Top 4 Home Remedies For Hives

Hives are red swellings or raised bumps that may itch, burn or sting. These swellings can appear in groups or appear single and can cover a large area of the skin.

They vary in size. They can appear in small or large sizes. And even small ones can join together to form bigger swellings. Hives often disappear within 24 hours.

However, some hives can last up to six weeks or less (acute hives) or they can last more than six weeks (chronic hives). Hives often appear as a result of allergic reactions from foods, animals, pollen, medicine and insect bites. Hives can appear on a particular spot always (fixed hives). Fixed hives can be as a result of certain drugs and prolonged exposure to the sun. Non-allergic causes of hives include; infections (from bacteria or fungi), stress, exercise, exposure to sun (heat or cold), chemicals, health conditions like thyroid disease. Hives can appear within minutes/hours of exposure to trigger.

Mild cases of hives can easily be taken care of using home remedies. But medical care should be sought in severe cases.

Oatmeal bath: 

Oatmeal is a very effective hives remedy. This is because oatmeal has anti-inflammatory and itch relieving properties. Bathing in finely ground oatmeal soothes irritated skin. Add one or two cups of ground oatmeal into warm or cool water (not cold water nor hot water) in the bathtub. Stir very well and soak your body for 15 to 20 minutes. Or you can mix one or two cups of oatmeal to water to form a paste. Apply on the affected areas and leave for about 15 to 20 minutes. Then wash off with warm water. Do twice daily.

Pineapple: 

Pineapple has been used over the years for treating inflammation and swelling. This is mainly because of its bromelain content. This powerful enzyme bromelain has always been used to treat a wide range of diseases. Pour a freshly squeezed pineapple juice in a small bowl and dampen a cotton towel with it. Apply on the affected area. Leave for 15 to 20 minutes. Then wash off with cool water. Don’t allow the juice to touch the eyes. Avoid using unripe pineapple.

Baking soda: 

Baking soda also helps to relieve itchy inflammations. Mix one or two tablespoons of baking soda with water to form a paste. Apply the paste on the hives. Leave for 10 minutes before washing off with warm water. Do once daily.

Apple cider vinegar: 

Apple cider vinegar has anti-inflammatory property that helps to remove hives. Mix equal amounts of apple cider vinegar and water (preferably one or two tablespoons of each) and stir properly. Use a cotton ball to apply on the affected areas. Wash off with cool water after a few minutes. Do once or twice daily.

Important Tips

·         Cool water compress is another excellent remedy. It’s a simple and very effective way of taking care of hives. Just soak a clean towel in cool water and squeeze. Place the dampened towel on affected areas. Leave the towel on the hives for a few minutes. Then re-soak and repeat the process until you feel relieved. Don’t use cold water as it can trigger hives in some people.

·         Make sure your skin is not sensitive to any of the remedies above. It’s advisable to try the remedies in very small amounts first to check if you are allergic.

·         You need to understand what triggers your hives and avoid.

·         In cases where swellings are under the skin especially on the eyes and lips, medical care should be sought immediately.