Natural Remedies for Hives

Hives can be caused by nearly anything: foods like peanuts or strawberries, medications such as penicillin or aspirin, vitamin supplements, changes in temperature, sunlight, physical activity, fever, stress, or even rubbing or scratching the skin.

Some triggers directly lead to an allergic response that causes hives, while others have no connection to allergies. For instance, strawberries contain a compound that prompts the release of histamine, a chemical associated with allergies, leading to the leakage of blood plasma into the skin, which forms hives. This article will explore ways to prevent and alleviate hives.

In some cases, even a small amount of the trigger is enough to cause a reaction. For example, if you're sensitive to seafood, you might develop hives after eating steak—just because the steak was cooked in a pan previously used for fish.

Don't mistake hives for other skin rashes. Known as urticaria in medical terms, hives occur when blood plasma leaks into the skin, creating 'wheals' or raised, swollen areas. These can range in size from as small as a pencil eraser to as large as a dinner plate, and typically last a few hours. However, new wheals can appear continuously, often accompanied by itching.

A hives outbreak generally lasts only a short time, usually just a few days. Yet, some individuals experience repeated flare-ups. They may need to do some detective work to identify the cause. For others, hives can become a chronic issue, persisting for years.

The Most Common Triggers for Hives

Since hives are an allergic reaction, the best way to prevent future outbreaks is by identifying the trigger. You'll have to investigate to find out what's causing your itching. If you're unable to pinpoint the cause, you're not alone—about 50% of the time, the cause remains unknown. To assist in your search, here are the most common triggers for hives. Hopefully, you'll discover the cause of your itchy bumps here:

Foods. Certain foods are more likely to cause hives. Strawberries are notorious for promoting histamine production in the body, triggering reactions. Other common food culprits include nuts, chocolate, fish, tomatoes, eggs, fresh berries, and milk. If food is the cause of your reaction, you'll probably experience symptoms within 30 minutes of consumption.

Food Additives. Some food colorings, flavorings, preservatives, and emulsifiers or stabilizers found in processed foods can trigger a hives outbreak. If you think food additives might be behind your red skin, check the labels for ingredients such as salicylates, sulfites, and polysorbate.

Medications. Penicillin and aspirin are the two most common drugs responsible for causing hives. Penicillin and other antibiotics are the leading culprits when it comes to drug-related hives.

Heat. Being exposed to high temperatures, such as spending too much time outdoors on a hot day or through exercise, can lead to heat-induced hives. Also known as 'prickly heat,' these hives usually subside once your body temperature returns to normal.

Cold. Immersing your arm in cold water or stepping outside on a chilly day can result in cold-induced hives. These hives happen when you're exposed to cold surfaces, water, or air. Much like heat-induced hives, they go away once your body temperature stabilizes.

Insect Bites or Stings. The venom from insect bites or stings contains allergens. In some people, these allergens can cause a systemic (bodywide) reaction that leads to hives.

Infections. Bacterial, viral, and yeast infections can lead to a hives outbreak. Additionally, fever is often associated with the production of hives.

Everyday Objects. Hives can sometimes occur due to pressure on the skin from common objects like furniture, towels, watch bands, or bedsheets, or from wearing clothes that are too tight.

Stress. Many individuals find that stress can trigger an episode of hives.

Diseases. Hives can sometimes be a symptom of underlying conditions such as thyroid disease, hepatitis, lupus, or even some types of cancer. Therefore, a persistent case of hives should not be ignored.

What Are Your Chances of Developing Hives?

If you've never experienced the itchy inflammation, you have a 20 percent chance of encountering it at some point in your life. Young adults are most prone to developing hives. While children and adults face similar risks for hives, the causes differ. Children tend to get hives from food allergies or infections, whereas adults typically experience hives due to medication reactions.

Regardless of whether you can pinpoint the source of your hives, there are some items in your kitchen that can help alleviate your symptoms while you investigate further. In the next section, we'll discuss various home remedies that can provide relief if you're dealing with troublesome hives.

To learn more about how to avoid allergens and manage allergic reactions, check out the following links:

This content is provided for informational purposes only. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO OFFER MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author, nor the publisher assume any responsibility for any consequences resulting from treatment, procedures, exercises, dietary changes, actions, or medication usage based on the information provided here. The publication of this material does not constitute medical practice, and it should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your physician or healthcare provider before undertaking any treatment plan.

Home Remedies for Hives

You know scratching won't help, but what can you do to ease the discomfort of hives? Here are a few helpful home remedy suggestions:

Take an antihistamine. One of the most commonly recommended solutions is the over-the-counter medication Benadryl (diphenhydramine). However, be aware that it may make you drowsy. Since hives often worsen at night, the sedative effect might help distract you from the itching. For more safety tips when using over-the-counter medications, click here.

