Hives - what could be causing them

[tacal]

Hi all,

Are hives that look like insect bites ever not insect bites and an allergic reaction?

I have had 6 or 7 times in the past 7 months where I have had very large very itchy hives somewhere on the right side of my body. It has only been 2 or 4 hives but they are huge. Pharmacist and doctor say they look like insect bites. Pest control have checked my bedroom for bedbugs and say it is definitely not bedbugs.

The first time it happened was just after I had met my mums new puppy could there be a connection? I have some sort of rash this morning which I think may turn into hives. They usually take a day to come out after the skin is red and itchy. I haven't seen my mums puppy for 6 days.

I would be grateful for any suggestions you may have. Could it be food related?

I have these 2 so will be watching with intrest

I can see the hives now on my arm. There is a big red swollen bit on my arm and three hives within the swollen bit. Also the tip of one of my fingers is red and sore. I would love to know what is causing it but don't know how I find out.

pharmacist says I have a bacterial infection because the red around the hives is growing. So I am seeing a doctor later. Pharmacist says it does not look like an allergy rash.