natural anti-histamine? (TTC)

[MichelleW]

HI everyone,
I've checked the first 3 pages for similar threads, but didn't see any, so if it is further back, feel free to guide me!
I am presently in the 2ww ttc. I did a big no-no last night. I used a moisturizer I've never used before! This means that this morning I am having rashes appear on various parts of my body. I know that anti-histamines are good to anti-itch and possibly even bring down the rashes, but I also know when ttc this is not a good thing to injest.
I am wondering if anyone can guide me to some 'not bad for potential fetus' ways of dealing with this. (This rash/hives episode has only happened once before, 3months ago, lasted 1 week & caused an enormous amount of stress on my body. I can try to ignore the rashes/hives but I don't want the stress either!)

TIA!
-Michelle
ps: I will cross-post under ttc

[saratc]

Vitamin C is very good at preventing histamine reactions. It's not an anti-histamine per se but goes around and neutralizes the things that cause histamine reactions. It has helped me with my own seasonal allergies and asthma and has been found in some cases to stop reactions even in people allergic to bee stings. I don't have any sources off the top of my head, but if you do a web search for Vitamin C and allergies, there should be lots of links.

[ColoradoMama]

I don't know how this would work with ttc, but there is homeopathic histamine. I know Boiron has some.

[MichelleW]

Thanks to those who responded! I figured I should post an update...

I am now on day 3 of the allergic reaction/hives, but it is much milder than the last time I reacted. I figure it may well last for the full-week, like last time, but I think that by consuming 2 Vit 'C's a day (1 on the morning with breakfast & 1 when I go to bed -- cause I've found that the itchiest times were in bed & the morning), and putting aloe gel on the hot itchy rash really helps to cool it down & for me to avoid feeling the need to scratch it -- both which also probably keep the rash from getting bigger! Oh, and yes, saying in my cool house and staying fairly inactive (so the blood doesn't rush around and cause more itchies either).

Thanks so much for the ideas!

[wendy1221]

Nettles are natural antihistamines. THey help me a LOT for my seasonal allergies. THey are also full of good nutrients and are recommended for pregnant women for that reason. So they're good! I buy them dried in bulk and make tea, but if I could find them fresh locally, I'd probably try that. Stinging nettles--they're a weed. lol. I've also seen capsules of the dried herb.

[MichelleW]

ah, thanks Wendy -- I'll see what I can find. I am familiar with stinging nettles -- in terms of avoiding them -- so to hunt them out is a whole 'nother matter!

[thejavanut]

natural anti-histamine - if you consider coffee "natural"

When I had childhood asthma, my doctor told me that if I had an asthma attack and didn't have an inhaler nearby, I should drink something with caffeine. Apparently caffeine is an antihistamine. This actually seemed to work for me. More recently, I have been told that taking caffeine with a cold produces extra mucus, but I still use it anyway as it makes me feel much better. I guess this might help if you consider coffee, tea, or chocolate "natural".

[karinasusy]

Quercetin strengthens cell walls so that they don't burst and release histamine. You can get this in any vitamin shop, although I don't know about taking it while pregnant (which I'm assuming ttc means). You will also need to take quite a few of them (I think was taking about 5 capsules per day??).

Also, as someone mentioned, take your Vit C! Also, cod liver oil helps as well (EFAs).

The Quercetin, Vit C and EFA combination was prescribed by my Naturopath.

I also have a homeopathic cream that I use for my eczema, which I got from my ND, which would also help with hives. There are also homeopathic medicines for allergies, but I don't have my book with me to check on those.

You should check with a ND prior to taking anything if you are pregnant, although I'm sure the Vit C and EFAs are safe.

[MichelleW]

Ah, thanks everyone!
It has pretty much cleared up. And TTC is trying-to-conceive.
If for some nasty reason, this happens again, I know what to get my hands on!
Thanks so much!
This 3 day mild-reaction was so much better than the week long nasty one I had in March! Craziness, I tell you!
Anyways, it is the last time I'll be trying a new anything in a long time!

[massia]

difficult rashes

I'll post my story in a few minutes..

[massia]

Ohh, I was having the same problem with the rashes, it was really a bad allergy. I started taking SUDAFED and it helped me, it usually treats nasal decongestion and sinus, and can also cure allergy relief. I took the advice from a pal and bought some online to try. I guess it helped, as it diminished the itching and I let the rashes dry, and then applied a dermatologically approved cream to cover the scars. I'm doing okay now, luckily

[wendy1221]

Sudafed is no longert considered safe during pregnancy. I was told it was absolutely safe when I was pg w/ my 7yo, but I was told it is now known to cause abnormalities when I was pregnant w/ either my 2yo or 10mo old. FYI.

[artemis33]

I also use nettle for allergies. It makes a nice tea when blended with Red Raspberry Leaf. I also use the freeze dried capsules sometimes, and you can get a tincture form as well.

[Cate]

Be careful with the vit C, large dosses of it have been linked to miscarriages. Mind you, these were mega dosses... but still something to be careful of.