I woke up in the middle of last night with really bad cramps. This was shortly followed by diarrhoeia and chronic all over my body itching, from my scalp to the soles of my feet but particularly my hands and feet. I was covered in hives and what looked like prickly heat. I couldn't stop shivering. I guessed I was having an allergic reaction to something so took an anti- hystamine. This morning now, I'm fine again. What on earth was it?
I don't remember getting bitten by anything or touching anything unusual. I last ate at about 8pm, and this happened at about 4 am. Would it take so long to react to a food?
Does anyone have any idea?

Sounds like you had a mild allergic reaction to something, but I'm glad you posted this...

In the last couple of months I've been experiencing constant "itching"...I haven't changed my laundry detergent or eating habits, but my back, in particular, itches all the time!

It's driving me nuts!

Oh, BTW, glad you're ok now...take care, Giz

It's very likely you were bit by something in the night. Some pleasant site I visited recently (recommended by somebody on AP) said that on average, we swallow 3 spiders per year while sleeping. Many little creatures have venom in some degree, not just spiders. But since the antihistimine took care of it, I would agree with gizmogram, it was definitely an allergic reaction. Catty

I'd say it's highly unlikely such a generalized reaction would be from a bite. If it's a recurring thing, you need to see your doctor. There are tumors that can produce histamine-like substances.

Firecow: Is it possible you had an allergic reaction to something you ate? Some people get hives from shellfish, but it could have been anything...

Gizmogram: Do you think it might just be dry skin? Have you tried applying a moisturizer regularly?

I've done a bit of reading up after Sid's reply, and came across a query on a health site somewhere(of course my computer then performed an illegal operation and shut down, before I marked the site). The same situation as yourself, itchy back but no change in routine,detergent or diet. The reply mentioned the possibility of it being psychosymatic due to stress, and asked if they had changed jobs recently or moved house or had any other major upheaval. Haven't you just got a new job??? Just a thought......
Maybe Sid can explain better than I can?

Cris5 - all I could think of that was different from usual was some grapefruit juice at dinner. Just seemed like a strong reaction to it. I do hope that's all it was though....

I wonder if it COULD be stress related. I was laid off from my job and although I've loved being home (my garden has never looked better ), my woes over getting back to work MIGHT have been taking a toll. I don't recall this happening before the last 6 months.

I'm starting a new job tomorrow, so maybe once I'm back in the workforce & calm again, It'll go away.

Thanks so much! Giz