How Do You Treat Hives Naturally?

Urticaria is the medical term for the condition hives, in which the skin becomes swollen, itchy and red with bumps that can range from very small to the size of a dinner plate. These bumps may even clump together, creating large patches of skin that are painful or have a stinging or burning sensation. These bumps are due to ‘leaky’ blood vessels in which plasma is released due to the release of histamine from cells around the blood vessels. Though ‘leaky blood vessels’ sounds frightening, hives are usually nothing to be concerned about.

Symptoms of Hives

Hives appear on the skin as either small or large bumps, typically with a white center and surrounded by red, itchy skin. Hives symptoms include localized swelling, burning or stinging sensations, and bumps that go away on their own within 24-48 hours (although new bumps may appear in their place). You can tell that you have hives if you press the center of a raised bump and it turns white.

Hives During Pregnancy

When a patient experiences hives during pregnancy, in most cases the pregnancy itself is the cause of the hives. If this is the case, the hives will likely go away on their own within a couple of days, or will go away completely after the pregnancy runs its course. It may be helpful to note that the hives will have no negative effect on your unborn child.

Although the cause of hives during pregnancy is currently unknown, many speculate that they may be due to increased stress on the body or the rapid changing of hormones. It may also simply be due to the skin drying out as the result of stretching.

If you experience hives during pregnancy and have symptoms that cause discomfort, you can take an antihistamine without worrying about your unborn child suffering negative side effects.

Treatment for Hives

Hives treatment varies depending on the cause of the hives themselves. Allergic reaction hives that appear due to an allergic reaction to a particular food, insect sting or bite or medication can be alleviated with simple over the counter allergy medication such as an antihistamine. The symptoms of these skin hives may also be alleviated through a topical ointment, such as that which is used to reduce itching and swelling due to allergic reactions. Either oral or topical medication can help reduce the effects of hives, and may provide relief until the hives go away on their own.

For those looking for a more natural method of treatment for hives, an all natural medication called ‘Oxyhives’ is available. This medication contains 100% homeopathic ingredients, so there’s no need to worry about putting harmful chemicals in your body. OxyHives is a topical homeopathic solution that is safe for you and your skin.

You can also whip up a couple of home treatments for urticaria, and try a couple until you find one that works. Some popular home remedies for urticaria are

• unfiltered apple cider vinegar (diluted with water) and applied to the affected area,
• or rubbing garlic and vaseline on the hives to alleviate itching.

Medication for hives that are causing the patient pain may also include ibuprofen. In cases of more severe symptoms, such as swelling of the throat, a shot of epinephrine may be necessary to reduce swelling and decrease the probability of suffocation.

Reducing Symptoms Without Treatment

In order to reduce the symptoms of hives without using medication, it’s important to refrain from taking hot baths or showers until the hives go away on their own. Hot water can further irritate the skin and make the itching even worse. It’s also important to wear loose-fitting clothing, since tight-fitting clothing can irritate the area and cause more hives to appear.

When to See Your Doctor If you Think you have Hives

If you have any symptoms such as difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, if your symptoms get worse or if your hives persist for more than a few days. Your doctor may be able to prescribe a medication that can better treat your symptoms. If you suspect you have swelling in your throat due to hives, go to the hospital immediately!

Read more about Hives in Children HERE!

More info on allergy and sinus relief HERE!