Treatment for Hives

Are you aware of the causes, symptoms and treatment for hives? Go through this article to find out more hives treatment options.

Did you recently spot red, itchy welts on your skin? These could be caused due to a skin disorder called hives. In medical terminology, hives is referred to as urticaria. A hives breakout is surely a very discomforting condition. The appearance of red, raised itchy skin bumps is generally attributed to food allergies or reactions to other environmental allergens. When the skin comes into contact with an allergen, the immune system detects the presence of a foreign body. As a result, histamines are released from the cutaneous mast cells into the blood stream. The appearance of red patches of varied shapes and sizes is attributed to the leakage of the fluid from the local blood vessels. The diameter of these welts could range from a few millimeters to several inches. Another defining symptom of a hives outbreak is that old welts might fade and new ones might appear in a few hours on different parts of the body. Wondering how to treat hives? Go through this information on the common causes of a hives outbreak and treatment for hives.

Causes of a Hives Outbreak

As I mentioned earlier, hives is generally caused due to allergies. These allergic rashes could appear due to food allergies. Consumption of foods such as berries, shellfish, soy, wheat and tomatoes could trigger the formation of these skin rashes. It could also be caused due to a drug allergy. Some people are allergic to certain antibiotics and vaccines. Use of sulfa drugs, tetracycline, codeine, aspirin and anti-convulsant drugs is also one of the common causes of a hives skin allergy. Other environmental allergens such as pollen, chemicals, poison ivy, pet dander and insect bites could also play a role in triggering this allergic skin reaction. Food allergies and viral infections are quite likely to cause hives in children. A hives outbreak could also be attributed to infections such as chicken pox, ringworm, jock itch and athlete's foot, and strep throat. Some people might suffer from this skin disorder on being exposed to harsh environmental conditions. Sometimes stress could also be responsible for inducing this skin condition. Now that you are aware of the causes of hives, let's move on to the treatment for hives.

Best Treatment for Hives

Looking for the best cure for hives? Since appearance of these welts on skin is associated with the release of histamines by the body's immune system during an allergic reaction, doctors generally recommend the use of antihistamines for the treatment of hives in adults. Benadryl and chlor-trimeton are the most common over-the-counter antihistamines used for the treatment for hives on skin. Since these medicines might make you feel drowsy, it is preferable to take them at bedtime. Antihistamines such as claritin, zyrtec and allegra don't induce drowsiness and can be taken during the daytime. Make sure that these medicines are taken as per the prescribed dosage. If antihistamines are not able to provide relief, steroids such as prednisone and medrol might be prescribed by doctors for hives treatment. As far as treatment for hives in children is concerned, application of menthol cream, hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion could help.

Wondering how to treat hives breakout naturally. To get relief from itching, you can wrap some ice cubes in a clean towel and apply on the affected skin. Make sure that you don't scratch the affected area. Those suffering from hives should wear loose clothes and completely avoid hot showers. Those of you who are looking for natural treatment for hives can drink herbal tea. Since, green tea is a natural antihistamine, it can be used for the treatment for hives. Another good idea is to brew a tea from chamomile and place the chamomile tea bag on the welts. If stress is responsible for triggering an allergic reaction, you can consult a therapist for skilled relaxation treatment for hives. Relaxation therapies such as deep breathing techniques, meditation or yoga can be used for alleviating the symptoms or preventing the outbreak in future. Acupressure can also be used for alleviating the symptoms. Since hives is basically caused due to allergies, the best way to prevent it is to stay away from allergens.

So, this was some information on hives causes and cures. Hope you found the information on treatment for hives useful. Since hives is mainly caused due to allergies, make sure that your surroundings are free from allergens. If the symptoms are severe, consult a doctor soon.