You may be able to relieve hives with home remedies such as aloe vera and an oatmeal bath Over-the-counter treatments may also help. A doctor may need to treat severe or chronic hives.
Hives (urticaria) is a rash on the body. Identifying what triggered the hives is crucial to preventing them from happening again. If you can identify the trigger, you may be able to avoid contact with it.
You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:
- dizziness
- swelling in your throat or face
- difficulty breathing
These may indicate a severe allergic reaction and require emergency care.
If your hives are milder, continue reading to learn how to ease any discomfort and speed up the healing process.
Some remedies and other products may cause a skin reaction. It’s best to do a skin patch test before applying.
How to perform a patch test
To do a skin patch test, apply a small amount of the product to an unaffected skin area. If you can, apply it to the inside of your forearm. If you don’t experience any irritation within 24 hours, it should be safe to apply to any hives.
In most cases, home remedies may help you find relief from hives.
Use a cold compress
Applying a cool compress to your skin can help relieve irritation and swelling.
To do this, grab a bag of frozen veggies or wrap a handful of ice in a towel and apply it to the affected area for 10 to 20 minutes.
Repeat as you need to throughout the day.
Take a bath with an anti-itch solution
There are several products you can add to a bath to relieve itching. A colloidal oatmeal bath may help soothe itchy skin.
Avoid products that may irritate the skin
Certain soaps may dry your skin and cause more itching when you have hives. Make sure to use a mild soap that’s marketed for sensitive skin. These typically do not include fragrance and irritating chemicals.
You should also avoid using irritating moisturizers or lotions. When in doubt, opt for a formula that targets sensitive skin.
Applying immediately after bathing may also help soothe the itch.
Keep things cool
Heat can make itchiness worse. Wear lightweight clothing and keep the temperature in your house cool and comfortable. Avoid sitting in direct sunlight.
It’s also best to avoid tight clothing. Looser clothing is less likely to irritate the skin.
If home remedies aren’t relieving your symptoms, you may want to try natural solutions.
Natural remedies aren’t regulated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so use them with caution.
Witch hazel
The natural tannins found in the herb witch hazel may help relieve irritation.
Despite this, it
Aloe vera
Aloe vera is a natural anti-inflammatory. According to the
- acne
- herpes simplex
- psoriasis
- other conditions affecting the skin
People typically tolerate it well.
As with any new product you try, it’s important to do a skin patch test before application, especially if you have sensitive skin. Some aloe products may also have added fragrance or other chemicals, so be sure to read the label.
You can apply topical aloe vera to your rash as necessary. Be sure to follow any instructions on the package.
Over-the-counter (OTC) treatments may help relieve your symptoms of hives. Not only can OTC options relieve itching and irritation, but some can also target your body’s histamine response, which is what causes hives.
Calamine lotion
Products containing calamine can help relieve itching by cooling your skin. You can apply calamine lotion directly to your skin:
- Make sure you mix the lotion before using it by shaking the container.
- Put some calamine lotion on a cotton pad or cloth.
- Apply the pad or cloth directly to the hives and let dry.
You can treat the hives with calamine lotion as necessary.
Anthistamines
The oral antihistamine diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can reduce rash and other allergy symptoms like itching by working from the inside out.
Be sure to follow the dosage instructions on the package. Benadryl may cause drowsiness and other side effects.
Speak with a pharmacist for more information about Bendryl and other antihistamines.
Contact a doctor if hives does not improve after 2 doses of Benadryl, particularly in children.
If you’re experiencing severe or chronic hives, you may need prescription medication. Talk with a doctor about your symptoms and how you can best find relief.
Prednisone (Deltasone)
The corticosteroid prednisone (Deltasone) is an oral medication. You should only use it for a short period of time as directed by a doctor.
Corticosteroids can have side effects, especially if taken for extended periods of time. Side effects can include:
- elevated eye pressure (glaucoma)
- swelling
- weight gain or weight loss
- immunosuppression, which means you may get infections more easily
To reduce side effects, your doctor may recommend taking oral corticosteroids at a lower dose and then transitioning to corticosteroid creams.
Omalizumab (Xolair)
Doctors
This option is
As with any medication, omalizumab may cause side effects.
Dapsone (Aczone)
The antibiotic dapsone (Aczone)
It’s important to take all antibiotics as prescribed.
If your symptoms worsen or last longer than a few days, you may want to talk with a doctor.
They can identify the cause and recommend medication to help relieve your symptoms. Understanding your triggers may also help prevent future outbreaks.
Home remedies for hives include cold compresses, oatmeal baths, keeping cool, and avoiding products that might irritate the skin.
OTC products and natural remedies that might help alleviate hives symptoms include calamine lotion, antihistamines, aloe vera, and witch hazel.
Doctors may recommend medical treatments for chronic or severe hives. These can include prednisone (Deltasone), omalizumab (Xolair), and dapsone (Aczone).
Speak with a doctor if hives symptoms do not resolve within a few days or if they keep coming back. Seek immediate medical help if you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as breathing difficulties, swelling, and dizziness.
