How to Get Rid of Hives

July 4, 2017

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Medically referred to as urticaria, hives are red, itchy welts that develop on the skin due to infections, stress, allergic reactions, or other unidentified reasons. The size and shape of these elevated patches might vary, and they frequently combine to create larger irritated areas. Hives may go away in a few hours, but they may linger for days or even weeks in chronic cases.

It is imperative that hives be treated as soon as possible to avoid severe itching, swelling, and other complications like angioedema (deeper skin swelling) or breathing difficulties in severe allergic responses. Ignoring hives can cause discomfort and interfere with day-to-day activities.

Fortunately, there are very simple and efficient ways to relieve hives. In this article, we will examine the best practices for properly managing and preventing hives.

Causes of Hives

An allergic reaction to something you touch or consume, such as food, drink, or medication, frequently causes acute hives. Immunological cells called mast cells are present in the skin. When they activate, these cells release histamine, which causes hives to develop. Airway blockage is one of the severe symptoms that can arise when it happens around the mouth or throat.

There are numerous other reasons why you might have hives.

A variety of substances, such as allergens and irritants, can cause hives:

Dander from animals, particularly cats
Medicines for insect bites
Pollen
Fish, shellfish, eggs, milk, nuts, and other foods

Additionally, hives may appear as a result of:

Stress on an emotional level
Severe cold or exposure to the sun
Excessive sweating
Diseases such as leukemia, lupus, and other autoimmune disorders

Symptoms of Hives

Depending on the individual and circumstance, hives can have a variety of appearances. They may appear on any part of your body. Acute hives symptoms include:

Severe itchiness
Unpleasant lips, eyes, and throat swelling
Swelling beneath your skin
Sting or burn
Feel warm to the touch

Acute and chronic hives can resemble each other in many ways, such as itchy, swollen, and elevated welts that lighten in the middle and under pressure. Chronic hives, however, can:

Change the shapes and sizes.
For extended periods, even months or years, they will appear, vanish, and then recur at least every few days.
Occur when there is heat, exertion, or stress.

Medical Treatments for Hives

There are various treatments for hives. In addition to over-the-counter medicines, home and natural remedies can be used. Here are some of the amazing treatments.

1. Calamine Lotion

Products rich in calamine help relieve itching and pain. They also help cool the skin. Applying calamine lotion directly to the skin can also be helpful. Shake the mixture well before use, soak a cotton pad or cloth with calamine lotion, apply it to the hives, and let it dry.

2. Diphenhydramine

Other important medicinal treatments include taking antihistamines orally. These help reduce symptoms such as itching and provide relief from the inside. It is important to take the medicine as per the dosage. They start to work within an hour after use, and you may see the symptoms reduce in 1-2 days. Consumption of diphenhydramine, such as Benadryl, may cause drowsiness.

3. Cetirizine, Loratadine and Fexofenadine

Apart from diphenhydramine, you can also try these antihistamines, which are made in a 12- 24 hour formula. These medicines also cause less drowsiness than diphenhydramine. It is important to consult with your doctor about the dosage. Your doctor might advise you on the same after evaluating your entire condition.

4. Hydrocortisone Cream

For itching skin, you can apply an over-the-counter steroid cream called hydrocortisone. Studies have demonstrated that it lessens irritation and inflammation in psoriasis and eczema sufferers.

However, it is unclear how well it works to relieve itching brought on by other skin disorders, such as hives.

Hydrocortisone cream can be administered one to four times daily for up to two weeks. Long-term usage of steroid creams can result in side effects, like skin thinning or redness. Therefore, consult your healthcare physician if hydrocortisone cream isn’t helping your hives.

Home Remedies for Hives

Home remedies are usually enough to treat hives and may provide better relief. To soothe your itching or irritating skin, try the techniques below.

1. Cold Compress

Applying a cold compress to your skin can help reduce swelling and irritation. For example, you can use a handful of ice wrapped in a towel or a bag of frozen vegetables to the affected area for ten minutes or more. Repeat throughout the day, as needed.

2. Avoid Scratching

It is crucial, but it can be challenging because hives are known to be irritating. Scratching might cause more hives because it irritates your skin. Additionally, short fingernails are less prone to retaining bacteria and dirt, which can cause an infection, so dermatologists advise against having them.

3. Use only Mild, Fragrance-free Skin Care Products

Fragrance may irritate your skin, leading to additional hives, so use a fragrance-free product instead of an unscented one. While unscented products contain fragrance that is masked to eliminate scent, they can still cause skin irritation.

4. Stay Away from Heat

Heat can also be a factor in increasing itching. Therefore, it is important to wear lightweight clothes and keep the temperature in your house cool at comfortable levels. Also, do not sit in direct sunlight.

5. The Oatmeal Bath

An oatmeal bath may lessen the discomfort associated with hives and other skin disorders. After dissolving 1 cup of finely powdered oats, soak in a warm bath for at least 20 minutes. If you have never used oatmeal in skincare, apply a test patch to your skin before attempting an oatmeal bath. Although oatmeal is gentle and rarely causes a bad reaction, you should always test it first because everybody is different.

6. The Elimination Diet

If you’re unsure of the cause of your hives, consider trying an elimination diet while keeping a food and environmental journal to identify or rule out potential allergies. During an elimination diet, you remove certain foods for a set period and then gradually reintroduce them one at a time, monitoring your symptoms to determine if any food triggers your hives.

7. Aloe Vera

People frequently use aloe vera gel to treat burnt skin. Some evidence suggests that it may also aid persons with other skin diseases and reduce itching from minor burns. This is because aloe vera helps moisturize the skin and has anti-inflammatory qualities.

Try using a thin layer of aloe vera gel to lessen hive itching. Make sure to try it first on a tiny patch of skin. Aloe vera can cause allergic reactions in humans, albeit these are uncommon.

8. Witch Hazel

Natural antioxidants and tannins in witch hazel may help reduce hives’ irritability and inflammation. To prepare your witch hazel solution, boil 5 to 10 gms of witch hazel bark in a cup of water, then filter the bark out of the liquid. Alternatively, you can use a witch hazel solution from the store. Directly apply witch hazel to your hives, let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes, and then rinse it off.

Conclusion

Hives can be upsetting and irritating but are frequently treatable with the correct care. Preventing flare-ups requires knowing what triggers the condition, such as environmental factors, stress, or allergens. Simple treatments such as these can offer immediate relief for mild cases.

Trying out many solutions to determine which ones work best is crucial because each person reacts differently. Hives that last longer than six weeks, repeat frequently or are accompanied by severe symptoms should be treated right once because these could be signs of a significant allergic reaction or underlying medical issue.

By being proactive and knowledgeable, you can efficiently manage hives and reduce their influence on your daily life. To regain control of your skin’s health, try these treatments now!

Jul 2017

Written by Prajakt
Mar 2025

Edited by Ankita

References