Allergic Hives

Hives, also known as urticaria, are swollen, pale red welts that appear on the skin after an allergic reaction. Hives can be caused by an allergic reaction to almost anything, including insect stings, medication, chemicals in food, stress, even sun exposure.

Hives form when blood plasma leaks out of blood vessels in the skin. This occurs as a result of a reaction to a histamine, a chemical released from cells along the skin's blood vessels.

The hives that result can last for a few hours to several days before fading. They typically itch and sometimes burn or sting. While generally not a serious health concern, hives are uncomfortable, so it's helpful to know how to relieve them.

Identify the cause.

Hives generally go away on their own, so the goal of treating them is to simply relieve the symptoms, but even before that, it's helpful to identify and remove the trigger. You may need to get medical tests to help determine what provoked the allergic reaction. If you identify the cause, you'll save yourself from future outbreaks.

Take oral antihistamines.

Hives are caused by a reaction to a histamine, so you counteract them with an antihistamine. Most antihistamines are over-the-counter drugs that are sold at drugstores. Follow the dosage directions on the box, and the antihistamine should help prevent the histamines from attaching to your cells and causing irritation. Many antihistamines can cause drowsiness and are only effective for a few hours at a time. You might need several doses during the day, but only take what's recommended.

Use topical creams or lotions.

Creams and lotions help numb nerve endings and alleviate the itching, as well as soothe burning or stinging. Look for creams that contain camphor, menthol, diphenhydramine or pramoxine. Most of these creams require no prescription.

Use simple, home remedies.

While waiting for relief from the medication or lotions, take a lukewarm bath with mild, gentle soap to help ease the itch. Press on cool compresses and wet cloths to alleviate stinging. Wear loose-fitting, light weight clothes to make you more comfortable.

Identify the cause.

Hives generally go away on their own, so the goal of treating them is to simply relieve the symptoms. The first and best step an individual can take in relieving the hives is to identify and remove the trigger. Although particularly difficult to do, it can be done with the help of a doctor. The sooner you identify the cause, the sooner you can experience long-term relief.

Learn more on hives causes.