Last year I got hives/urticaria as a result of developing an allergy to Somac. Last year I also learned that I am now allergic to alcoholic beverages and some food colorings. This year a cough expectorant mixture (I had a bacterial chest/throat infection - the first one since 2000).

Today I discovered that consuming Hydralyte (Apple/Blackcurrant) - an electrolyte replacement is another trigger. I could not find all the ingredients listed on the label/box however I suspect it is the colors or flavors. I consumed Hydralyte in 2007 with no ill effects, but that was of course prior to developing allergies in early 2009.

In this picture, taken today - Saturday 6th February 2010 - You can see some of the hives. I have others on my back and elsewhere on my body. You will also see that I have redness above my eyes - as I write this (evening) I have swollen eyelids (hives). All this despite having taken 180mg of antihistamine this morning. (180mg is a powerful dose).

I was taking the Hydralyte due to a bout of gastroenteritis (food poisoning) and have a fever in the picture also.

You will note that I look happy. I don't let things get me down. Real peace and joy is found beyond the realm of the physical.

Last year I got hives/urticaria as a result of developing an allergy to Somac. Last year I also learned that I am now allergic to alcoholic beverages and some food colorings. This year a cough expectorant mixture (I had a bacterial chest/throat infection - the first one since 2000).

Today I discovered that consuming Hydralyte (Apple/Blackcurrant) - an electrolyte replacement is another trigger. I could not find all the ingredients listed on the label/box however I suspect it is the colors or flavors. I consumed Hydralyte in 2007 with no ill effects, but that was of course prior to developing allergies in early 2009.

In this picture, taken today - Saturday 6th February 2010 - You can see some of the hives. I have others on my back and elsewhere on my body. You will also see that I have redness above my eyes - as I write this (evening) I have swollen eyelids (hives). All this despite having taken 180mg of antihistamine this morning. (180mg is a powerful dose).

I was taking the Hydralyte due to a bout of gastroenteritis (food poisoning) and have a fever in the picture also.

You will note that I look happy. I don't let things get me down. Real peace and joy is found beyond the realm of the physical.