How to Treat Hives



Hives, or urticaria, is an itchy rash that can appear suddenly and last for hours or days. It is caused by the body releasing histamines into the skin as a result of an allergic reaction to something. While not life-threatening, hives can be very uncomfortable and cause distress. Fortunately, there are several treatments available to help relieve the symptoms of hives.

1. Antihistamines: Antihistamines block the action of histamine in the body and reduce itching and swelling associated with hives. Over-the-counter antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or loratadine (Claritin) can be taken orally to provide relief from hives symptoms.

2. Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids are medications that reduce inflammation in the body and can be used to treat hives when other treatments have failed or if symptoms are severe. Corticosteroids come in pill form or as a cream that can be applied directly to affected areas of skin for localized relief from itching and swelling associated with hives.

3. Avoid Triggers: Identifying potential triggers for your hives is important in preventing future outbreaks, so it’s important to keep track of any new foods you eat, medications you take, activities you do that may lead to an outbreak of hives. Common triggers include certain foods (such as shellfish), pollen, pet dander, stress, cold temperatures and exercise.

4. Cold Compresses: Applying cold compresses directly to affected areas on your skin can help reduce itching and swelling associated with hives outbreaks by numbing nerve endings in the area where they occur most often – typically on arms or legs - providing temporary relief from discomfort caused by hives outbreaks while other treatments take effect .

5 . Oatmeal Baths : Taking a bath with oatmeal added into it has been found helpful in relieving irritation caused by urticaria due its natural anti-inflammatory properties which helps soothe inflamed skin affected by hive rashes . To make an oatmeal bath , simply add 1 cup of finely ground oatmeal into a warm bath – soaking for up 15 minutes should provide some relief from discomfort associated with hive rashes .

Tags:

Hives, Urticaria, Allergic Reaction, Histamines, Antihistamines, Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), Loratadine (Claritin), Corticosteroids, Triggers, Cold Compresses, Oatmeal Baths,

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