We’ve all had our fair share of skin issues. Whether it’s rashes caused by a bad skincare product, dark spots due to sun damage, or an inexplicable acne outbreak, we’ve seen it all.
Hives are one such skin condition caused due to an allergic reaction. They look like mosquito bites gone rogue and can get very uncomfortable. Before we move on to discussing the ways by which you can get rid of them, it’s important to understand what they are and what causes them.
What Are Hives?
Hives, or urticaria, is an allergic reaction that could occur at any age. The most common symptom of hives is red spots known as wheals or weals. These spots are often itchy, and could appear on the face, arms, legs, or torso.
If you’re lucky, you could have small and not very troublesome hives that appear and fade on their own. But, sometimes, hives might turn big and cause a burning sensation. While most hives fade in 24 hours, a few may last a for a couple of days or weeks. Very rarely, hives beneath the skin, or angioedema, may cause difficulty in breathing. It might also be life-threatening.1
What Causes Hives?
There are two main categories of hives.2 These include
- Acute urticaria: This occurs a few minutes after exposure to an allergen, and resolves itself within 6 weeks. About 20% of acute urticaria cases are caused by food allergies. Drugs are the cause of 10% these cases while 8% can be attributed to parasites. Physical factors which trigger hives include pressure, cold, heat, sunlight, and insect bites.
- Chronic urticaria:. Chronic urticaria persists for more than 6 weeks.
Save for the time frame, there isn’t any other way to distinguish between chronic and acute urticaria. But, there might be ways to reduce the duration of your hives outbreak.
How To Treat Hives
Diagnosis of hives involves a thorough physical examination. It also involves a series of questions regarding the frequency, duration, size, and color of the hives along with any foods, habits, or drugs that may have triggered it.
The most common treatment for hives is an antihistamine. But, you could also try a few home remedies that use things you can find in the kitchen.34
1. Oats
Oatmeal extract is used in lotions, creams, soaps, conditioners, and shampoos. It is also a popular ingredient in most home remedies. And, this holds true for hives as well. Here are two ways to use oats to treat a hive outbreak.
- Oats bath: Add two cups of ground oats to a cup of baking soda in a stocking. Place the mouth of the stocking around the tap in your bath and let warm water run through it. Soak in this warm bath water for a few minutes.5
- Oats paste: Mix two cups of oatmeal paste with two tablespoons of cornstarch. Apply this mixture to the affected parts and allow it to sit for about 15–20 minutes before washing it off.6
While oatmeal might not magically rid you of hives, it might give you some much needed relief.
2. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera gel is acknowledged for its medicinal properties around the world. Studies list aloe vera as a primary ingredient in medications for skin disorders, accounting for as much as 35% to 45% of their composition.7
All you need to do is apply fresh aloe vera gel on the affected parts. This reduces inflammation and provides some much needed relief. You could repeat this a few times a day. Processed and over the counter aloe vera gels can also be used.8
3. Baking Soda
Baking soda has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe skin rashes and provide relief from itching and inflammation that come with hives. Here are ways to use baking soda to relieve hives
- Baking soda bath: For a relaxing bath, fill your bath with warm water and empty about half a box of baking soda into it.
- Baking soda paste: You could also make a paste of baking soda with water and apply it on the affected parts. Leave this mixture on for a while before rinsing it off.9
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) isn’t just a delicious addition to recipes. It’s also an effective home remedy for the treatment of hives.
This remedy includes a mixture of ACV and cornstarch. If you’re giving it a go, apply this mixture to the affected areas and leave it on for a few minutes before washing it off. A few spoons of cornstarch in cold bath water is also an effective treatment for hives.1011
5. Licorice Root
Licorice root has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties which work as a home remedy for urticaria. A Chinese medicine called Kangqian Decoction, mainly consisting of licorice root, is found to be extremely helpful in treating urticaria. Licorice is also used in Russian and Japanese medicines for the treatment of skin disorders.12
Make licorice tea by simmering a teaspoon of chopped dried licorice roots in a cup of warm water for about ten minutes. You could drink this tea twice a day. Alternatively, you could apply the tea (once it has cooled down) to the affected parts.13 14
Simple home remedies can really ease a hive outbreak. But, it’s important to use them only in addition to conventional treatment. Be sure to do an allergy test on your hand before you try any of these remedies, so as to not be ridden with another allergy while dealing with hives.
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