Hives is also referred to as urticaria. It’s a condition that is said to affect as much as 20% of the population. Red bumps that appear on practically any part of the body may leave the sufferer itching and scratching like crazy! There are a few things as well as situations that can trigger hives. Luckily, there are also medications and numerous home remedies for it.
This happens when someone with the condition comes into contact with certain triggers. Some common triggers include pollen, pet dander, dust mites, insect bites and certain foods such as nuts, eggs and shellfish. There are instances too when the sun, cold temperature and even pressure applied on the skin is enough to cause hives to take place. Some people may get hives from too much stress.
It’s hard to mistake hives for something else based on the signs and symptoms. Upon coming into contact with a trigger, red bumps appear on the skin all of a sudden. They may move around and change in shape. They may even appear as well as disappear several times during a bout of hives. When the center part of a bump is pressed, it turns white — something referred to by the experts as “blanching”.
Definitely, those red bumps that appear on the skin are very itchy. Suffering from hives can be very uncomfortable. The presence of those itchy bumps can last for just a few minutes. However, it’s possible for them to stay around for months.
Needless to say, the best way to keep hives at bay is avoiding a trigger. If you are a hives sufferer, it is very important for you to be aware of what causes the condition to strike, allowing you to stay away from them. Antihistamines and a few other medications are given to a person with hives in order to have the signs and symptoms controlled upon coming into contact with a trigger. There are also many home remedies for hives, and some of them are the following:
Ice Pack
One of the simplest and quickest ways to deal with the signs and symptoms of hives is by placing an ice pack on the affected skin areas. This will shrink those blood vessels, thus helping to reduce swelling. An ice pack also helps provide relief from the itchy sensation. Do this home remedy 4 to 5 times a day.
Cold Milk
Another easy solution is cold milk compress. Place cold milk in a small bowl and dip a small towel in it. Wring out the excess and fold neatly. Place over swollen and itchy skin areas. Leave it there for several minutes.
Oatmeal
Grind 1 to 2 cups of oatmeal using your favorite food processor. Next, fill your bath tub with warm water. Make sure that the temperature won’t scald your skin. Place the ground oatmeal in it and agitate the water with your hands to disperse the oatmeal. Soak your body in it until the water is no longer warm. Rinse off and pat dry your skin afterwards.
Baking Soda
You want to get rid of that severe itchiness but got no time to grind some oatmeal? Reach for a box of baking soda instead. Dissolve about a cup of it in a tub filled with warm water, and immerse your body there for a few minutes.
Apple Cider Vinegar
In a small bowl, place a couple of tablespoons of corn starch. Add a few drops of apple cider vinegar while constantly mixing. The goal is to come up with a paste. Once you are happy with the consistency, apply the resulting white paste on those red and itchy bumps. This is best done after taking your shower or bath.
Aloe Vera
It’s a good idea to plant some aloe vera in your garden. That’s because the thick and vitamin E-rich gel inside each and every leaf can be applied on itchy and inflamed skin areas each time hive strikes.
