If you have been suffering from hives, then the first thing that you should focus on is to eliminate the reasons that cause hives. The scars will heal over time. If they persist, try using anti-scar creams, vitamin E oils and fresh lime juice. But treating hives, so they do not erupt frequently, is more important.Reasons for hives: From foods to medicines, stress to hot weather, infections to insect bites, anything can lead to hives. Hives are different from skin eruptions. Sometimes the plasma in the blood seeps into the skin, causing the area to swell up. This swelling is known as ‘wheals.' Hives can last for a few days, but some people keep getting frequent outbreaks of hives. If the reason is not identified or not treated, hives can last for months or even years.Avoiding the trigger: Try to figure out the possible cause of your case of hives. Here is a checklist you can refer to.
- Some foods like strawberries can cause hives. Milk, fresh berries, eggs, tomatoes, fish, nut and chocolates can cause hives too. Maintain a food journal and note down any reactions to food products.
- Flavorings, food coloring, and preservatives can also lead to hives.
- Sometimes certain medicines like aspirin and penicillin can trigger of hives.
- Exposure to heat or cold water can also cause an outbreak.
- If you've been bitten by some insects, check if that is the reason behind the hives.
- Infection, stress or diseases are some of the other triggers that can lead to an outbreak of hives.
Home remedies for hives:
- Take an over-the-counter anti-histamine medicine to control the allergens.
- Do not scratch the itchy skin and wear a pair of gloves while sleeping, so that you don't keep scratching the inflamed area in your sleep. Alternatively, wrap the affected area loosely.
- Dip a clean cloth in some milk and place it on the skin for a few minutes.
- Make an ice pack by wrapping ice cubes in a towel and place the pack on your skin for some time everyday.
- Mix a cup of oatmeal or half a box of baking soda in your bath water. Soak in the water to get relief.
- If you can figure out the trigger, then try to avoid it.
- Tight clothes like waistbands and bra straps can cause hives. In this case, it would be best to wear loose clothing
- Apply a calamine lotion to get relief from the itching.
- Take vitamin c supplements and eat fruits with large quantities of this vitamin to lower the level of histamine.
answered by M W on Feb 16, 2010, 11:17:38