Hives?

I recently started itching ALL over and have been getting welts on my hands from different things.
Examples: Last week, I had shrimp pasta and immediately started itching, hands welting, lips swelling, etc. I eat a lot of seafood and shellfish so I didn't think it was the shrimp.
Then recently, I've used a new lotion from LUSH (natural, organic cosmetics) and it caused the welts after 15 minutes.
I also received an Alex and Ani bracelet that as soon as I put it on, my hands are welty and red.
WTF is going on? How did I just develop allergies like that? I spoke to my doctor who said to take Zyrtec and call on Thursday if nothing changes but I really don't want to be on allergy meds for life. I stay far away from meds b/c I'm allergic to pain killers and have always just used natural things to help whatever ailments I've had.

Shouldn't I see an allergist and have blood checked? Has this happened to anyone? Was it figured out?

***Sorry for the long post; I'm just so baffled at what this could be.

Re: Hives?

i suggest you keep a log of when you get the hives. i get hives when i eat certain foods so i eat very limited amounts of them. my dh gets welts when he is around some animals. he takes an allergy medication just when he is around them, so he limits his time with the animals.

Re: Hives?

You should 100% see an allergist and definitely keep a log because it will help narrow it down. My DH used to eat shellfish. Then one day ate a bit of my crab and about 10 hours later blew up like a balloon with huge welts all over his face. Dad ate strawberries his whole like...then boom. You just never know. Now having said that. DD had hives and they came and went. Allergist said 75% you never find the cause. Viruses can cause hives too, as can stress. They can come and for from a first reaction for days. So it could be the shrimp after all. Try to remember everything you ate, or changed.....new soaps, vitamins, cleaners, makeup too.

Also things like chocolate and citrus or histamine enhancers. So if you are having hives stay away from those things as they can make the problem worse.