Hives Treatment At Home – Understand Symptoms And Causes

What Is Hives, How To Give Natural Treatment

Technically known as urticaria, hives can be both an allergic and a non-allergic reaction of the skin to the presence of the certain irritants in the external environment. The most common symptom of this skin reaction is the sudden appearance of red, swollen patches on the skin, especially on the arms, chest, back and legs. These patches may be itchy and may spread to other parts of the body as well. Sometimes, hives affect the eyes and the genitals as well. Sometimes these lesions may appear and then disappear periodically. The reason behind the appearance of these skin rashes is the secretion of a chemical called “histamine” inside the body due to exposure certain stimulants. Though hives is not necessarily the result of an allergic reaction, foodstuff like nuts, berries, prawns, fish, eggs, tomato, wheat and cereals are known to trigger this condition. Sometimes artificial additives like coloring or flavoring agents as well as chemical preservatives in manufactured food items can cause hives. Insect bites and contact with animal droppings may also lead to this sort of a skin reaction. Non-allergic causes include exposure to very high or low temperatures and wearing tight and ill-fitting clothes.

Natural Healing Remedies For Hives

There are several simple home remedies for treating hives. Applying an ice pack or a cool compress on the affected area soothes the skin and relieves itching and inflammation. Massaging the area with calamine lotion is also known to help. You could also dab the area with the milk of magnesia in order to get relief from irritation. For another remedy, fill up your bathtub with warm water and add a cup each of cornstarch and baking soda into the water. Then soak your body in this solution for around half an hour. Following this procedure twice a day is an easy way of treating hives. Alternatively, mix a cup each of chamomile, oatmeal and baking soda in your bathwater and bathe with this solution to get rid of hives. You could also massage your body with aloe vera gel or vitamin E oil after a cold shower in order to treat hives. In addition, dab the skin with a piece of cotton wool soaked in cold milk for 15 minutes. Repeat this process thrice a day for best results. Consuming a decoction made by boiling powdered stinging nettle powder in a cup of water and adding a few drops of honey to it is another popular remedy for hives.