Also known as urticaria, hives are simply bumps that appear on the skin characterized by inflammation and itchiness. According to AAD (American Academy of Dermatology), hives develop as a side effect to an allergy. However, an infection, cold and stress among other factors can also lead to the development of hives.

Hives can last for up to a few hours, and others develop as some fade away. According to statistics from the American osteopathic college of dermatology, one on every five people will experience hives in their lifetime. This article will show you how to get rid of this annoying condition.

How to Get Rid of Hives

There are several home remedies you can use to get rid of hives without having to see a doctor.
1

Try Vitamin C

Vitamin C is one of the oldest and most helpful remedies for hives. Apart from its skin care properties, vitamin C is also known for its healing properties. Vitamin C helps to reduce the side effects caused by histamine and helps to get rid of the discomfort you experience when you develop hives. You can get vitamin C from potatoes, pineapples, strawberries, kale, cauliflower, citrus fruits, kiwi, cherries and blackcurrants to mention a few.

You can simply mix the juice of these fruits and vegetables together and apply this mixture to your skin. Allow it to be absorbed in the skin. You can apply the vitamin C and zinc supplements 2 times a day.

2

Use Raw Oatmeal

Most people see oatmeal as only an edible product. What most people do not know is that raw oatmeal is a great product when it comes to relieving your body of itchiness when you have hives. When you scratch your skin too much, you can cause excess aggression which can damage the skin and make the condition worsen. Therefore, it is very important to get rid of the itchy sensation.

Mix equal portions of oatmeal with baking soda. Rub the mixture on the affected areas on your skin and place a cool compress on the area for half an hour or more.

3

Use Stinging Nettle

Wanna more tips on how to get rid of hives? Stinging nettle is a product found in most skin care products. In its natural form, it can be a great remedy for hives. Once you get rid of the stinging parts of the stinging nettle, you can use the rest of it by placing it on the affected areas. This will help to reduce the inflammation and also ease the itchiness.

4

Try Cool Compresses

This is especially helpful if you develop hives on your face. It helps to get rid of the swelling and irritation. Simply soak a clean cotton towel in cool water and place it on the affected face areas after squeezing excess water out. You can use the compress on your skin for as long as you can. However, remember to re-soak it every ten minutes to ensure the area remains cool.

5

Use Cream of Tartar and Baking Soda

These two ingredients have several healing properties and help reduce inflammation, reduce the effects of the allergic reactions, and also ease the itching sensation.

Simply mix a tablespoon of these two ingredients in water to create a paste. Apply the paste in the affected areas. Leave it for a few minutes and wash it off using cool water.

6

Use Vinegar

This is a product known for its numerous home uses. Vinegar is a great product when it comes to offering relief from irritation and also soothing itchiness.

Mix equal portions of vinegar and water, then stir to mix them. Dab the mixture with a cotton pad and apply it on the affected parts of your skin to relieve the itching.

You can also boil a quarter cup of brown sugar, three or four cups of vinegar with one tablespoon of fresh ginger. Mix with warm water and apply it on the affected area a few times a day. This soothes the rushes and controls the itching.

7

Try Witch Hazel

How to get rid of hives? Here comes another tip! Witch hazel is a product that can be purchased from the stores or pharmacy without the need for a prescription. The witch hazel will simply shrink the skin’s blood vessels. This makes it hard for the body to release histamine, which is a main cause of hives.

Simply apply the witch hazel on your skin and leave it on for a few minutes. You can later rinse it off or leave it on the skin.

8

Take Medicine

If you have a mild case of hives, you can use antihistamine drugs. These are drugs that help to control the effects of histamine, which is a cause of hives. You can get these antihistamine medicines over the counter or through a doctor’s prescription. Some of antihistamine drugs include Loratadine, clemastine, cetirizine and fexofenadine.

9

Use the Epipen

In some cases, though rarely, hives can lead to severe side effects such as throat inflammation. This becomes an emergency situation. Epinephrine can be used to prevent the development of anaphylaxis, which is a severe reaction to an allergy.

10

Use Calamine Lotion

This is a type of alkaline lotion that contains compressed zinc carbonate and zinc oxide. This aids in shrinking the skin blood vessels and thus prevents the production of histamine. You can apply this lotion on your hives as often as you wish throughout the day.

11

Try Fish Oil

Fish oil is rich in fatty acids which are great anti-inflammatory agents. They help to relieve the burning feeling you get from scratching. Fatty acids also help to control the itchiness. Tuna, salmon and bluefish are great sources of these fatty acids. Alternatively, you can also get the fish oil in the form of supplements capsules. So never forget this remedy when working on how to get rid of hives.

12

See a Doctor

If you've tried some home remedies and none work, you need to consider seeing your doctor. You'd better seek an allergist to ascertain what the cause of the hives is. Your doctor will prescribe proper medication that will help relieve the condition. It is important for you to see a doctor if your hives are causing swelling in your throat. This can lead to difficulty swallowing or even breathing and thus becomes a medical emergency.

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