Hives Rashes
Hives: Medically, Hives are known as urticaria. These are itchy, red and raised areas on the skin that generally appear in different shapes and sizes. They could be as small as an eraser or as big as a dinner plate. Hives happen because of histamine and some other compounds that are released from the mast cells. Histamine can cause the fluid to leak from the blood vessels and this triggers off a swelling in the skin.
Hives are a common type of rash and they generally resolve on their own. It takes a few weeks for the rashes to resolve and generally do not pose any medical treat. While a few types of hives are caused by allergic reaction to insect stings, medications, and foods, the majority of hives are caused for no apparent reason. Hives are generally round and can appear in a ring shape or in large patches. Known as “wheals” or welts, these red lesions are another form of hives. One can get hives on any part of the body – legs, arms or trunk.
Hives can be caused by just about anything: rubbing the skin, stress, fever, exercise, sunlight, cold, heat, vitamin supplements, food, medicine, strawberries or peanuts.
Home Remedies for Hives:
• Avoid scratching the skin as this can increase the inflammation and even tear the skin.
• You might want to wear gloves to bed so that you do not scratch when you are asleep.
• You must also wrap up the affected area to prevent yourself from scratching.
• A cool milk compress on the area for 15 minutes can bring relief.
• Try holding an ice pack on the affected area for a few minutes to chill the itch.
• Mix some baking soda in your bath water and soak in the water for relief.
• If you feel that the hives is being caused due to a tight piece of clothing, then relieve the pressure and try wearing loose clothes.
• Moisturize your skin as dry skin can increase the itchiness.
• Make yourself a cup of herbal tea to soothe your stressed out nerves.
• You might want to add a cup of finely ground oatmeal to your bath water to relieve the itchiness.
• Add about ¼ soon of asafetida powder to 4 tablespoons of castor oil. Mix well and apply the paste to the affected area.
• Make a wash by boiling a jar full of basil leaves in hot water. Once the water cools down, use the decoction to bathe.
