My Life in Hives: How a Recent Outbreak Taught Me to Love My Body by Brittany Moffatt


My Life in Hives: How a Recent Outbreak Taught Me to Love My Body

Hives are transient and fleeting beings. They pop up in one section only to disappear in an hour, then return to another site full of itching and burning fire. I have a severe allergy to sulfa drugs. Luckily, I had managed to escape its grasp for 90 percent of my life.

I barely remember when I was 5 years old and had a rash that covered my back. Twenty-seven years later, as I drifted in and out of consciousness looking at my blistered, aching body in the mirror, did I remember the antibiotics I had started taking and realized what was happening.

I spent most of my 20s hating my thighs, hips and whatever else some marketing campaigns told me to despise. What I learned this week with this attack gave me such great insight as to what is truly valuable about our bodies – love! The ability to love.

In that bathroom, terrified, alone, on fire, I just wanted to touch my babies without wanting to cut my hands off. I wanted to kiss my husband and hug my parents and friends. I didn’t want bigger boobs, skinnier thighs or a tiny waste. Those things are as momentary as the hives.

A beautiful friend with breast cancer once talked eloquently about always finding a silver lining. She was right. There it was. The truth about our purpose in life was our love. Our purpose is to see past our pain and spread and give love and light.

If you can hug, be happy. If you can love, you are free! Go boldly into your life and enjoy.

The content on 30Seconds.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice. The information on this site should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, and is not a substitute for professional care. Always consult your personal healthcare provider. The opinions or views expressed on 30Seconds.com do not necessarily represent those of 30Seconds or any of its employees, corporate partners or affiliates.

Take 30 seconds and join the 30Seconds community. Inspire and be inspired.

The First Year As a First-Time Parent: Living on Coffee, Cold Medicine & a Prayer

Why We Hide: 4 Things I've Learned From My Unconventional Path in Life

Hugh Hefner Will Always Haunt Me: Stop Judging Others Based on Societal Stigmas

​Hey Trump: The American Promise to Its Immigrants Is Hope, Not Hate (Norway Is a “Shithole," Too)

Elisa Schmitz
Oh my goodness, Brittany Moffatt ! I am so sorry for what you went through with the hives. I have had them before, but never as bad as this. It looks so painful. I hope they have cleared up and you're feeling better. I love the takeaways here. You are so so right. Love our bodies, love ourselves. Life is too short not to!
Brittany Moffatt
Thanks, Elisa. The hives are gone!!! Thank goodness. I have lingered effects, but compared to before. No complaints. Thank you for your concern and allowing me to tell my story. Bless you.
Ann Marie Patitucci
I'm so glad the hives are gone now, Brittany Moffatt ! Thanks for sharing your story with us and the important message about loving our bodies! Your voice is important!

join discussion

Please login to comment.

recommended tips

Mental Health Awareness Month: 8 Mental Health Tips From the Experts

What Does Happy Look Like? 8 Characteristics of Happy, Prosperous People

Mental Health Stigma: Are You Part of the Problem & Misunderstanding of Mental Illness?

Spring Into Well-being: 15 Inspirational Tips for a Healthier You