Hellobee Boards

@JennyLayneAZ: This sounds a lot like my experience with hives/allergies. I didn't have any until at least 5 yrs (amoxicillin also, very severe hives) and then as a teenager I started to have hives reactions to tons of other types of antibiotics. I also have environmental allergies to grasses, pollen, and react severely to insect bites/stings. Additionally as an adult I've developed hives due to temperature swings (usually cold), vibration, and other physical irritations to my skin. Fun!

@JennyPenny: Yes, they're all the same family of fruits so while it's not guaranteed that if you're reactive to one you're reactive to all but it's possible. I don't know if there would be a delay overnight with the applesauce and an AM reaction, but it's not impossible. Sometimes reactions are immediate and sometimes it takes the body some time to begin processing the allergen before the reaction starts. For example, when we were figuring out my antibiotics allergies it was always after the first several days of taking medication that the reaction started but then it came full-force.
ETA: quick googling shows there is at least potential for strawberries and grapes to be cross-reactive as well. (https://www.livestrong.com/article/368207-list-of-foods-to-avoid-with-a-strawberry-allergy/)

I'm glad you have an appt. with an allergist - there are so many ways allergies can manifest and develop that it can be incredibly difficult to pinpoint the sources sometimes. Hope your little guy stays comfortable in the meantime!

@JennyPenny: Yes, with the temperature reaction it can happen and go away quickly OR it can last for days/weeks and need strong oral antihistamines to treat. For the last several years I've gotten it on my legs and upper arms for weeks each January/February (when my area of FL gets it's coldest weather). If I go from really hot water washing dishes to cold water this can also happen but it's brief for me.

When I get vibration hives it's usually from running or walking and they show up in my thighs and hands. If I'm using a strong back massager I will get them in my hands and through my forearms. These go away shortly after the activity stops but I get red splotches that itch like crazy!

And I've been the same with mosquito bites for my whole life too - large red, hot welts. Often they will bruise if it's bad enough in certain areas or, I think, with different types of mosquitoes. Extra strength benadryl cream is my friend and I have it with me always.

@lindseykaye: I get the same thing with temperature swings and vibration. My temperature reactions is always in my hands - they swell and turn red and itchy. It usually goes away pretty quickly...within 30 min to an hour. That also happens when I'm shopping too...too many different fragrances or something! I also have to be careful trying on clothes, as I've gotten hives from that as well.

DD and I also get welts from mosquito bites. Not fun at all!

@JennyPenny: my hands look similar, yes. I've never had any issues with my feet in regards to allergic reactions (thankfully). Poor LO!!

My son has various allergies, food (ranging from mild to severe) and also environmental. When it's not a severe, instantaneous reaction, it can unfortunately make it harder to figure out the triggers...

I would definitely keep a food diary of what he eats to share with the allergist, and try to minimize the # of ingredients to make patterns easier to spot.

In terms of environmental, any new detergents, body products, etc that someone in your house started using around the time that this started? Using a free and clear detergent can help. A lot of stuff that's marketed as ideal for sensitive skin - i.e. Dreft - is actually full of fragrances that can cause allergies. Cerave and vanicream are the best for lotion, in terms of being allergen free. Mustela for body wash (not cheap, but kids don't use much of it). These were all things recommended by multiple pediatric dermatologists to us that seem to help... Cotton clothes/socks...Maybe a hepa filter in LOs room or have your hvac filter changed - I know it can fill like grasping for straws, but hopefully it ends up being straightforward for the allergist to figure out

@mrsrain: Sure! At each of their 2-year well checks, my pediatrician basically said to reintroduce with a tiny amount and monitor closely for a reaction. If there was any reaction, to wait 4 months then try again. My youngest was completely over it by 2, but it wasn't until around 3 for my other son. I should stress though, that they both had mild reactions in the first place or I would have waited for the all clear from the skin test. (It sounds pretty similar to your description, but just to clarify - they just had hives where the eggs had touched the skin, that appeared within 5 mins and disappeared within the next half hour, and no respiratory symptoms whatsoever.)

So glad you got to see the specialist and have some direction! My LO has had post-viral rashes but always on her chest/trunk so it didn't even cross my mind - but it makes sense for sure.