Hives (urticaria) is a harmless type of rash or skin allergy that is usually caused by an allergy. The rash consists of circular, raised welts on the skin that are usually itchy and occur in batches. Hives can vary in size, from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter. Urticaria usually affects the throat, arms, legs, and trunk. About 16% of the population will experience this rash at some time in their lives.
Urticaria or hives is a relatively common form of allergic reaction that causes raised red skin welts that range upwards from 5 mm (about a 1/4 inch) in diameter, itch severely, and often have a pale border. Urticaria is caused by direct contact with an allergenic substance (generally a plant, such as poison ivy), or an immune response to food or some other allergen. Hives can also be caused by stress.
Hives are usually caused by being allergic to something. But they can occur when a person is exposed to anything that causes his body to release histamine. Releasing histamine causes liquid to leak from blood vessels under the skin. When this fluid collects or 'pools' together it creates the bumps that are called 'hives'.
Hives, or urticaria, usually strikes suddenly. First the skin itches, then it erupts into red welts. The itching may be severe, keeping people from working or sleeping. Hives are usually an allergic reaction to food or medicine.
It is very important to know the cause of allergic reaction. Once you found out the triggering agent, it becomes very easy to fight the battle.
Calming our nerves is one of the important things to do, as stress makes the matter worse. Drinking peppermint or passionflower tea is very good. You can also try chamomile, valerian and catnip which also soothe your nerves.
Although an allergic reaction to a food is usually fairly quick, and occurs within minutes to hours, it may take days or weeks for an antibiotic to trigger hives in your child.
If your reaction is severe, especially if the swelling involves your throat, you may require an emergency shot of epinephrine (adrenaline) or steroids. Hives in the throat can obstruct your airway, making it difficult to breathe.
In the case of severe symptoms, short courses of oral steroids may be prescribed. Both steriods and antihistamines come in topical solutions as well as systemic forms and these topical forms can also be used to treat hives.
Check medicines you are currently taking for side-effects and ask yourself if the symptoms arose since commencing the medication.
Psychological treatments such as stress management can sometimes lessen severity and occurrence. The most commonly used oral treatments are Non-sedating antihistamines, including Allegra, Claritin, Clarinex, and Zyrtec, are also used to treat hives, expecially hives that last longer than 6 weeks. Chronic hives may be treated with antihistamines or a combination of medications. When antihistamines don't provide relief, oral corticosteroids may be prescribed. Oral steroids (prednisone, Medrol) can help severe cases of hives in the short-term, but their usefulness is limited by the fact that many cases of hives last too long for steroid use to be continued safely.
All the tips, tricks, and techniques you need.
The Simple Facts and the Cures of Hives
How to Treat Hives
Hives for the most part are more annoying than they are dangerous. They affect about 20% of the population, most frequently people who already experience other allergic reactions. They appear as batches of itchy red bumps, with clearly defined edges and flat tops. The bumps quickly join together to form large flat areas of raised lesions. They will rapidly change in shape and size, which is unique to hives. Hives are usually caused by an allergic reaction, but can also be brought on by stress. They are the result of the body releasing histamines into the bloodstream in response to either a medication (frequently penicillin or aspirin), food (often nuts or shellfish), heat, insect bite, animal dander (usually cat), or emotional stress.
"Chronic hives" are hives that occur in episodes, daily or nearly every day, for more than six weeks. For a benign condition, hives certainly cause a lot of suffering for those that have them. As your doctor has probably mentioned, there is no identifiable allergy or underlying medical condition to explain chronic hives in about 85 percent of those who suffer from them.
Quercetin is a plant pigment that is found in leafy green vegetables, onions, apples, and other natural foods. Quercetin acts as a natural antihistamine, which can help reduce or even completely eliminate hives in many people. Herbalists recommend taking 500 milligrams of this natural remedy for hives twice a day.
Vitamin C is required for the formation of connective tissue and plays an important role in maintaining proper immune function central to the treatment of Hives. Several studies have suggested that Vitamin B12 may help reduce the frequency and severity of hives. Quercetin is a bioflavonoid which possesses beneficial antioxidant qualities which is useful in the treatment of Hives.
