Crankin, my hives got to the point when I could feel them coming on. First a burning sensation then the itchiness then the welt. At first it started on a waistband or bra strap region then eventually progressed to my face. I could feel my lip burning then it would swell. The dr. was quite concerned when the hives moved up to my face, but again, there were no answers - nothing in my routine had changed (no new foods, detergents, soaps, etc.). I'd immediately take one Loratadine when I felt the burning sensation and the hives would go away - thank God. I haven't had the facial reaction in over a year now. It's been a good couple of months since experiencing hives on the trunk of my body. I've learned to live with it and keep Loratadine handy just in case.