Hives are defined as a sudden outbreak with a red or white swelling known as hives on the skin.
Hives are usually caused by an allergic reaction to a substance that you have ingested or touched. Due to an allergic reaction, the body releases a protein called histamine, which in turn causes itching, swelling, redness, and many other symptoms.
Table of Contents
Causes of hives
Some of the common causes of hives can be: food (nuts, chocolate, fish, tomatoes, eggs, fresh fruit and milk), latex, chemicals, pollen, food additives, animal dander, infections, medications and bites of insects.
Detailed causes
- This reaction can also happen when you have been exposed to warm temperatures for a long time (such as a sunny summer day), also when you have been exposed to cold water like ice, or as a result of stress.
- Additionally, many cases of hives are idiopathic, meaning that there is no known cause for the condition.
- The rash of hives tend to be well defined, appear in different shapes and sizes, and can be very itchy.
- They can appear a few minutes after exposure to a ” hive trigger”, or you may have a delayed reaction for more than two hours.
- While hives can be uncomfortable, they are harmless and usually disappear within hours to a few days.
Treatments to relieve hives
You can explore the kitchen and garden and find simple and natural remedies to relieve the symptoms of hives in a very quick and safe way.
1. Cold compresses
Allergy specialists suggest that cold compresses are the best natural remedy for hives.
Cold helps to shrink blood vessels and block histamine release, relieving swelling, inflammation, and itching that hives cause. You can wrap a few ice cubes in a towel. Place it on the affected skin for 10 minutes to an hour, three or four times a day. Never put the ice directly on the skin.
You can also choose to take a cold shower if necessary, to soothe inflamed skin.
2. Baking soda
The baking soda is another popular remedy for hives. Its anti-inflammatory properties reduce inflammation as well as itching.
How to use sodium bicarbonate as a home remedy:
- Add half a cup of baking soda to a bathtub full of warm water.
- Mix well and then soak in water for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Alternatively, put two tablespoons of baking soda in a small bowl.
- Add enough water to make a thick paste.
- Spread the paste on the affected area. Leave for 10 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.
- You can use any of these remedies, once a day or as needed.
3. Apple cider vinegar
The vinegar apple cider is another good remedy for hives, has antihistamine properties which help relieve inflammation quickly and regulate the response of the immune system of the body. It also plays a key role in restoring the overall health of the skin.
- Add two cups of apple cider vinegar to a tub filled with warm water. Soak for 15 to 20 minutes once a day. Alternatively, dilute apple cider vinegar with an equal amount of water and use to wash the affected skin two or three times a day.
- You can also mix a teaspoon or two of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water, add a little lemon juice and honey to enhance the taste, and drink it three times a day.
You can do any of these remedies daily, until your condition improves.
4. Oatmeal
Flour porridge works well to reduce the problems caused by hives. Oatmeal has anti-inflammatory properties that help provide relief from itching and heal skin quickly.
Combine one cup of baking soda and two cups of oatmeal. Add this mixture to a tub full of warm water.
- Mix well and soak in the water for at least 15 minutes. Enjoy this relaxing shower twice a day until your condition improves.
- Alternatively, you can mix two cups of oatmeal, two tablespoons of cornstarch or cornstarch, and enough water to form a paste. Apply the paste on the affected skin for 15 to 20 minutes. Wash off with lukewarm water. Follow this remedy once a day.
5. Ginger root
Known as a medicine, ginger root can be used to treat hives due to its strong anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties.
The long-lasting power of ginger targets genes and enzymes that trigger inflammation, which in turn improves skin health, to relieve puffiness and reduce itching.
Ways to use ginger:
- Boil 1/4 cup of brown sugar and a tablespoon of fresh ginger in three-quarters of a cup of vinegar for a few minutes. Mix a little of this solution with warm water and rinse your skin several times a day.
- Alternatively, you can peel the skin of fresh ginger root and apply it to inflamed skin. Do these two or three times a day.
- You can chill the ginger in the freezer to have a cooling effect on hives.
- You can also drink ginger tea or chew pieces of fresh ginger several times a day, this will help to strengthen the immune system.
6. Aloe vera gel
Although aloe vera gel is a natural anti-inflammatory, it can cause contact dermatitis, so it is important to perform a skin patch test prior to application.
To perform a skin patch test, a small amount of aloe vera should be applied to an unaffected area of skin, preferably you can apply it to the lower arm. If you don’t experience any irritation within 24 hours, it should be safe to apply to any hives.
You can apply aloe vera topical to the hives as needed, probably a few times a day.
Try doing any of these home remedies daily, until your skin has completely healed.