The essential oil of chamomile is an excellent first choice to treat hives, but if it's too expensive or you don't have any on hand, you can turn to an essential oil that decreases inflammation, such as lavender. The fragrance of either lavender or chamomile oil can also be very calming to someone who feels that they are going to go mad from the itching.
A person with hives shouldn't take hot baths or showers, this aggravates the skin, she should try cold water compresses instead, or a cold shower. Tight clothing or underwear, any skin irritation, will trigger more outbreaks. The symptoms will only be intensified if a woman gets hot or sweaty; for this reason it is advisable to avoid exercise.
The Benadryl will stop the sypmtoms, though. Follow the directions on the box. Some hives are caused by allergies to such things as foods and medications, but the large majority of cases are not allergic, and no specific cause for them is ever found. The most commonly used oral treatments are antihistamines, which help oppose the effects of the histamine leaked by mast cells. Topical therapies for hives include creams and lotions which help numb nerve endings and reduce itching. Some ingredients which can accomplish this are camphor, menthol, diphenhydramine (Benadryl), and pramoxine.
Sandalwood essential oil is especially used in Native American medicine wherein it is believed that hives are a fiery condition. This essential oil is well known for its calming and cooling effects. As such, many herbalists refer to Sandalwood as a sedative for the skin.
Hives Diagnosis and Treatment
Hives medically known as urticaria. Hives are raised, often itchy, red welts on the surface of the skin. Hives can occur anywhere on the body, such as the trunk, arms, and legs. Urticaria is a common condition that can affect any person of any race at any age in any season of the year. It occurs in up to 20% of the population at one time or another. Hives can occur on any skin surface, but usually spare the palms and soles of the feet. Hives are classified as acute or chronic depending on the length of the episode. Swelling deeper in the skin that may accompany hives is called angioedema. This may be seen on the hands and feet as well as on mucous membranes. Hives are produced by histamine and other compounds released from cells called mast cells.
Histamine causes fluid to leak from the local blood vessels leading to swelling in the skin. Hives result from dilation of capillaries allowing fluid to leak out into the surrounding tissue, the epidermis. Hives are a common reaction, especially in people with other allergies like hay fever. Some hives are caused by allergies to such things as foods and medications, but the large majority of cases are not allergic, and no specific cause for them is ever found. Although this is frustrating to patients, such common maneuvers as changing diet, soap, detergent, and makeup are usually not helpful in preventing hives and for the most part are not necessary.
Hives are itchy because the swelling occurs in the epidermis, which has many nerve endings.
Ordinary hives may be widespread and disturbing to look at, but the vast majority of cases do not lead to life-threatening complications. Urticarial disease is thought to be caused by the release of histamine and other mediators of inflammation (cytokines) from cells in the skin. Symptoms of hives is swelling of the external of the skin into red- or skin-colored welts with clearly defined edges. They flare, itch, swell, and go away in a matter of minutes to hours, only to appear elsewhere. This sequence may go on from days to weeks. Most hive episodes last less than six weeks. Don't wear tight-fitting clothing and avoid hot baths or showers just after an episode of hives. Avoid exposure to substances that give you allergic reactions.
Hives Treatment and Prevention Tips
1. Avoid exposure to substances that give you allergic reactions.
2. Antihistamines, which help oppose the effects of the histamine leaked by mast cells.
3. Oral steroids (prednisone, Medrol) can help severe cases of hives in the short-term.
4. Don't wear tight-fitting clothing and avoid hot baths or showers just after an episode of hives.
5. Topical therapies for hives include creams and lotions which help numb nerve endings and reduce itching.
Hives treatment - How to cure hives
Home Remedies for Hives
Home remedies for hives are very effective. Below are some of the most popular home based remedies for curing hives:
- Hives is a skin condition caused due to allergies. Firstly, find the root cause of the allergy that caused hives and then treat the allergy rather than treating the condition.
- Topical application of cool compression on the affected skin area can help get rid of itching caused due to hives.
