Home Remedies for Hives

The medical term used for Hives is urticaria. It is a skin condition which leaves behind rings and patches all over your body. It appears in group and looks like pale red swellings. Once these swellings are developed they fade away to re-appear on some other part of your body. Chemical called histamine is the reason for the red blotches. It is released when you come in contact with an allergen. You can develop this condition without being allergic to anything. They usually come in different sizes depending upon the seriousness of your illness. Anyone can suffer from this skin disorder.

Skin rashes involving hives are quite a common problem and they appear as red, lumpy or raised areas of skin that cause intense itching and they can vary in size and shape. Hives can develop in small areas of just a few millimeters or occur in patches as large as several inches. Wheals or welts are another common manifestation of hives and appear as red lesions. Hives can develop on almost any part of the body, commonly on the trunk, arms and legs. A notable feature of hives would be that they tend to change rapidly in size and even in location, appearing on one spot and then disappearing only to reappear elsewhere. When hives occur individually they usually last for just a day, with even a serious looking outbreak that appears in the morning often disappearing by noon only to appear later in the day. Because of the rapidity of the onset and resolution of the condition it is often not possible to visit a doctor for treatment within the duration of the condition. But consulting a doctor even after the condition resolves can help as your doctor should be able to arrive at a diagnosis based on your history of symptoms. Photographic evidence could help however, so try and take a photograph of the outbreak with you. At times an outbreak of hives may involve deeper swelling in the skin and this is referred to as angioedema. This is usually quite brief but it can be quite disturbing as it is not just present on the hands and feet but could also affect mucus membranes like those in the lips or eyes.

Keep in mind that hives is not really a disease in itself, but is a symptom or condition that usually occurs as an allergic reaction to certain irritants or allergens that could include foods, environmental factors, or cosmetic products like lotions or deodorants and so on. Utricaria or hives is a relatively common condition that affects plenty of men and women although more common in women. Treatment for hives in children and infants should relieve the itching as there is a high threat of secondary infections developing from skin lesions that could develop from scratching.

Symptoms of Hives

Swelling, Itchy and Sometimes Painful

Your skin swells which is covered by small or sometimes large red colored rings or patches. Wheals or welts appear all over your body which is very itchy. Their shapes vary and keep disappearing and reappearing within minutes or hours. You can see raised pink lesions too all over your body in different sizes.

Difficulty in Routine Activity

You may find difficulty in breathing and swallowing. Your level of anxiety increases which causes rapid and irregular heart beat. You may even suffer from loss of consciousness, dizziness or faintness.

Mild cases of hives and angioedema may appear disturbing but are rarely serious. Mild cases of hives can be dealt with quite easily with natural home remedies for hives or with over the counter skin rash hives treatments that can mainly help to provide relief from the symptoms. The main priority after achieving some quick relief would be to identify the cause or triggers for the condition so that you can avoid exposure to the allergen, allowing the condition to resolve and also ensuring that there are no further outbreaks. If you find that the treatment is ineffective or if the symptoms drag on for more than a day or two make sure you seek medical help. You should also get medical treatment for hives if you notice any other symptoms like light headedness or fatigue and difficulty breathing and swallowing or if you experience swelling in the throat.

Hives Symptoms

Hives symptoms are not very different in men, women or children, although they can turn a lot more severe and cause complications in younger kids. You would probably notice some of these hives symptoms:

• Red and inflamed or whitish wheals or welts that could vary in size.

• A single welt or a group of them that could develop over a large area of skin.

• The appearance and disappearance of welts, with new ones appearing as others resolve.

• There may also be a burning or stinging sensation in the affected areas of skin and there could be very severe itching.

The symptoms of hives may also vary in duration with acute hives lasting for periods as little as under a day to up to periods as long as six weeks. On the other hand chronic hives lasts for lengthy periods spanning well over six weeks, very often for months or even a year and chronic hives treatment is therefore a lot more intensive. Chronic hives treatment for children suffering from utricatia or hives would also require strict medical supervision and adherence to all instructions.

In addition to typical hives symptoms it would help to be aware of symptoms and signs of angioedema as well. As with hives there is an appearace of welts, but in angioedema these welts will appear to be thicker, larger and firmer. There is considerable swelling of the skin and in some areas of severe swelling you may also observe the appearance of blisters. There may also be pain and a sensation of heat or warmth in the affected areas. In very severe cases of angioedema patients may also experience difficulty breathing and in swallowing.

Angioedema tends to develop near the eyes and lips, but could also affect the hands, feet, genetalia, or could even develop inside the throat. Both conditions – hives and angioedema may occur simultaneously.

