that sounds awful warrior. sorry kiddo. at least this time you don't have to make the rounds of the specialist since you've walked this road before?

I plan to try another allergist... but just read this:

"chronic hives or urticaria can occur with RA. Allergists recognize that chronic hives can be a symptom of RA. In one study, 24% of patients with chronic hives also displayed an autoimmune condition..... Other skin manifestations of RA include chronic hives, or urticaria. Studies have shown that up to 50 percent of all cases of chronic urticaria have a chronic immune component."
https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/skin-issues-associated-ra/

Another website says: "Skin disorders are twice as common in people with RA and other autoimmune disorders. ..Most people don't associate skin conditions with RA, but in fact, the skin is one of the organs commonly affected by this inflammatory, autoimmune disorder, and individuals with RA can be prone to multiple skin disorders." https://health.usnews.com/health-care/patient-advice/articles/2017-06-30/got-a-skin-condition-you-may-have-rheumatoid-arthritis

I am NOT a happy camper. Guess I'll also be seeing my rheumatologist about this dilemma. See if he has any suggestion, though he didn't last time. I cannot take this. It's 5:30 am. I'll try and go back to sleep. Been up since 4:15.

you can't get a break (literally) lately. how did the allergists or dermatologists treat you last time?

Derm did 3 biopsies which showed allergic reaction of unknown source.

Allergist has me on Zantac, Zertec and Benadryl. Don't know if it ever helped or just ran it's course for SIX MONTHS!!

My questions is: If it's caused by RA, why when I'm in remission? Should I add back MTX? Questions I will be asking my Rheummy ASAP.

So, that would suggest your RA is no longer well controlled on current meds and you are in a flare. Hope they don't suggest it was because you were off the biologic while overseas and it is just taking time to get everything back in balance.

I can only imagine how uncomfortable this is. Hope they figure something out.

I thought about that Kim but I've been back on Orencia since March. Seems it would have happened during the month I was off it? Who knows.

Hmmm... are you having any other symptoms? I have heard of people rarely developing Mast Cell Activation Syndrome amongst other complications.

OH KIM -- a million thanks! This may be it!! Have to read more. Thank you!!

It sounds like a very real possibility. I believe both 2 years ago and now it was triggered by a bug bite.


Too bad it's rare and no doctors in my area. Will have to hope my Rheumatologist is willing to help me get testing, but there are no tests that can definitively diagnose it.

I am feeling totally OVERWHELMED having something else to deal with whether it is Mast Cell or "just" chronic hives,

I get this roo and I use cortisone 10 - boil ease, dermaplast and anything with lidocaine in it for temporary relief. It is RA related. Dr says to moisturize more

Thank you! Is the cortisone cream RX or OTC.

Ok, well, totally putting the cart before the horse but... they start out treating it with an H1 blocker, H2 blocker and a mast cell stabilizer. Some people have to move to IVIG for more severe cases. A few people treat it by changing their diet. Several people I know have to eliminate fruits totally because it activates histamines.

I know there is a doctor who specializes in it in Boston. I can't remember where you are exactly. I really hope this isn't what you have though, because it can really make you miserable.

Thanks. The website i was on showed no docs in NY, NJ, DE. Closest was a three hour drive to Maryland. http://tmsforacure.org

I'll keep looking.

Ok. If you decide you want me to go back to my friends and get a name, let me know. There may be one in NY too. Just tell me what you want and I'll see what I can dig up.

cortizone10 is OTC cream - very gentle = also 200mg ibuprofen helps to calm the inflammation from the itching - at least for me