Home Remedies for Hives
Hives is a kind of rash on the skin, which results in scratching and irritation. It is mainly seen as a result of allergic or non allergic reactions. This skin allergy is also referred to as Urticaria. Ring like patches are typical in hives. They affect the ears, trunk, legs, face, arms, throat and tongue.
Hives Causes
Various causes of hives are renal problems, exposure to animal dander, liver disease, allergy to medications or foods, pressure on the skin, chronic infections such as urinary tract infection and viral hepatitis, exposure to extreme weather, metabolic disease like thyroid problems, contact with pollen, insect stings and latex, wearing jewelery and tight clothes, emotional stress, sweating and heredity factors.
Hives Symptoms
Typical symptoms of hives include itch, dizziness, welts on the skin, high anxiety levels, pain in the affected area, rapid and irregular heartbeat, difficulty in breathing and swallowing and large red colored patches on the skin. Inflammation of the affected area is also seen.
Treatment for Hives
Identification of the trigger or cause is necessary for treatment. Antihistamines, leukotriene receptor antagonists, cyclosporine, oral corticosteroids, epinephrine and tricyclic antidepressants are highly effective in the treatment of hives.
Home Remedies for Hives
Natural remedies prove beneficial in the treatment of hives.
- Hives Treatment with Aloe vera: Topical ointments comprising of aloe, as an essential component is helpful. Direct application of the pulp of fresh aloe is also recommended.
- Hives Treatment with Oatmeal: Make a paste of three teaspoon of cornstarch and two cup of oatmeal, with water. Apply a coating of this paste over the affected area.
- Hives Treatment with Grapefruit Extract: Add a few drops of grapefruit extract to a teaspoon of olive oil. Topical application on the affected area decreases itching and redness. Alternatively, add grapefruit extract to a bowl of water and spray on the rash.
- Hives Treatment with Cold Compress: A cool shower or cold packs prove effective. Avoid any kind of heat, as it dilates the blood vessels and aggravates the problem.
- Hives Treatment with Baking Soda: Stir in half a cup of cornstarch and baking powder to the bath tub. Soak in this water, to derive immense relief from hives.
Health Tips for Hives
The shapes of the hives vary, on the basis of the kind of allergy. Most common food allergens are jelly fish, shellfish, egg, berries, and peanuts/ other nuts, food additives, preservatives, flavorings and so on. If the cause of the urticaria is known or suspected, such as a food or medication. Hives diet would mainly mean avoidance of the trigger which is likely to resolve hives symptoms.
Caffeine and alcohol can aggravate urticaria. Alcoholic beverages are not recommended, as they result in dilatation of the vessels and thus worsen the health problem. Substances which aggravate the health condition, such as food, medications and climate are better avoided. Keep a food diary, which elaborates on your daily intake. This helps in the easy identification of the allergy trigger for urticaria/ hives.
