Have you been frequently experiencing itching and discomfort in one or more areas of the skin on your body? Then you most likely have what is called hives.

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Hives is a common skin condition that arises due to different reasons depending upon the severity of the disorder. It results in raised surfaces on the skin, that tends to be very irritating and reddened.

Also Read: Skin Allergies: What You Need to Know

Depending upon the causative factors, hives, that is medically termed urticaria, is of four kinds:

Acute Urticaria:

This kind of skin condition is caused due to hypersensitivity to certain foods and medications. Other causes include insect bites and infections. Acute urticaria usually settles in about four to six weeks.

Chronic Urticaria And Angioedema:

As the name suggests, this type of urticaria is quite severe, lasting for a few months. It occurs due to underlying chronic diseases such as cancer, hepatitis, thyroid disorders. As chronic urticaria can spread to other internal organs in the body such as the lungs and liver, it is advised to seek immediate medical care for the same.

Physical Urticaria:

This variant of hives is triggered by external factors such as pollutants, extreme sunlight, very cold weather and friction from rubbing against clothes. It is usually a minor skin ailment that can be remedied in a week or two.

Dermatographism:

This type of hives occurs as a result of constantly scratching the skin or rubbing hard against its surface. It is not very severe and can be easily controlled.

While it is always recommended to seek professional medical advice from a dermatologist to treat a serious instance of hives, there are some basic home remedies to treat a trivial instance of hives at home, to ease irritation and soothe skin.

Natural Remedies For Hives: 

Apply A Cold Compress

The icy temperature of water or ice works wonders in calming aggravated skin. Simply dip a cloth or towel in chilled water and apply on portions of skin affected by hives.

Use An Oatmeal Scrub

The host of anti-inflammatory components in oatmeal makes it a superb moisturizing and soothing scrub for the skin. Take a shower every morning in lukewarm water and gently scrub the regions of skin with hives infections with an oatmeal soap bar or scrub with baking soda, to pacify inflamed skin. Also Read: 5 Amazing Ways Oatmeal Based Products Revamp Skin Health

Dab On Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera gel contains vast reserves of valuable antimicrobial compounds, besides being a natural hydrating agent. Applying a generous layer of aloe vera gel at night before bedtime effectively cures redness and irritation experienced in hives.

Avoid Consuming Allergic Medicines

Quite often, while regularly consuming strong prescription drugs for conditions such as obesity, diabetes and heart ailments, certain additives in them could trigger hives in the skin. Consult your doctor and request an alternative medicine so as to prevent more intense hives from occurring in the future.

Wear Comfortable Clothing

In many cases, people with sensitive skin tend to get hives when wearing leather, wool or certain other materials that persistently rub against their skin. Identify which materials could be triggering the hives and make it a point to don breathable attire in cotton or other light, hypoallergenic materials.

Rub In Calamine Lotion

Calamine lotion is a widely available over-the-counter remedy famed for its excellent abilities to soothe itching, also called pruritis, that invariably accompanies hives. After an oatmeal bath, gently pat dry affected areas on the skin using a clean towel and smear on some calamine lotion. The noteworthy calming traits of calamine work wonders when applied topically on inflamed skin and control frequent scratching tendencies.

Avoid Consuming Allergic Foods

Although various factors including prolonged sun exposure, ingesting specific medications, or suffering from the common cold/flu can prompt hives, food allergies are primarily known to commonly cause flareups of urticaria. Determining which foods trigger allergic reactions in the skin, for example - fish, peanuts, dairy, caffeine, eggs and avoiding them, besides adhering to a nourishing daily diet, aid in lessening skin inflammation and dispelling hives.

Here are two simple DIY recipes with natural ingredients to cease persistent itching sensations in the skin and rectify inflamed areas with hives.

Vinegar And Sugar Balm

Ingredients:

1 tsp vinegar

3 tsp sugar

1 tbsp water

Method:

Mix the vinegar and sugar in a bowl.

Warm the water slightly and add it to the mixture.

Apply on swollen skin with hives to pacify itching.

How It Works:

Vinegar is laden with antiseptic properties, which thwart skin infections and decrease irritation. Imbued with glycolic acid, sugar is a natural exfoliating agent that not only removes dead cells, dirt, debris but also soothes big red bumps in hives, to reveal soft, blemish-free skin.

Epsom Salt-Lavender Oil Bath

Ingredients:

2-3 cups of Epsom salt

10 drops of lavender essential oil

5 drops of mint essential oil

3 drops of witch hazel oil 

3 drops of rosemary essential oil

Lukewarm water as required for bath

Method:

Fill the bathtub with lukewarm water

Pour the Epsom salt and essential oils into it and give it a nice swirl

Remove all makeup and other accessories

Lie down in the tub for 15-20 minutes and relax

Allow the medicated water to touch the affected areas 

Soak in the benefits, get up and pat yourself dry using a warm towel

Apply a mild calamine lotion on the affected body part

How It Works:

Imbued with anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and soothing traits the combination of essential oils is an ultimate remedy for diminishing swelling and redness in the affected regions. The addition of Epsom salt in the bath water provides instant relief from itching and dryness while also rejuvenating the skin. Having this Epsom salt bath daily not only treats hives but also keeps the skin nourished and moisturized for a long time.

Baking Soda Paste: 

Baking soda can help neutralise the skin’s pH and reduce itching. Make a paste by mixing baking soda with a small amount of water and applying it to the hives. After letting the baking soda face mask  sit for ten to fifteen minutes, rinse it off with cold water.

Apple Cider Vinegar: 

The antihistamine qualities of apple cider vinegar helps lessen hives. Combine equal amounts water and apple cider vinegar, then use a cotton ball to apply the mixture to the afflicted region. Allow the ACV solution to sit on your skin for ten to fifteen minutes and then wash it off with cool water.

Witch Hazel: 

Witch hazel is a natural astringent that can reduce inflammation and soothe the skin. Apply witch hazel to the hives using a cotton ball. Its cooling effect provides immediate relief from itching and swelling.

(This article is reviewed by Preeti Sharma Wellness Expert)

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Soumita Basu:

Soumita Basu holds a Bachelor's Degree in Pharmacy and is keenly interested in Ayurveda, home remedies, yoga, fitness, diagnostics, and beauty. With nearly 6 years of experience, she produces evidence-based health content, including articles, videos, and infographics, to provide valuable insights to her audience.