last week. My DD has loads of allergies and also gets viral urticaria which is a PITA as it looks just like an allergic reaction.

I hope your GP is able to help you tomorrow.
take care.

Thank you so much mumat39. This has been going on since Thursday and yes the rash does move around and has been on occasion very dramatic and scary. I don't think piriton is lasting long enough and I also wonder if the steroid loses affect as you near the next dose. I kind of hope it is a viral thing [though he hasn't been ill] as that will have less long lasting consequences for him.
It has all been a bit of a nasty shock.
I will sleep restlessly tonight as I know the piriton will wear off. Seeing a GP I don't know tomorrow. I have written things down but will probably do their head in by nervously talking at 90 miles an hour!
Thanks again.

Hi again

I remember when my DD first had viral urticaria. I was going mad with worry. I seriously thought she was reacting to the few foods she had been safely eating. Fortunately it was a viral thing. In her case she'd had a pesky cough for a couple of days but nothing that was anything to worry about at the time. About 3-4 weeks later the bloody rash started and I really, nearly had a nervous breakdown as a result.

When you see your GP, definitely ask to be referred to see a pediatric allergist, tell them that the piriton isn't really working for very long and see if they'll prescribe you something more long lasting. My DD has had cetirizine in the past but has NeoClarityn now and that's also what we use for her hayfever. These are prescribed for her. But I think you can get Benadryl for children over the counter if you need something sooner.

If you can, just go in and be calm (though I'm not good at that really) and if you ask for the referral, your GP has to refer you. Also, unfortunately, A&E depts and the 3 GP's we've seen don't seem to be aware of the fact that rashs like the ones DD had can develop. I remember taking my DD to A&E and after a long wait, being told to go home and keep giving her piriton and to speak to her allergist. I remember breaking down saying the piriton isn't working and what should I feed her. They said it was an allergic reaction and that I should keep feeding her until I could speak to the allergist. Honestly I felt SO desperate at that moment. I couldn't spek to the allergist for about a week, so I lay on DD's room floor, on an old cot mattress, and basically didn't sleep. I also found that she was more red and hivey, esp on her face on the side she was sleeping on. I thought it was the heat so made her sleep under a sheet and holey blanket for the week even though it was winter . When I finally spoke to the allergist he said that they get alot of referrals from GP's after children have been to see them or been in A&E with these rashes, convinced they are allergic reactions and he said in most cases they are not. He also said that the pressure on her face was the reason her face was more hivey and red. She also had some lip swelling, and he also said that he had never seen or heard of anyone go into anaphylactic shock (breathing difficulties) as a result of viral urticaria.

Sorry for the long reply, but I think it's good to know that it could be this and not allergies as such. It might be but if the rash is moving around it does really sound like it's this rather than an allergic reaction.

I hope this helps a little and you manage to get some sleep. Take care and I really hope this is what it is. xxx

Thanks again. As you can probably see from the time, I have just checked him. Seems ok [still pink] but didn't go as far as switching the light on this time!
I will mention allergy and hope it isn't a doctor who sighs at my googling.
Back to bed for a couple of hours.
Thanks for your kindness. xxx

I am tired- I mean I will mention virus to the gp as well as allergy...

Just wanted to say that Benadryl (cetirizine) lasts longer than Piriton so you might want to try that. As your DS is 7 he could have the 6+ oral solution.

Thank you freefrommum. Been to doctors and told to carry on with piriton.
After flare ups last night ds 'clear' this morning apart from few spots on trunk and tired eyes maybe a bit puffed. I was surprised. This was before piriton and steroid dose.
Dr thinks maybe steroid sorted it but I am not convinced. Have made an appointment with him on Friday which will obviously be brought forward if needs be.
Going to school again soon for another dose of piriton. Nervous about tomorrow as steroid course finished now. [Doc did say if continues will refer to allergy clinic].
Bit of a shrugged shoulder/ what a mystery appointment.
Nervously keeping close to mobile phone.
School trip tomorrow as well. Fingers crossed ds can go as so looking forward to it.
Thinking about something bland for his tea...
Thanks for being here to talk to both of you.

It is a waiting game. Few red patches on collar bone. Piriton due at 8pm. Steroid finished [3xdays of predisolone 20mg once daily last dose this morning]. Ds fed up with me peering at him anxiously.
I feel for all of you who have so much more to deal with.
I have lost weight in last few days! Going to irritate him again.

Hi again

If your GP thinks the steroids are working then hopefully the Dr is right. Did the GP say what it could be? As your DS has had a flare up for quite a few days, I wonder if you could insist on being referred, as if it is an allergic reaction, you need to know what the problem 'thing' or 'food' might be.

Regarding your DS's school trip, have you spoken to the school about this? Would you be able to give your DS's teacher his piriton to take with them on the school trip so they can give him the next dose at the right time to make sure it keeps it under control.

I'm sorry you didn't get much sleep last night, but I hope manage to get some tonight. I hope you and your DS have a good night and that he's well enough to go on the school trip and that he has a fun day out.