- Extract some milk from magnesia and apply it on the red patches present on your skin. Magnesia milk is an alkaline solution and has the power to provide immediate relief from itching.
- Drink herbal tea such as chamomile tea, peppermint tea, passion flower tea and catnip tea. This can help in soothing your nerves.
- Apply Aloe Vera gel on the affected skin area to get rid of the red patches.
- You can also try application of Vitamin E oil on the affected body parts.
- Cayenne pepper can be taken in the form of capsules or supplements to speed healing process.
- Oatmeal can also work wonders in curing hives. Mix one tbsp of oatmeal in one cup of boiling water. Strain the mixture and apply the strained liquid on the infected skin areas to relieve itching and get rid of hives. You can store this liquid in the refrigerator and use it for few days until all the red patches don't disappear from your skin.
Vitamin C helps me get rid of hives!
For years, I have gotten hives that have been life threatening. One time, the hives were so bad that they distorted my face, in to my lungs, and I was mostly a mass of red on my body within just a few minutes of the onslaught of the hives. More than once, I thought I would have to go to the hospital and since I do not have insurance, that was a very big problem for me.
I am one of those persons that cannot take medicine but I can take vitamins and natural cures. My mother had tried to get me to take more vitamin C for a cough that I had and somewhere I learned about taking vitamin C for allergies. I got Vit. C at Trader Joes Grocery Store in California for around $3.00 for 100 tablets, 500 mg per tablet with bioglavonoids, and that is about the best purchase I have ever made. When the hives start coming on, I take from 2 - 5 tablets depending on how severe the hives are. If I have taken enough tablets, in about 15 minutes the hives will start to abate. If the hives don't start abating in 15 minutes, I take more. Usually, the hives will be gone in about 30 minutes once they start abating.
Vitamin C may have saved my life more than once. I have moved and I haven't gotten hives in my new location. There was something that I was very allergic to where I lived before and certain times of the year I would tend to get hives. I was also allergic to dyes in soaps, dish detergents, hand creams, etc.
The Vitamin C really worked for me.
As I mentioned above, Vitamin C also helped me with a chronic cough that I had for years. By taking more Vitamin C, the chronic cough has finally gone away. I will cough a little here or there, but it is not the nagging embarrassing cough that I used to have.
Hope this helps.
How to Get Rid of Hives With Aromatherapy
Hives are rashlike, itchy skin bumps that are most often seen in children, but anyone can get them. They are often caused by a food allergy, although it may be difficult to diagnose at first because the reaction can occur hours or even a day after eating the culprit food. Although it's a good idea to eliminate the allergen and build up the immune system, the immediate need is to stop the itching.
The essential oil of chamomile is an excellent first choice to treat hives, but if it's too expensive or you don't have any on hand, you can turn to an essential oil that decreases inflammation, such as lavender. The fragrance of either lavender or chamomile oil can also be very calming to someone who feels that they are going to go mad from the itching.
First wash off the skin with a warm aromatherapy wash (see recipes below). If the itching is not sufficiently relieved, apply the Hives Paste. A child who normally objects to having a poultice smeared on his or her skin will often accept this poultice because it so effectively stops the itching.
Essential oils for hives: chamomile, lavender, peppermint
Aromatherapy Hives Treatments Hives Skin WashThese aromatherapy applications can help quell some of the burning itch of hives.
- 5 drops chamomile or 10 drops lavender oil
- 2 drops peppermint oil
- 3 tablespoons baking soda
- 2 cups water (or use peppermint tea instead)
Combine the ingredients. If you are making a tea to use as the base instead of water, pour 21/2 cups of boiling water over 4 teaspoons of dried peppermint leaves, and steep 15 minutes. Strain out the herb. Add the remaining ingredients. Use a soft cloth or a skin sponge to apply on irritated skin until itching is alleviated. Chamomile is the best choice for this recipe, but it is expensive, so 10 drops of lavender essential oil can be substituted, if necessary.
