An Overview
You may find yourself wondering, what do hives look like? If your skin has itchy patches that later turn into swollen red bumps, it may mean that you are experiencing hives. Before seeking for effective and natural treatments for hives, you should understand basic information about this common disease. Hives can be treated with a variety of treatments, including creams, medications and home remedies. However it is recommended using natural home remedies for hives because medications and creams may have some unwanted side effects.
Take a comfortably cool bath. To relieve itching, sprinkle the bath water with baking soda, uncooked oatmeal or colloidal oatmeal a finely ground oatmeal made for bathing (Aveeno, others). Wear loose, smooth-textured cotton clothing. Avoid wearing clothing that’s rough, tight, scratchy or made from wool.
Home remedies for Hives
- Oatmeal bath:
The anti-inflammatory properties of oatmeal can soothe hives as long as you’re not allergic to any component of oatmeal. Moreover, the topical application of oatmeal can give skin glowing and smooth. Oatmeal is suitable for sensitive skin that is more prone to itchiness, redness and irritation. Add up to one-and-a-half cups of colloidal oatmeal to a bath, making sure the water are not too hot. Too much heat can trigger hives and make treatment ineffective.
- Green Tea:
Green tea is considered as a natural antihistamine. Green tea has a great source of polyphenols and flavonoids. Polyphenols have antioxidant properties. These compounds of green tea are effective in preventing tissue injuries and boosting the immune system. Besides, the polyphenols present in it reduce inflammation caused due to hives.
- Aloe vera:
With anti-inflammatory properties, aloe vera is commonly used to treat sunburn but it can also be effective in soothing hives. Thanks to its antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and emollient properties, aloe vera is excellent for treating a number of skin ailments including rashes as also soothing the skin.
- Olive Oil:
Olive oil helps in healing and promotes skin renewal given it is packed with vitamin E and antioxidants. It also soothes the skin and reduces itching. Rub extra-virgin olive oil or a combination of olive oil and honey on your rash a few times daily until it heals. The oil is full of nutrients and is also a natural humectant that helps to attract moisture to dry skin. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties found in grape seed oil may keep common allergies skin disorders such as hives at bay.
- Fish Oil:
Fish oil is high in omega 3 fatty acids. These fatty acids contain anti-inflammatory properties, which may help to ease inflammation caused by hives. You can take fish oil capsules but only after consulting your doctor.
- Cold compress:
Wrap ice in a towel or soft cloth and apply to your skin. For an ice pack that conforms to your body, consider wrapping a bag of frozen vegetables for application to your skin. Because, hives can be caused or worsened by heat, applying a cold compress to hives for up to 10 minutes can relieve irritation or Rub ice cubes in a sealed plastic bag or an ice pack over the affected area for a few minutes. Alternatively, you can simply soak a clean washcloth in ice-cold water and place it on the rash for about 10 minutes.
7. Baking Soda:Baking soda is one of the best natural home remedies for hives. With the anti-inflammatory properties, baking soda can easily reduce the inflammation along with itching. Do not leave baking soda on the skin for too long as it may cause further irritation.
- Apple cider vinegar:
Raw and organic apple cider vinegar is a common home remedy to treat skin rashes and ease itching. It contains antihistamine properties which can relieve inflammation fast and regulate the immune system response in your body. Plus, it plays an important role in restoring your skin health. Its acetic acid content helps counter skin infections or skin allergy that could be causing or aggravating the problem. Place a cotton ball dipped in apple cider vinegar over the affected area.
- Ginger:
Ginger is known as a wonderful drug. It includes strong anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties. Its anti-inflammatory properties may soothe the swelling caused by the hives. It can also reduce itching, relieve swelling and improve circulation to the skin. Basically, ginger targets the genes and enzymes that trigger inflammation in turn improving circulation to the skin, relieving swelling and reducing itching.
10. Chamomile:
Chamomile is very helpful in treating rashes. It relieves itching, soothes the skin, reduces inflammation and helps healing thanks to its anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory properties as also antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral effects. It will provide you with a soothing effect and give you mental peace.
11. Calamine lotion:
Calamine lotion is commonly used to relieve itching for skin reactions such as poison ivy or poison oak. It can also treat hives. If you’re not allergic to calamine, use a pad or cloth to apply calamine lotion to your skin.
- Neem:
In large part due to its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-irritant, antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial properties, neem (also known as Indian lilac or margosa) is very useful in treating a number of skin ailments including eczema, rashes, acne, scabies, psoriasis and various infections. It also contains antioxidants that prevent ageing and revitalize skin cells.
- Turmeric:
When talking about the natural and effective home remedies for hives, turmeric should be listed too. Curcumin is a vital bioactive component present in turmeric which may treat lots of health and skin conditions.
14. Basil:
Basil consists of antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties which may combat inflammation and itching. Put 1 tablespoon of dried basil leaves in a jar and add hot water to it. Cover the jar and allow it to cool. Apply this mixture on the affected area using a cotton cloth.
- Coriander:
Coriander is an effective remedy for rashes and skin irritation mainly due to its anti-irritant, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
- Mint:
Mint is one of the most powerful home remedies for hives. It may calm the burning and itching sensations due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Boil a cup of water, Steep two tablespoons of mint leaves into the boiling water for 5 minutes, Put the liquid into the refrigerator after straining.
Hope this Symptoms and cure article will be helpful to all. Do not forget to share your valuable suggestions if any.