History: Allergies (dust, cats/dogs, anything that grows (plants, molds, etc), some food allergies (pineapple). Have always been on medication, currently been on clarinex for about 3 years now.

This winter I developed hives on my sides that start right under my armpit down to my hips. I stopped using my deodorant for a week and no difference was noted in the hives. I switched my laundry detergent to All free&clear, installed a filter on my shower (to lessen the chlorine in my public water so it wont dry my skin out). Ive stopped drinking diet pop because i thought the aspartame was the problem. No difference. The hives flared up again monday night while i was asleep. I have 2 hepa filters in my room running at full blast and 2 weeks ago I put allergen barriers on my mattress and pillows.

Im going crazy with these hives. Im a guy and Im afraid to go swimming at the gym or whatever because i look like i have some serious illness.

Has anybody found relief with any topical creams? My dr prescribed locoid.

Is there anything im missing that could be causing the hives?? Ive heard that hives are "usually" caused by a food allergy. Is this true?

Should i try to cut dairy from my diet (yikes!)?