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Most cases of acute hives do not require medical treatment; they simply resolve on their own when you avoid the allergen.
However, in severe cases, you may need to visit a dermatologist to assess your rash. Moreover, chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) usually requires constant monitoring and symptomatic treatment.
This article presents at-home remedies and self-care tips that can help you avoid outbreaks of hives and also soothe the irritated skin.
Home Remedies for Hives
Here are a few simple home remedies you can try to get relief from hives:
1. Massage with coconut oil
Coconut oil contains many anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help soothe the skin and provide relief from hives. It also moisturizes the skin and helps get rid of skin irritation. (1)
How to use:
- Take ½ teaspoon of coconut oil, or mix ½ teaspoon of olive oil and ½ teaspoon of coconut oil to increase its moisturizing capacity.
- Gently massage it onto the affected area for instant relief. (2)
2. Take a colloidal oatmeal bath
Colloidal oatmeal is an age-old remedy for a number of skin conditions. It contains several anti-inflammatory properties that help provide relief from rosacea, acne, eczema, skin dryness, and irritation, among others. (3)
How to use:
- Grind 1–2 cups of oatmeal into a powder.
- Add this ground oatmeal to your bathwater.
- Soak in this bath for at least 15 minutes before washing off with mild soap.
- Repeat once a week for best results.
3. Apply honey
Honey has been widely used to treat allergies including hives and allergic rhinitis due to its potent anti-inflammatory properties. It can help soothe the skin and reduce swelling. (4)
How to use:
- Mix 1 teaspoon of honey and a little cinnamon powder to make a paste.
- Apply this paste directly to the affected area.
- Let it dry, and then wash it off.
4. Try using nettle leaves
Stinging nettle, or nettle leaf, can be used to cure rashes and other allergies due to its natural antihistamine properties. Nettle leaves help reduce swelling and skin irritation.
You can consume nettle extract orally, or apply it to the rash directly.
How to use:
a. Nettle leaves tea
- Boil some nettle leaves in a cup of water.
- Strain this tea and add a teaspoon of honey to it.
- Drink it once a day for best results.
b. Nettle capsules
You can consume nettle leaf extract capsules once a day (although not more than 18 mg in a day). (5) However, make sure to consult a doctor before taking them.
c. Nettle juice
- Grind nettle leaves and extract the juice.
- Apply this to the affected area once a day.
5. Use licorice topically
The licorice plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is filled with a powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergic compound called glycyrrhizic acid. It can be used to treat hives and reduce inflammation. (6)
How to use:
- Mix 1 tablespoon of licorice powder with some water and ½ teaspoon of honey.
- Apply this paste to your rash and let it be absorbed for half an hour.
- Wash it off after drying.
Note: Licorice may interact with certain medicines such as hypertension drugs. Make sure to consult a doctor before using licorice. (7)
6. Give mimosa a try
Mimosa, or the touch-me-not plant, has been widely used in ancient Indian and Chinese medicine to cure skin problems. It can help reduce allergies and provide relief from rashes, skin irritation, dermatitis, and even respiratory issues. (8)
How to use:
- Grind a few mimosa leaves and extract the juice. Add a teapot of honey to it, and drink this juice once a day.
- You can also apply it directly to the rash.
Note: Consult a doctor before using mimosa as a remedy.
7. Use basil leaves
Basil is a medicinal herb that acts as a natural histamine blocker and reduces hives and skin irritation. It contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds that help promote skin healing and soothe the rash, such as eugenol, linalool, and rosmarinic acid. (9)
How to use:
- Crush a few basil leaves.
- Add a little bit of water to them and mix to form a thin paste.
- Apply this paste to the affected area twice a day.
8. Apply aloe vera gel over the infected area
Aloe vera gel is known for resolving many skin issues. It has hydrating and cooling properties that can help provide relief from rashes and skin irritation. It is also rich in hyaluronic acid, which can help soothe the skin and promote healing. (10)
You can extract fresh aloe vera gel from aloe leaves or use store-bought gel.
How to use:
- Apply aloe vera gel directly to the rash.
- Let it get absorbed for a few hours.
- Rinse with water to remove stickiness.
- Repeat once a day.
9. Try using turmeric
Turmeric is a medicinal and culinary plant that has traditionally been used in many natural remedies. The active component in turmeric, curcumin, contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds that can get rid of rashes. (11)
How to use:
- Mix 1 teaspoon of turmeric in 1 glass of water, and drink this solution once a day.
- Mix 1 teaspoon of turmeric and 1 teaspoon of coconut oil to form a paste. Apply this paste to the affected area once a day.
