I also have chronic gingivitis (gum inflammation) My saliva and urine cortisol are wicked low, but in blood is actually higher than the upper limit. These results are consistent over a period of three years. I think blood cortisol sucks and does not show the true state of your adrenals, which would need free cortisol tested. Whatever I have high, is not FREE cortisol.
These hives are driven by sweat. Maybe related to histamine. It is horrible.