Hives are nothing but tiny red bumps on the skin causing itching. In medical terms hives are known as uriticaria. It is a form of allergic reaction triggered by certain medications or even foods. Hives are formed due to over-exposure to radiation of sunlight, pressure or due to viral infection. Tiny red colored blisters or bumps are formed on the skin anywhere in the body but it often occurs around the eyes. Hives can be treated with antihistamine drugs. Hives are caused when the cells of your body releases histamine which induces blood vessel to leak out fluid in the deep layers of the skin resulting in swelling causing red swollen bumps.
Some Of The Best Home Remedies For Hives Are Given Here :-
1. Wet Compress
Soak a soft cloth or towel in cold water and wring it gently before applying on the skin where hives are formed. Cold compress can shrink the blood vessels thus help in blocking release of histamine. Alternatively, you can pack some ice cubes in a cloth and apply it gently on the skin affected with hives. Repeat this 3-4 times a day until it shrinks.
2. Oatmeal Bath
Add 2-3 cups of oatmeal the bathtub and soak your body for 10-15 minutes. If you have cold do not try this remedy. You can also mix a cup of baking soda in the bathing water to get quick relief from itching.
3. Calamine Lotion or Vaseline
Cover the area of hives with calamine lotion and leave it for a while. Alternatively you can apply Vaseline cream on it. Astringents like these can help in releasing of histamines further into the skin thus shrinking the hives. You can also apply milk of magnesia to cover the hives which can reduce and shrink it due to its alkaline nature.
4. Baking Soda Paste
This is an effective remedy for controlling itching caused by hives. Make a paste by adding 2-3 drops of water with baking soda and apply this paste on the hives. Leave it for few minutes before washing.
5. Vinegar Solution
Add 1 tsp of vinegar with lukewarm water and apply this paste to cover the hives using cotton ball. It is effective in reducing itching. Alternatively you can soak yourself in bathtub filled with 2-3 cups of apple cider vinegar solution. Stay in this solution for 20 minutes which can produce refreshing effect in your body.
6. Fish Oil
You can take fish oil capsules daily twice a day until the hives are gone. Essential fatty acids and anti-inflammatory property of fish oil is effective remedy for hives.
7. Manage Stress
When you are emotional, you can get more hives and worsened itching. So practice relaxation exercise to reduce hives. Try to learn how to manage stress.
8. Ginger or Chamomile Tea
Ginger is an excellent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent which helps in relieving swelling and itching by improving the blood circulation. Add 2-3 tsp of brown sugar and few fresh pieces of ginger in a cup of water and boil it for some minutes or until it gets thicker. Apply this paste on the area of hives many times a day to get quick relief. Alternatively you can apply fresh ginger piece directly on the hives but it can cause irritation for few seconds. Drinking lukewarm Chamomile tea can produce relaxing effect thus reducing stress.
9. Aloe Vera
Antibacterial property of aloe Vera is effective in reducing swelling and redness of the skin. You can apply aloe Vera gel directly on the affected areas of skin and allow it to dry completely before washing it.
10. Turmeric
Turmeric is a natural antihistamine and is ideal for treating hives. You can apply turmeric paste directly on the hives or drink a cup of hot milk mixed with 1 tsp of turmeric powder.
11. Nettle Leaves
Add few pieces of dried nettle leaves in a cup of boiling water. Cover it and boil for 15 minutes. Now strain this solution and drink it slowly. You can add a tsp of honey for taste.
12. Basil Leaves
Add 2-3 tsp of dried leaves of basil in a cup of hot water. Cover it and boil for few minutes until it becomes thick. Apply this directly on the hives using a cotton ball. Basil is enriched with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial property and helps in removing hives.
13. Mint Leaves
Mint leaves are easily accessible in supermarkets. Add few pieces of crushed mint leaves in a cup of boiling water. Strain this before applying this solution on the hives. You can also try drinking mint tea for getting quick relief from itching.
Tips To Prevent Hives :
- Firstly you need to identify what are the triggering factors. Not everyone gets hives. Intensity of pollutants differs from one person to the other.
- Watch what you eat and drink. Make a note of it in the diary if you are getting hives after eating something so that you can avoid it in future.
- Avoid eating chocolates, tomatoes, fresh berries and certain kinds of fish. These items can trigger hives in some people.
- Avoid taking bath in hot water which can irritate your skin triggering hives.
- Wear loose fitting cotton clothing.
- Avoid getting exposed in sunlight.
- If you are getting hives after taking certain antibiotics or NSAID’s you need to avoid them in future. For some people certain sedatives or even diet supplements can induce hives.