10. Use a herbal tea spray over the infected area
Parsley, peppermint, and green tea leaves can reduce skin inflammation and irritation significantly due to their potent anti-inflammatory properties.
How to use:
- Boil a few peppermint, parsley, or green tea leaves in 1 cup of water.
- After cooling, strain the solution and store it in a spray bottle.
- Spray it over the affected area once or twice a day.
11. Use some mint leaves
Mint is a popular remedy due to its cooling and soothing properties. (12) It is also rich in many bioactive substances, among which are menthol, menthone, and limonene.
Plus, mint has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help reduce the itching and burning sensation very quickly.
How to use:
- Crush a teaspoon of mint leaves and add them to a cup of water.
- Boil this solution for 5 minutes.
- After cooling, strain the solution and store it in a spray bottle.
- Apply it to the affected area once or twice a day.
12. Apply ginger paste
Ginger contains an active compound called 6- gingerol, which has potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties that may help get rid of hives. (13)
How to use:
- Mix 1 tablespoon of ginger juice and 1 tablespoon of honey.
- Apply this paste to your rash and leave it on for half an hour.
- Wash it off with water.
13. Use witch hazel on the affected area
Witch hazel is a traditional herbal medicine used to treat many skin conditions. It contains tannins, which are potent anti-inflammatory compounds that can help provide instant relief from skin irritation. (14)
How to use:
- Add a small bark of witch hazel or a few drops of hazel oil to 1 cup of water.
- Boil this liquid for a few minutes.
- Strain the solution after cooling and store it in a spray bottle.
- Spray it on the skin affected by hives twice a day.
14. Use acupuncture therapy
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese therapy where certified professionals prick the skin with tiny needles to stimulate the body’s biological repair mechanisms.
Multiple studies have shown that acupuncture can soothe skin inflammation and swelling from hives. (15)
Note: Make sure you try these home remedies after consulting your doctor.
Self-Care Tips That Can Help Relieve and Prevent Hives
Here are a few self-care tips to help you find relief from hives:
- Make an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist, allergist, or primary care doctor. If you have recurrent outbreaks of hives or cannot identify a proper cause behind it, it is advisable to visit a doctor. The doctor will perform a thorough examination of your rash and may ask about your medical history before prescribing treatment.
- Keep track of your flare-ups. If you have chronic hives, monitor your symptoms and maintain a daily record of your flare-ups, exposure to possible allergens, etc., to help determine triggers.
- Keep track of what you eat: Some common foods that can cause allergies are nuts, seafood, dairy products, and even eggs. At times, even food preservatives and synthetic colors can cause allergies. Keep track of what you eat every day along with the symptoms you experience to identify any food-linked triggers.
- Keep track of medicines you take: Certain medications such as painkillers like aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can also cause hives.
- Avoid extremely hot or cold temperatures: Some people develop hives upon exposure to cold or hot water, by walking into an air-conditioned space from a warm place, or when using blow-dryers on the hot air setting. Rarely, some people can also experience hives after exposure to UV light from tanning beds or the sun.
- Avoid stress: When you are stressed, your body releases stress hormones that can cause hives flare-ups. Try to avoid stress and worrying to alleviate your symptoms.
- Wear light, breathable fabrics: Skin chafing due to excess pressure is also a common cause of hives. Wearing tight, uncomfortable clothing or non-breathable fabrics such as leather can be a factor for chronic hives.
- Do not touch random plants or animals: Some people can be allergic to cat or dog fur, bird feathers, or certain plants such as lavender.
- Take photos of your hives. It is recommended to take photos of your hives outbreak to be able to show them to your dermatologist. (16)
- Try a topical soothing agent: You can apply over-the-counter creams and lotions such as calamine lotion to help relieve the itch and reduce inflammation on the skin.
Most-Asked Questions About Hives
Are hives contagious?
Hives are generally not contagious. However, in some cases, hives that occur due to an underlying infection such as viruses can be spread via direct contact.
What is known about rashes or hives and COVID? Has anyone experienced a symptom that’s skin related?
There have been a few reported cases of some people, particularly children, developing hives as a symptom of COVID-19. (17)
What can be mistaken for hives?
A few skin conditions may resemble hives. Some of these are:
- Heat rash
- Dermatitis
- Rosacea
- Eczema
Final Word
Hives can be an annoying problem to experience in your everyday life. Try the home remedies and self-care tips given above to help relieve some of your symptoms and soothe the skin.
If the itching and rash persist, it is highly recommended to visit a dermatologist for medical treatment. Make sure to perform a patch test before applying anything on your skin to avoid allergic reactions.
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