Hives may start as a general red rash, but they soon form into raised patches on the skin. They're usually red, pink, or flesh-colored on lighter skin and may be flesh-colored or slightly lighter or darker than your skin tone on brown or black skin.
If your symptoms worsen or last longer than a couple of days, it's best to talk to a doctor. For a severe attack of hives or angioedema, you may need a trip to the emergency room for an emergency injection of epinephrine, a type of adrenaline. Ultimately, understanding your triggers may help prevent future outbreaks.
Sources: (Healthline) (Verywell Health) (Health) (HealthCentral)
See also: Everyday things you didn’t know you could be allergic to
Keeping track of the foods and drinks you've consumed can help determine if they've caused your hives, and you can start to avoid them.
It's important to use products without fragrances when you have hives, as they can really irritate your skin.
When treating hives, wear loose-fitting clothing and avoid backpacks, or other items that might rub against your skin.
However, this type of therapy takes time to work and may be more helpful for chronic hives.
Light therapy, or phototherapy, uses ultraviolet B (UVB) light to help calm skin cell activity that may lead to hives.
These medications can include oral, topical, or injectable options.
While some products may use the label "unscented," they still contain a fragrance. These types of products are formulated in a way that makes them less noticeable to the senses.
When temperature is the cause of hives, try to avoid extreme temperatures if possible.
If you're experiencing severe or chronic hives, you may need a prescription or over-the-counter medication.
Pick a gel with very few added ingredients to reduce the chances of skin irritation. Then, spread a thin layer over your hives.
Aloe vera is another natural anti-inflammatory plant, which is known for soothing burns and itchy skin.
The natural tannins found in the herb witch hazel can help relieve irritation. It can be applied directly to the skin, often throughout the day.
Let it sit on the affected areas for about 20 minutes, and then rinse it off.
Also, make sure to be gentle as you bathe or shower, not rubbing the skin with a washcloth or loofah.
Colloidal oatmeal can be found in many body washes, soaps, and moisturizers. You can also add the colloidal oatmeal powder directly to your bath.
Oatmeal has long been considered a natural soothing and anti-inflammatory agent. Colloidal oatmeal (oat powder) works to soothe itchy skin by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Staying out of the sun or making sure you stay cool when your surroundings are hotter may keep you from experiencing hives. Also, don't forget to put on SPF.
Whether it comes from stress or exercise, the release of adrenaline can cause the development of hives.
Putting pressure on your skin, which can happen from wearing tight-fitting clothes or carrying a bag or backpack, can cause hives or make them worse.
Adrenaline can also worsen hives that you already have. Therefore, take it easy and consider skipping the gym until your hives have resolved.
Anti-itch lotions or creams can also provide temporary itch relief. For example, calamine lotion, which contains itch-relieving zinc oxide.
Lukewarm baths or showers can help provide relief from hives. A temperature that's not too hot or cold will prevent hives from being aggravating.
Products containing calamine can help relieve itching by cooling your skin. To use it, cover your hives in a thin layer and allow it to dry on the skin.
Applying something cool, like a cooling cloth or cold pack, to your skin can help relieve irritation and swelling.
In rare cases, cold can make hives worse, so discontinue this treatment if it doesn't work for you.
If your symptoms are mild, you may not need treatment. Hives often clear up on their own. But treatment can offer relief from intense itching, serious discomfort, or symptoms that persist. Luckily, there are a number of effective ways to get rid of hives.
Hives may be part of an allergic reaction, and some foods or drinks may be responsible for why you have hives.
Hives, also known as urticaria, are itchy, red bumps that appear on the skin and typically last for hours or days. Treatments for hives include home remedies and antihistamines. But no matter what treatment you choose, identifying and addressing the root cause is important to eliminate them and keep them from coming back. Hives have many causes, from stress and temperature changes to skin pressure due to tight or scratchy clothing, and allergies.
Click on to learn how to get rid of hives and when you should see a healthcare provider.
The most effective ways to get rid of hives
These tips can help you keep these irritating bumps from ruining your day
HEALTH Skin
Hives, also known as urticaria, are itchy, red bumps that appear on the skin and typically last for hours or days. Treatments for hives include home remedies and antihistamines. But no matter what treatment you choose, identifying and addressing the root cause is important to eliminate them and keep them from coming back. Hives have many causes, from stress and temperature changes to skin pressure due to tight or scratchy clothing, and allergies.
Click on to learn how to get rid of hives and when you should see a healthcare provider.