Try to identify the cause. It may be frustrating, as doctors can pinpoint a specific cause in only 20 to 30 percent of cases. Keep in mind that hives usually appear within 30 minutes of exposure, so if you break out today, the strawberries you ate last night may not be the culprit.

Avoid triggers. This might seem obvious, but if you know cold weather causes hives, avoid touching ice or plunging your hands into the freezer. In some cases, diving into cold water could be dangerous for hives sufferers. Stress is another major trigger, so learning techniques to manage stress is key to preventing flare-ups.

Address the underlying infection. If hives persist and become chronic, they could be linked to an infection. For example, an unnoticed dental or yeast infection might be the cause of the flare-up. Consider these factors and consult a healthcare professional to rule them out.

Relieve the pressure. Tight clothing often triggers hives, especially around areas like bra straps or waistbands. If you notice hives on your forehead, it could be time to reconsider that favorite baseball cap you wear.

Apply a moisturizer. If dry skin is contributing to the itchiness, a good moisturizer can help soothe the irritation and reduce discomfort.

Avoid worsening the issue. Over-the-counter anti-itch creams or lotions might cause additional allergic reactions. If products like topical Benadryl or those containing "caine" exacerbate your symptoms, steer clear of them. Calamine lotion, while effective for many types of itching, won’t offer much relief for hives.

Your kitchen is full of remedies that may help alleviate a hives outbreak. Keep reading to explore some of these natural solutions.

To discover more about how to avoid allergens and manage allergic reactions, explore the following resources:

This content is for informational purposes only. IT IS NOT INTENDED AS MEDICAL ADVICE. The Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author, and the publisher do not take responsibility for any consequences that arise from following or applying the information in this content. Publication of this information does not equate to practicing medicine, nor does it substitute for the advice of your physician or healthcare provider. Before starting any treatment, consult with your doctor or healthcare provider.

Natural Remedies for Hives

Your kitchen is a treasure trove of remedies that can provide relief during a hives outbreak. The next time those red bumps appear, give these home solutions a go.

Home Remedies from Your Cupboard

Baking soda. Add between 1/2 to 1 cup of baking soda to a warm bath to relieve the itching.

Herbal tea. Unwind and de-stress by enjoying a calming cup of herbal tea.

Oatmeal. Add 1 to 2 cups of finely ground oatmeal to a warm bath (but avoid making it too hot or you'll be cooking breakfast for the next month) to help calm the itching.

Home Remedies from the Drawer

Oven mitts. Wearing something on your hands can stop you from scratching. Cotton gloves work well, but oven mitts are a good choice too. Secure them at the wrist with tape, and it will be harder to take them off and scratch. If you wear them at night, you'll prevent accidental scratching while you sleep.

Home Remedies from the Freezer

Ice. An ice pack can reduce swelling by constricting blood vessels. Wrap the ice pack in a thin towel and apply it to your skin for five minutes at a time, three or four times a day.

Home Remedies from the Refrigerator

Milk. Soothe your hives with a cold milk compress. Dampen a cloth with cold milk and place it on your skin for 10 to 15 minutes.

Home Remedies from the Spice Rack

Asafoetida. This relative of onions and garlic may help alleviate your hives. Find asafoetida powder in the spice aisle of your grocery store. Mix 1/4 teaspoon of asafoetida powder with 4 tablespoons of castor oil and apply it directly to your hives. Keep in mind, the smell of asafoetida is strong, like garlic, so use it when you don't need to be around others for a few hours.

Basil. In Chinese tradition, bathing in basil tea is believed to be an effective remedy for hives. Steep 1 ounce of dried basil in a quart of boiling water, let it cool to room temperature, and use it as a wash.

Home Remedies from the Supplement Shelf

Vitamin C. High doses of vitamin C have been shown to reduce histamine levels, potentially preventing a hives outbreak. To see a noticeable effect, aim for at least 2,000 mg daily. However, consult your doctor before increasing your vitamin C intake, as excessive amounts can lead to kidney stones and diarrhea.

Keep the itch under control by using these home remedies to prevent or manage your next hives flare-up.

For more information on avoiding allergens and managing allergic reactions, check out the following links:

David J. Hufford, Ph.D. is a professor and chair of the Medical Humanities Department at Pennsylvania State University's College of Medicine. He also holds positions in the departments of Neural and Behavioral Sciences and Family and Community Medicine. Dr. Hufford is an active member of several editorial boards, including for journals such as Alternative Therapies in Health & Medicine and Explore.

This information is intended for educational purposes only and is not to be considered as medical advice. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author, nor the publisher assume any responsibility for potential consequences arising from any treatment, procedure, dietary change, exercise, action, or medication taken based on this information. The publication of this content does not equate to the practice of medicine, and it should not replace consultation with your healthcare provider. Always seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before beginning any treatment plan.