r/phoenix • u/DragonflyKey4972 • 1d ago

Ask Phoenix Serious hives after monsoon

I broke out in major hives (massive welts all over, even around my eyes) after the haboob last night. It started getting better today, then it rained a little tonight and- hives again. I got some rainwater on me last night, but showered this morning. Anyone else getting hives? Dunno if it's the dust that preceded (though I was indoors), or the water, or a coincidence.

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u/jhairehmyah 1d ago

First of all, pet peeve here, the weather was not a “monsoon.” Monsoon is a word to describe seasonal changes in winds that impacts weather patterns, in our case drawing tropical moisture into the desert. The moisture causes thunderstorms and dust storms, including yesterday. The wall of dust is called a haboob.

Yes, the dust does carry fungi and pollen and it could’ve caused a reaction when making contact with it via rain water or via your respiratory system. An illness known as valley fever is caused by a desert fungus in your lungs.

That said, go see a doctor. It is much more likely a coincidence but most allergic reactions like that won’t be figured out and just treated with medicine. Reddit isn’t going to diagnose you. A doctor will.

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u/DR34M_W4RR10R 1d ago

This sub and entire state must drive you crazy then.

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u/jhairehmyah 1d ago

The internet and Reddit too!