Hives are a highly prevalent condition characterized by clusters or patches of red, inflamed, raised, and itchy spots. Hives typically appear due to contact with or exposure to an allergen such as a medication, food, insect bite, dust mites, and pollen. In addition, anything that has an impact on the blood flow, from changes in body temperature to stress, can potentially worsen hives.
In most cases, hives go away when your body stops being exposed to the allergen or irritant that is causing the reaction. However, there are some treatment options you can try to get relief from the inflammation and itching.
Using Antihistamines
An effective way to improve hives-related itching can be using antihistamines that are available over-the-counter such as Claritin and Benadryl. Though it may be best to reserve your use of Benadryl for nighttime as the main ingredient in Benadryl, diphenhydramine, can make you sleepy.
Soothing the skin with cold compresses
Applying a cold compress to the affected areas of the skin can improve hives by cooling and soothing the effects of environmental factors or activities such as high temperatures, working out, and too much stress. The cold has a constricting effect on the blood vessels, which, in turn, reduces the blood flow to the skin. You may use a cold compress up to 20-30 minutes.
Applying calamine
Similar to the purpose a cold compress serves, calamine can naturally shrink blood vessels, reducing the supply of blood to the skin, easing the itching caused by hives. Witch hazel is another alternative to calamine.
Using Alkaline
Alkaline can also be effective in easing the itching associated with hives. Milk of magnesia is a good natural remedy that you can rub on the affected areas of your skin.
Having a warm bath
Taking a warm bath (not hot!) drawn with colloidal oatmeal or uncooked oatmeal can be an excellent temporary itching relief. The temperature of the water should be in the range of 75-95F and can lessen itching and irritation by decreasing blood flow. Colloidal oatmeal is also a natural remedy for skin conditions that cause itching.
Using a hydrocortisone ointment
If you only have a few clusters of hives in small sections of your body, applying a hydrocortisone ointment can provide some temporary relief from the hives itch. These ointments are not recommended for long-term use, however.
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Posted on May 22, 2023