Hives

Hives are a form of rash that are characterized by dark red, raised, and itchy bumps on the skin.

While hives are often caused by allergic reactions to certain foods or substances, there are also many instances where their causes are non-allergic in nature.

Most of the time, cases of hives that last less than six weeks are triggered by some form of allergy, while cases that last longer than that are usually caused by some form of autoimmune disorder.

Other, less common, causes of hives include friction, extreme heat or cold, exercise, pressure, and sunlight.

When hives occur, they trigger the release of inflammatory substances, of which histamines are the most prominent.

These histamines cause intense itching in the affected area, making the condition extremely annoying and uncomfortable.

That said, hives are not a life-threatening condition, and while they are unsightly and cause discomfort, they are not cause for undue alarm.

Natural Cures for Hives:

The following home remedies to get rid of hives can be used to treat the symptoms of hives or the root causes of the problem.

Antihistamines:

Antihistamines are drugs that work to counteract histamines that cause the itching sensations associated with hives.

The most common over-the-counter antihistamine is Benadryl, which is easily available at drugstores or even the supermarket.

Ice:

One method of temporarily relieving the itchiness is to cool the affected area using an ice pack or ice cubes wrapped in a thin cloth.

Hold the ice to the affected area, but for no longer than five minutes at a time, or you might end up with cold burns on top of your existing problems.

Cortisone:

One percent cortisone solutions are available over-the-counter, and you may use this if the discomfort is extreme.

Cortisone is a hormone steroid that is particularly powerful at stopping itching, but should only be used if the itching is really unbearable.

Stop Scratching:

While this may be easier said than done, the fact is that scratching could increase the inflammation, and even cause the affected area to grow in size, making the problem worse.

Scratching hives can also result in tears in your skin, which are then open to infection.

Identify the Trigger:

Hives generally appear within half an hour of your contact with the trigger, so this will narrow down the possibility of substances that might have triggered the outbreak of hives.

If you are able to identify the trigger, this will go a long way towards helping you avoid another outbreak of hives in the future.