Home Remedies For Hives

Urticaria, or hives, is a rash that presents itself in the form of angry welts initially resembling an insect bite. Typically, these bumps grow in size and merge into each other as time passes. While acute hives are not dangerous, they do bring about quite a bit of physical discomfort. Read on to learn about some home solutions that can quickly help soothe the inflammation and bring relief.

In the simplest of terms, acute urticaria is a skin rash that is typically set off by common allergens like peanuts, milk, berries, pollen, insect stings or even certain medications. Sometimes, hives are a result of an underlying viral infection or a sudden exposure to temperature changes. Such a reaction is usually temporary and lasts anywhere from a few hours to a couple of weeks. However, if such a rash is persistent and refuses to die down within six weeks, then it could be an indication of a more severe problem like lupus or a malfunctioning thyroid gland. Regardless of its cause, a case of hives can mean physical distress as well as embarrassment. It is, therefore, a good idea to be aware of some quick home remedies that can be deployed to tone down the troublesome symptoms of hives. Here are a few suggestions for starters:

1. Baking Soda – Sodium Bicarbonate, or Baking Soda, helps a great deal in managing itchy, swollen hives. A paste made using baking soda and a few drops of water can be applied to the rash to get significant relief.

2. Calamine Lotion – Regular Calamine lotion available at your local pharmacy can help reduce the intensity of the rash as it acts as an astringent and inhibits the blood vessels from oozing too much histamine.

3. Vinegar – A few drops of vinegar can be added to bath water as well as dabbed on the welts with a ball of cotton. Vinegar fights inflammation and helps in relieving the itching and swelling.

4. Turmeric – A natural ointment made using turmeric, and aloe vera gel can be applied to the affected areas after doing a skin test on a small patch of skin to rule out any sensitivities or allergies. While turmeric has fantastic anti-inflammatory as well as antihistamine qualities, aloe vera gel reduces the level of agitation considerably.

5. Mint Leaves – Soaking in a cold bath that has some crushed mint leaves added to it helps in calming down the angry rash as well as reducing the speed at which it spreads.

Note - If your hives are accompanied by swelling on your face and around your lips, seek immediate medical attention as such signs could mean that you are experiencing anaphylaxis, a dangerous allergic reaction to something.