Home remedies for certain conditions are becoming more popular due to the lack of side effects and their potential to keep you out of the doctor's office. Many of these remedies can be made from ingredients such as fruits, vegetables and herbs. There are several over-the-counter methods to help hives.
The Condition
Hives, clinically known as urticaria, is a skin condition that causes welts or red, itchy patches on your skin. Hives can cause difficulty breathing and swallowing.
Determining the Allergen
Ruling out what caused the hives is an effective treatment. Once determined, the best advice is to avoid the allergen. Some common allergens include medication (penicillin, phenobarbital, aspirin), foods (shellfish, chocolate, nuts, berries), insect bites or bee stings, pet dander or pollen.
Cornstarch Bath
Soaking at least once a day in a bath of 1/2 cup cornstarch and 1/2 cup baking soda (in a half-filled tub) can ease the itching.
Cool compression
A washcloth wet with cool water can ease the pain and itching. Or try an ice cube rubbed over the hives. The cold shrinks the blood vessels, which keeps them from releasing too much antihistamine.
Tea
Tea made with red alder leaves and bark can also help. Apply the tea to the area and also drink a couple of tablespoons.
Milk of magnesia
Dabbing milk of magnesia on the hives can provide some itching relief. The milk of magnesia contains an alkaline solution to help remove the itching sensation.
Cayenne Pepper
Taking cayenne pepper capsules can help speed the healing process. Vitamin C, vitamin E and zinc also help.
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