Hives is a kind of skin allergy that leaves the person who is suffering with it with patches and rings almost all over the body. Scientifically called urticaria, hives look fierce red swellings and they tend to fade away and reappear on any other part of the body. Hives occur due to chemical called histamine and anyone can suffer from it. The size of the blotches varies with the degree of seriousness of the ailment. These patches cause severe irritation and itchy feeling. Hives also increase the heart beat causing difficulty in breathing and swallowing. Hives has other symptoms also like dizziness and loss of consciousness. There are different home remedies which one can try to reduce the itching sensation and pain that accompanies hives and also to cure it. Here are some home remedies that can be helpful in treating hives –

1) One can apply cool compression to the affected part. This helps in reducing the pain and itch.

2) Calamine lotion gives relief from itching. One can apply the lotion to reduce the uneasiness.

3) One can also apply milk of magnesia to the gash. Applying milk of magnesia to the affected part helps in reducing the irritation. This is due the fact that milk of magnesia is alkaline in nature.

4) Hives become more severe due to stress. One can try passionflower tea or peppermint tea to calm the nerves. Valerian, catnip and chamomile are also very good.

5) The itching can be stopped by applying a mixture of cornstarch and baking soda. If half a cup of baking powder and cornstarch is applied at least once a day, it can cure the itching within a very short span of time.

6) Nettle tea is also very good for hives patients. Consuming tea made by stinging powdered nettles along with lemon or honey can do wonders.

7) Cayenne pepper capsules also speed up the recovery process. One can also have vitamin E or C capsules to get instant relief.

However, it is best to take precautionary measures to avoid the discomfort and embarrassment of hives. One should avoid food like chocolates, peanuts, nuts, soy products etc. it is also advisable that one finds out the food that one is allergic to and avoid consuming them. This reduces the chances of one getting infected with hives. It also helps one avoid all the uneasiness that accompany hives.

Filed under: SKIN DISEASE