Hives result from allergic reactions due to literally hundreds of different things. A simple antihistamine can do the trick of bringing down your allergic reaction and help you sooth the condition. Some of the highly recommended drugs for the condition include Claritin or Alavert.
While you take any one of these drugs to find some relief, you can additionally add these simple remedies to your treatment to speed up healing and also to manage the itching better in the future.
Why do I get hives?
Hives can be as small as little ants and it can also be as large as a saucer. Hives are caused by an allergic reaction and this reaction takes the form of itchy red bumps or welts over your skin surface. They result from your body cells releasing a chemical substance called histamine. This chemical makes your blood vessels to leak fluid into the innermost layers of your skin.
While there is no clear explanation as to why some people develop hives and others do not. However, hives can be caused due to many things and these include anything that is known to cause allergic reactions in people. Honestly, the list is pretty huge that you can literally name anything that you know of to induce allergic reaction and it can potentially trigger hives as well.
If you are having a hard time dealing with the condition, do not worry. Try these really simple and easy remedies recommended by Doctors around the world while you treat the condition with prescribed drugs to get rid of the condition quickly.
Take a cool bath
Unless otherwise your hives are triggered due to cold, which is a rare happening. Try to take bath in cool water possibly two times a day. Cool water will shrink down your blood vessels and blocks out the release of histamine.
If you do not have time for bath, then try to apply cold compress to the affected areas. It should do the trick as well.
Dab some Calamine lotion or witch hazel
Calamine lotion or witch hazel will shirk down the blood vessels and reduce the histamine leakage.
Dab some calamine lotion or witch hazel to the affected areas before going to bed and take bath in cool water in the morning.
Apply milk of magnesia or Pepto-Bismol
Both milk of magnesia and Pepto-Bismol are alkaline in nature and they help to relieve itching and helps to sleep better at night.
Apply any one of the above before going to bed to the welts and leave it on overnight. Take bath in cool water in the morning.
Baking soda paste
In a little cup add enough baking soda and to it add a little water, just enough to make it into a paste. Apply this paste to the affected areas.
This will help to relieve itching and irritation caused by the condition.
Cream of Tartar
If you have some cream of tartar lying around in your kitchen, then it might be all you need to get relief from hives.
Add enough water to it and make it into a fine paste. Apply this paste over the welts before going to sleep at night.
Hydrocortisone cream
If you are dealing with a smaller breakout of hives and want temporary relief from itching and irritation caused by it, then use over the counter hydrocortisone cream.
Follow the directions on the label for application.
Apple cider vinegar or any kind of vinegar
Though I recommend using apple cider vinegar, you can use any kind of vinegar for this remedy.
Take one teaspoon of vinegar and mix it with 1 tablespoon of lukewarm water.
Apply this mixture over the affected areas using a cotton ball or a clean cloth.
This will help to soothe the itching and irritation.
Chinese Folk Remedy
This simple Chinese folk remedy is claimed to do the trick for many.
You will need 2 ounces brown sugar, 1 ounce freshly grated ginger, and 6 ounces of vinegar.
Boil all the above ingredients for several minutes.
Mix the resulting liquid from the above process in warm or lukewarm water and apply this mixture over the affected areas several times a day.
An alternative to antihistamines
If you are not comfortable with using antihistamines to treat the condition then herbalists recommend using nettle as a potential alternative.
You can take up to six 400mg of capsules a day to get the much-needed relief.
Fish oil capsule
Fish oil capsules contain essential fatty acids that have anti-inflammatory properties. This helps to bring down the allergic reaction faster and aids speedy healing from hives.
You can take up to 1000 milligrams of capsule three times a day.
Try Vitamin -C
Many studies have proven that Vitamin-C has similar effects to that of antihistamines.
Doctors recommend taking no more than 1000 milligrams of Vitamin-C three times a day.
Keep a check on your stress levels
Stress and anxiety can make your condition worse. If you are going through mental issues and have to deal with high levels of stress then try to calm yourself up. Meditation, Yoga, and other relaxation techniques can do the trick.
You can sip on some chamomile or catnip tea regularly to soothe your stress and therefore your hives. Both of these herbs are known for their sedative effect.
When to call your Doctor?
Although hives can make you feel a bit uncomfortable, they are usually harmless and goes away within hours of its occurrence. However, some hives may take a few days to heal, so you need to have little patience.
You will need to take emergency help if you develop hives around your eyes, mouth, or have difficulty in breathing, and dizziness. These symptoms can raise the flag for a condition called anaphylaxis, which makes your internal tissues to swell and can cause blocks in breathing passages. Not to mention anaphylaxis can sometimes be life-threatening.
If you are prone to hives then try to ask your Doctor if you would need to carry a rapid-injection form of epinephrine. Which is used to treat anaphylaxis at times of emergency
Some forms of chronic hives do not respond to home remedies or milder treatments. They may need prescribed oral steroids from your physician.
