Hives home remedies

• Bacteria
• Excessive exposure to the cold, heat, sun or water
• Foods like milk, berries, milk, fish and chocolate
• Fungus
• Insect bites
• Medication
• Other diseases
• Pets
• Strenuous physical exercise or pressure
• Stress
• The use of deodorants and perfumes
• Viral infections
  

• Lightheadedness
• Breathing difficulties
• Swelling in the throat
  

• Epinephrine
• H2 antagonists
• Oral corticosteroids 
• Tri-cyclic antidepressants
  

• Ice is a wonderful remedy for most skin related problems, including hives. An ice pack should be used on the skin, at least 3 or 4 times a day, to alleviate the itchiness and the rash.

• Keep the area that has been affected wrapped up. An elastic bandage can be used or protective clothing can be used to keep the area covered. However, the bandages should not be too tight, or they could aggravate the rash further.

• A cold milk compress is usually very effective in soothing eruptions of chronic hives on the face or other parts of the body. A piece of cloth, dipped in milk, should be placed on the skin for at least 10 to 15 minutes. However, the milk that is used should not be ice-cold or else it could freeze the skin.

• Baking soda is an excellent remedy for skin itchiness caused by several conditions. Doctors advise people to soak in a tub of cool water, to which two cups of baking soda has been added. Oatmeal is as effective as baking soda and could be used in a similar manner.

• In case the cause of chronic hives is stress, the use of stress relieving techniques such as Yoga, meditation, deep breathing, acupuncture and so on. Several people go for regular head and body massages too, to relieve the symptoms of chronic hives.

• In many instances, chronic hives is caused by nothing more than dry skin. Keeping the skin well moisturized at all times can help reduce the itchiness as well as the rash. However, many anti-itch creams and lotions can worsen the condition. Therefore, it is best to use petroleum jelly on the affected area, to reduce the itchiness.

• Drinking cups of warm herbal tea can work as an excellent relaxant and therefore, can help relieve chronic hives due to stress. However, this may not be proper for children.

Hives also referred to as urticaria and is accompanied by skin patches. Perspiration, poor weather conditions, improper clothing and jewellery and familial conditions are the most common factors. Allergens, such as food, drugs and others can result in hives. An aqueous paste of oatmeal and corn starch helps in providing relief form hives. A bath with cold water also helps. Vitamin E oil or baby oil, when applied provides relief. Topical application of aloe vera gel or paste is an effective remedy. Supplementation of vitamin C and vitamin E are recommended under a physician's guidance. Chickweed leaves are crushed and prepared into a poultice. Remove on drying.

Oatmeal bath is effective in reducing the itch caused by hives. Antihistamines are helpful. Topical application of caladryl lotion helps. Avoid scratching the area. Ice pack rubbing cools the affected area. Red alder is another tree, which comes for rescue. Brewing the leaves to make a tea decoction provides relief from hives. Application of milk of magnesia also helps. Herbal tea, made of peppermint, catnip or chamomile is good for the system. The cause of the problem is identified and eliminated.