Home Remedies for Hives

Discover Causes, Symptoms, and Relief for Hives

A few home remedies for hives are good to know for those times when those ugly red welts appear on our body. Even better is knowing the causes of hives so we can avoid them altogether.

What are the Symptoms of Hives?

Hives are itchy red patches that can develop anywhere on the body. They can be very small or very large covering a whole area of the body. Sometimes they seem to come and go or disappear only to reappear on another part of the body. Hives usually don't last more than 24 hours but chronic cases can sometimes last as long as a year or more.

What are the Causes of Hives?

Hives can be caused by many different things including a viral infection such as flu or the common cold, medication, food allergy, insect bites, or even latex sensitivity. Sometimes hives develop when a person is exposed to sudden cold, heat, and even water. In many, if not most cases, the cause is not known. It is believed that stress can trigger a case of hives.

Medications that sometimes cause hives:

• Penicillins
  
• Beta-Blockers
  
• NSAID's
  
• Radicontrast Dye
  
• Sulfas
  
• ACE Inhibitors
  
• Muscle Relaxers
  
• Cephalosporins
  
• Diuretics
  
• Codeine
  
• Tetracyclines
  
• Aspirin
  
• Morphine
  
• And others

The most common foods that cause hives are:

• Milk
  
• Tomatoes
  
• Shellfish
  
• Peanuts
  
• Pork
  
• Chocolate
  
• Eggs
  
• Melon
  
• Strawberries
  
• Onion
  
• Garlic

Anyone who has a hive reaction to latex may also develop a case of hives from eating these foods:

• Kiwi
  
• Passion Fruit
  
• Citrus Fruits
  
• Avacado
  
• Chestnuts
  
• Banana

It is extremely important that you contact your medical professional if you develop hives caused by a medication you are taking. If the hives are in the throat or you have difficulty breathing go to the hospital immediately or call for emergency help.

Some Useful Home Remedies for Hives

The usual treatment for hives involves taking an antihistamine either by prescription or over the counter such as Bynadril.

About the only other thing you can do for a hives remedy is control the itching. The more you scratch at hives the worse they become and the more they itch.

• You can soothe the itchness by holding an ice pack on them.

• Take a bath with oatmeal and baking soda. Fill the tub with warm, not hot, water and add a cup of regular oatmeal and half a cup of baking soda. Soak in this solution to relieve the itch.

• Cover the hives with aloe vera juice.

• The herb thyme has anesthetic properties. Make a strong tea with fresh or dried thyme. Let it cool down and dab the tea onto the hives with a clean cloth.

• The herb basil contains eugenol which is a topical anesthetic. Make a strong tea with fresh or dried basil leaves and let it cool. Dip a cotton ball into the tea and apply to the hives.

• Calendula speeds healing and reduces inflammation. You can use lotions, creams, or ointments that contain Calendula or you can make a tea with Calendula blossoms and dab it on the hives with a cotton ball or clean cloth. Learn more about Calendula Flower.

• Evening primrose oil is good for skin rashes including hives. Apply the oil to the hives several times a day. Read about Evening Primrose Oil Benefits.

• The menthol in mint can relieve the itch. Again make a strong tea with fresh or dried mint leaves and after it has cooled down, dab it onto the hives.

  The itching, burning, and swelling of any skin rash including poison ivy or a bug bite can be relieved with Hive Away made by Native Remedies. It is a homeopathic remedy that is taken orally. It is safe for children and pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding.