This article is about hives, and remedies to get rid of hives. A sudden outbreak of swollen, plaques or pale red bumps on the skin are known as hives or pale-red. An allergic reaction to a substance that you swallowed or you encountered is usually the cause of hives. A protein called histamine, released by your body, due to the allergic reaction which results in swelling, redness, itching, and many other symptoms. Certain foods (chocolate, nuts, tomatoes, eggs, fish, fresh berries and milk), Chemicals, Latex, food additives, pollen, animal dander, medications, infections, and insect bites or stings are some of the common triggers of hives.
Spending time outside in the hot summer can cause the hives. Hives can also occur when you are exposed to cold ice, water, or as a result of stress. Many times, there is no known cause for the hives, known as idiopathic hives. Hives can be very itchy, and it has clearly defined edges, appears in different shapes and sizes. The symptoms of hives may appear within minutes of exposure to a trigger, or it can be delayed reaction of more than two hours. Hives are usually harmless and will disappear within few days or even in few hours in some cases. However, it can be uncomfortable, but you can treat it at home very easily.
Top Remedies to Get Rid of Hives:
1.) Turmeric to Get Rid of Hives
Turmeric is a well-known antioxidant and natural antihistamine. It is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and helps stimulate the anti-inflammatory corticosteroids. Turmeric can be used as antioxidant for hives and variety of inflammatory skin ailments. Add a teaspoon of turmeric into a glass of warm milk or water. Take it twice a day. You can also consume turmeric in your food and consider taking turmeric supplements but only after consulting a health practitioner.
Note: Avoid taking turmeric if you are taking prescription blood thinners.
2.) Nettle to Get Rid of Hives
It is recommended by the herbalists as an effective remedy for hives. Nettle is a natural antihistamine, anti-inflammatory and astringent properties. It helps to relieve inflammation, swelling, and itching. Pour one tablespoon of dried nettle leaf into a cup of hot water. Steep it for 10 to 15 minutes. Add a little honey to it. Drink this mixture twice or thrice a day until your condition improves. You can also take nettle capsules (300mg*5) daily. Consult your health practitioner before taking nettle capsules.
3.) Cold Compress to Get Rid of Hives
Most dermatologists suggest cold compresses as the best topical natural remedy for hives. Cold temperature helps narrow the blood vessels and prevent further release of histamine. This leads to alleviates swelling, redness and itching. Take some ice in a cloth. Place it over the affected skin for 10 to 15 minutes at a time. Repeat this, three to four times in a day. Cool bath or shower can also relief skin inflammation by hives.
Note: Never put ice directly on the affected skin.
4.) Baking Soda to Get Rid of Hives
Baking soda can be used to treat hives. The anti-inflammatory properties of baking soda help reducing inflammation as well as itching. Put one cup of baking soda to a bathtub and fill it with warm water. Then mix it very well and soak the affected skin in this water for half an hour. Alternatively, add 2 tablespoons of baking soda in a bowl. Add water to make a thick paste of it. Apply the paste over the affected skin. Leave it on for 15 minutes and then rinse it off with warm water. Use one of the above methods once a day or as needed.
5.) Apple Cider Vinegar to Treat Hives
Apple cider vinegar is a well-known remedy for hives. It has antihistamine properties which help relieve inflammation very quickly and control the body’s immune system response. It also plays a vital role in restoring your overall skin health. Mix two cups of apple cider vinegar into a bathtub filled with warm water. Soak the affected area in it for 15 to 20 minutes once daily. Alternatively, mix apple cider vinegar and water in an equal proportion and wash the affected skin with the mixture two or three times a day. You can also mix one to two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of fresh water. Additionally, add a little lemon juice and honey to improve the taste. Take this drink thrice in a day. Follow any of the above treatment daily until your condition improves.
6.) Oatmeal to Get Rid of Hives
Oatmeal can be very effective in the treatment of hives. It has anti-irritating, anti-inflammatory and soothing properties which help provide relief from itching and heals your skin quickly. Make a mixture of one cup of baking soda and two cups of ground oatmeal. Put this mixture in a bathtub and fill it with warm water. Stir it well and soak the affected area in this mixture for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Try this twice in a day until your condition improves. Alternatively, add two cups of oatmeal, two tablespoons of cornstarch and enough water together and form a thick paste. Apply this paste on the affected skin for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse it off with lukewarm water. Follow this remedy once in a day.
7.) Ginger to Cure Hives Naturally
Ginger is packed with the strong anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties. It can be used as a remedy for hives. It is also known as a ‘wonder drug’. Essentially, ginger targets the genes and enzymes which are responsible for trigger inflammation that leads to improving circulation to the skin, relieving swelling and reducing itching. Mix one tablespoon of fresh ginger and one-quarter cup of brown sugar and boil it in a three-quarters cup of vinegar for several minutes. Take a little of this solution and mix it with warm water. And dab on the affected area multiple times a day.
Alternatively, peel off the skin of a small piece of ginger root and dab it gently onto the affected skin. Try this two to three times daily. You can also chill the ginger in the refrigerator before use for an added cooling effect on your skin. You can also make ginger tea or chew it on small pieces of fresh ginger a few times a day. Follow any of the above remedies daily until your skin gets healed completely.
8.) Aloe Vera to Get Rid of Hives
Another natural remedy for hives is Aloe Vera gel. Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties in the Aloe Vera gel, help reducing inflammation, redness, and itching when applied on the affected skin. When taken internally, it stimulates immunity and helps eliminate inflammatory toxins. Extract the gel from fresh Aloe Vera leaf and apply it on the affected skin. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes and wash it off with lukewarm water. Try this multiple times a day until your skin heals completely. You can also extract juice from Aloe Vera and drink two tablespoons daily to boost your immune system. Avoid this remedy if you are pregnant women.
9.) Basil to Get Rid of Hives
Basil is yet another natural antihistamine and hence it is very efficient for treating hives. Plus, it can effectively resist itching and inflammation. Take one tablespoon of dried basil leaves in a jar and add hot water to it. Cover the jar and let it cool. Apply this mixture on the affected skin using a cotton cloth. Crush some fresh basil leaves. Smoothly apply them on the hives. Leave them to dry and then wash it off your skin with lukewarm water. Follow either of these treatments as many times as needed for relief.
10.) Mint to Get Rid of Hives
The cooling effect of mint can relief burning sensations very quickly, hence it is one of the popular remedies for hives. Plus, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of mint help reduce the itching. Crush two teaspoons of fresh mint leaves and steep it into a cup of boiling water for five minutes. Chill this liquid in the refrigerator. Rinse the infected and irritated skin with this cool mint water several times a day. Boil two teaspoons of sugar and one teaspoon of crushed mint leaves in one cup of water for five minutes. Let it cool. Drink this one or two times a day, according to the severity of your condition.
Additional Tips to Get Rid of Hives:
- Note down the things which trigger your hives. This will help you avoid the triggers.
- Tight and rough clothes can cause skin irritation. Wear loose, smooth-textured cotton clothing.
- Stress can make your condition worse, Try to reduce stress.
- Prefer the food having a high amount of vitamin C in your diet.
- Avoid hot baths and showers as it can cause skin irritations.
- Protect yourself from direct sunlight as much as possible.
- This treatment and tips will help lessen the intensity of hives. However, if your symptoms persist for more than one week or you have complexity like difficulty breathing, consult your healthcare professional.