Take care
xxx

Keeping fingers and toes crossed re today. Hardly dare type it but no blotches so far [touch wood, touch wood]. Will continue piriton- including lunch one even if I have to go to trip [not far] and give myself.
I will ask for him to be referred to allergy clinic as on tenterhooks all the time and need to know whats what.
Thanks again.
xxx

No blotches sounds great! Yayy!!! That's such good news.

Hope DS's trip was fun for him and that you he got good weather. We actually had a lovely day today, no rain for the first time in ages.

Good luck with the referral and hope you're managing to get some sleep. xxx

Hi again all you allergy experts,
My ds 7 seems to be ok now- fingers crossed and all that.
BUT my 3 year old did a blotchy thing [very mildly] a couple of times- what is going on??!!
Does this make it more likely to be a virus reaction? Changed soaps/soap powder/ monitoring what they eat. Will be seeing shruggy doctor again soon.
Also piriton- what is the score about liquid piriton on planes? [Long haul flight very soon]. Do we need to relook at our health insurance because of all this?
Thanking you in advance!

Some of my kids have certain allergies.
Are your children on medicines they havent had before.
If you think it might have been the fabric conditioner,have you changed the sheets?
Also keep a list of the foods they are eating at home and away,to try and pinpoint what it might be.
If you are not happy with the GP,can you see a different GP in the practice who would hopefully be more helpful.

Hi again. glad you 7 year old is better. Maybe go to the GP and mention your little one getting blotchy. Also ask the GP to write a note for you to carry with you in case the security people at the airport have an issue with the bottle of piriton. Also phone the airline and let them know that you have to carry it.

I think you are supposed to inform the insurance company but not 100% on this. we have been abroad but only to France and we drove. we didnt have any travel insurance because it had lapsed. You could try the allergy UK helpline for some advice. they're brilliant.

Hope you have a lovely holiday. xxx

Late to this thread but you can bring piriton on board without much fuss, just put it in a clear food bag like any other liquid. And yes you need to tell your insurers, we did for DS' food allergies and they just sent us written confirmation that they are happy to insure us still.

Thank you all.
I will see GP to check whether piriton best option and also for wording of diagnosis for insurance. Should I ask for prescription of 100ml bottle of piriton? Travelling next weekend so need to get a move on with adding issue to insurance.
Have not done 'blotch check' this morning and have stopped piriton... fingers crossed...

Sunflowers, that's a good sign if you've not needed piriton. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. :)

That's an interesting question about the 100ml. Is that the limit for liquids? I haven't flown in years but vaguely remember that. Mango, were you able to just take a regular bottle of piriton or do you have to decant it into a smaller one?

Hi all,
doctor prescribed cetirizine [in 70ml bottle] for flights- just in case. Will have piriton in suit cases. Won't refer to allergy clinic until second incident and thus a history. Told us to get medical attention immediately if second incident as probably will be worse- scary thought.
Have made another appointment [with different GP] on Monday in case we need it. Hope not.
Thanks for your help.

Actually- just realised quite big bottle with 70 mls in!
Oh well.
Going to see if I need to update insurance taken out months ago.
Whole new world for us... keep staring at ds for blotches etc when he eats. "I'm fine!" He shouts crossly.

Hi again,
Do you think it would be better to take full bottle of piriton syrup through airline security or just transfer some to 100ml bottle and label it and take accompanying leaflet to put in their clear bag?
[Have cetirizine prescribed by doctor though he felt piriton better but not able to prescribe in small bottle. Also not used it before].
So far no more hives etc but nervous about it as don't know for sure what cause was.

Hello again

Just a thought. I wonder if it would be possible for you to buy a new bottle of piriton AIr-side, so once you got through the initial security checks. I'm sure I've seen Boots stores in most of the london airports. You could call your airport to find out if there is one and if there is whether they stock Piriton liquid. Someone said up thread that there aren't problems with taking piriton in a clear bag, esp if you also have the prescribed bottle with it. I'm the same as you and would want to take what I know works so I can understand. Personally I would take it in the bottle it comes in as it's clear that way. If you decant it into a another one it may just cause confusion. If it was me I'd want to take both the cetirizine and piriton with me.

I'm not sure if this helps, but you could call the airport and ask their advice.

By the way how is your 3 year old now?

Good luck with this and I'm not sure when you go but I hope you all have an amazing holiday.

Take care
xxx

Thank you mumat39. I think the 3 year old rash might have been something entirely different just to cause panic in me! He seems fine- touch wood and all that.
Will take piriton and cetirizine. Dh can have one and I will take the other through.
All being well we go next weekend.
xxx

Just a quick update to all those who supported me. Back from overseas and all was well. Piriton transferred to little bottles got through security fine. Did not draw attention to them mind and bottle muddled in with deodorant etc.
Still don't really know what caused reaction and when out and about still have piriton in my bag. Not relaxed yet....
Thanks again all and hope there is no second episode or 'I'll be back!'.