Causes of Hives

Allergy

Being allergic to medications, nuts, eggs, berries, insect bites, jelly fish, can release the batch of hives. If you are exposed to animal dander it may also cause an allergic reaction. Wearing tight clothes and jewelry which does not suit you can also be another reason for hives. Here are some of the most common groups of allergens and triggers for hives and angioedema:

Food allergens are the most common type of allergic reaction to produce hives and the most common culprits are shellfish, eggs, nuts, peanuts, chocolate and milk. Processed foods that contain additives like sulfites and salicylates are also known to trigger hives in some individuals. Medical drugs are among the most common culprits behind hives outbreaks and could include some of the most common drugs like aspirin, penicillin, ibuprofen and medications for blood pressure.

Environmental allergens or allergens that trigger hives and angioedema through direct contact would include pollen, dander from pets, latex or insect stings.

Hereditary

Being affected by hives through hereditary is a very rare case and most of the times unknown.

Exposure to Extreme Weather

If you are being exposed to extreme temperatures you may suffer from this condition. Presence in extreme heat and extreme cold can create such problems.

Sweat

Hives may start developing once you come in contact with sweat or water.

In addition to being triggered by allergens, hives or angioedema may develop as a result of the production of antibodies because of immune system disorders, after blood transfusions or due to certain infections like hepatitis or even with certain disorders like thyroiditis.

Causes of Hives

Both hives and angioedema are caused by skin inflammation usually triggered by the release of histamine and certain other chemicals into your blood stream and skin. The most common causes of hives are due to allergens in the form of specific food ingredients or certain medications. Hives symptoms, causes and treatment are completely interdependent. Understanding and identifying what causes hives is important not just in babies or kids, but for adults as well, as it takes you half way closer to solving the problem and helps to prevent future outbreaks of the condition.

Home Remedies for Hives

Hives Treatment by Eliminating the Triggering Factor

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.

Hives Treatment by Using Cool Compression

By applying the cool compression it may help to provide some relief from the pain and itch.

Hives Treatment by Using Calamine Lotion

By applying this lotion it can grant you relief from the itchy feeling.

Hives Treatment by Using Milk of Magnesia

By dabbing milk of magnesia on the lesions, provides some relief. As milk of magnesia is an alkaline solution it helps in removing the irritating itchy sensation.

Hives Treatment by Using Herbal Tea

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.

Hives Treatment by Using Cornstarch

To stop the itching get 1/2 a tub filled with warm water, add 1/2 cup cornstarch and 1/2 cup baking soda. Soaking yourself at least once a day can make a lot of difference.

Hives Treatment by Using Aloe Vera Gel

Applying aloe vera gel or vitamin E oil to the affected area at least twice a day can benefit you a lot.

Hives Treatment by Using Nettles

Have nettle tea which is made by 2 tsp. powdered stinging nettles. You can add honey or lemon to add flavor your tea.

Hives Treatment by Using Cayenne Pepper

Consume cayenne pepper capsules to help the healing procedure. You can also have vitamin C, vitamin E or zinc for quick relief.

Diet for Hives

Avoid Allergen Triggering Food

Avoid food like eggs, strawberries, berries, peanuts, nuts, chocolates, cheese, tomatoes, soy products, shellfish and many more. Find out the food that is allergic to you and avoid having it.

Other treatment for Hives

Hives Treatment

Use of Acupressure: By massaging the trapezius points, you can find some relief. This trapezius muscle is found between the neck and the shoulder. By giving the vital pressure it may help you clear the red and white ringed patches of your body.

Hives in children can also be caused for a variety of reasons from heredity and allergies to exposure and sweat. Hives in children can be quite worrying to a parent and although not serious if treated immediately, do keep in mind that it requires particular attention and prompt treatment as children are not as well equipped to deal with it.

Chronic hives is a problematic condition as there is no known specific cause, which means that the condition can not be cured. It is only the symptoms that can be treated. The condition may however be related to an autoimmune disorder or a thyroid problem. Chronic hives last longer than the usual cases of hives, and recur more frequently.

Urticaria or hives as it is more commonly known can also cause a variety of symptoms like welts and rashes that may be confused by the lay man with an ordinary skin rash or even shingles. If you have the slightest doubt over whether you are suffering from utricaria get yourself checked as a rash treatment will not just be ineffective, but delaying treatment for hives will only increase the damage.

The hives stress relationship is one that can not be understated. It is believed that great stress can trigger off hives even in the absence of allergies.