Hives Paste
- 1/4 cup of the Hives Skin Wash (see previous recipe)
- 3 tablespoons bentonite clay (available at natural food stores)
Stir the ingredients into a paste, and wait about five minutes for it to thicken. Apply to irritated skin with your fingers or a wooden tongue depressor. Let dry on skin, and leave for at least 45 minutes before washing off. Reapply for another 30 minutes if the area is still itching.
To learn more about Aromatherapy and other alternative medicines, see:
- Aromatherapy: Here you will learn about aromatherapy, how it works, what part essential oils play, and how to use aromatherapy.
- Essential Oils Profiles: We have collected profiles of dozens of plants that are used to produce essential oils. On these pages, you will learn the properties and preparations for the most popular essential oils.
- How to Treat Common Conditions With Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy can be used to treat a number of conditions, from asthma to depression to skin problems. Here you will learn how to treat some common medical problems with aromatherapy.
- Home Remedies: We have gathered over a hundred safe, time-tested home remedies for treating a wide variety of medical complaints yourself.
- Herbal Remedies: Herbal remedies and aromatherapy can be very similar, and they stem from similar historic roots. On this page, you will find all of our herb profiles and instructions for treating medical problems with herbal remedies.
Causes and Cures for Hives
What can be done for hives? I have been under a lot of stress lately and I am sure that is what has caused them. Is there anyway to get rid of these things short of going to the doctor? They are driving me crazy.
Hives for the most part are more annoying than they are dangerous. They affect about 20% of the population, most frequently people who already experience other allergic reactions. They appear as batches of itchy red bumps, with clearly defined edges and flat tops. The bumps quickly join together to form large flat areas of raised lesions. They will rapidly change in shape and size, which is unique to hives. Hives are usually caused by an allergic reaction, but can also be brought on by stress. They are the result of the body releasing histamines into the bloodstream in response to either a medication (frequently penicillin or aspirin), food (often nuts or shellfish), heat, insect bite, animal dander (usually cat), or emotional stress.
But hives can also be a symptom of a more serious condition. If a person's hives are accompanied by a fever, swelling in the throat, wheezing, or shortness of breath they should see a doctor. Hives may also follow an infection or illness.
For those who simply suffer from hives without any of the accompanying symptoms described above, there are several over the counter and homemade remedies available. First, if a person knows what brought the hives on, they should avoid contact with that food, medication, etc. This includes stress! Hives are perhaps an obvious symptom of emotional stress but sustained levels of stress can affect a woman's health in more long-term ways as well, including an increased risk of heart disease.
Second, since hives are caused by the result of histamines, an oral antihistamine will often resolve them. (Benadryl is the best over the counter choice.) A woman's doctor or health provider may also prescribe cortisone drugs to relieve the itching and rash, or adrenaline (epinephrine) for severe symptoms. Aspirin, ibuprofen, laxatives, diuretics, codeine, and any barbiturate should be avoided, as they may make matters worse.
A person with hives shouldn't take hot baths or showers, this aggravates the skin, she should try cold water compresses instead, or a cold shower. Tight clothing or underwear, any skin irritation, will trigger more outbreaks. The symptoms will only be intensified if a woman gets hot or sweaty; for this reason it is advisable to avoid exercise.
Hives will usually disappear within a few days. If a woman experiences them chronically, she should keep a food and medication diary, and pay close attention to what she might be exposed to both at home and on the job.
How to Get Rid of Hives
So what are hives, really? Hives come in many shapes and forms, but most often they are flat, slightly raised bumps that cause a lot of itching. Hives are the result of your body’s reaction to an allergen, a foreign substance in or on the body. The body releases histamines into the blood, along with some other chemicals, in an effort to combat the invading allergen. Hives are the reaction your skin has to histamines, and so it’s obvious that antihistamines remain the number one cure for hives. Trouble occurs though when the hives form deeper in the skin, becoming welts (Angiodema: a disease that is different from hives, but can happen at the same time), or when a person’s allergies escalate and they find it hard to breath when exposed to a particular allergen. What’s worse, sometimes allergens aren’t the cause of hives; instead, stress and anxiety can cause your body to release histamines into the body as a sort of false alarm. In light of these facts, here are some things you can do to help relieve and get rid of hives: