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This is raised,
itchy, red, welts on the skin which may take on many shapes and sizes.
What to look for
Hives can be quite
irritating as they are usually itchy and last from a few minutes to a few days. They are
usually caused by allergies or emotional stress.
There is a condition known
as angioedema in which hives develop beneath the skin. This illness can be life
threatening and should be treated by your doctor immediately.
Causes
Some people’s bodies
are highly sensitive to certain substances and their bodies will release a chemical called
histamine to attack the alleged ‘bad’ substance. (See
Allergies.) Some people react to a high histamine level by developing the rash we call
hives. There are certain allergens that can provoke hives such as fish, and nuts; drugs
such as penicillins and aspirin; and various food additives, emulsifiers, certain milk
products, flavourings, or preservatives.
Extreme temperatures,
stress, and pressure on the skin may induce an attack of hives, as can insect bites, infections such as strep throat in
children and
hepatitis B in adults.
Traditional Treatment
The cause of the hives must
be identified as soon as possible. If you can pin point the cause of the hives you are
then able to avoid it.
To relieve itching, apply
calamine lotion to the area.
A mild case of hives often
disappears on its own after a few hours.
A longer-lasting case may
respond to an over-the-counter oral antihistamine.
If your hives don't
disappear in a few days, see a doctor.
Alternative/Natural
Treatments
Alternative treatments may
be able to assist in the relief of symptoms of hives.
Herbal Therapies -
To
find relief from itchy hives, apply a
chickweed
(Stellaria media) poultice or add a few teaspoons of the dried herb to your bathwater. A
tincture or infusion of
valerian (Valeriana
officinalis),
passionflower (Passiflora
incarnata), or
peppermint (Mentha piperita) may help
relieve hives resulting from
stress; valerian should be taken in
doses up to 10 ml to be effective. To
find relief from itchy hives, apply a
chickweed
(Stellaria media) poultice or add a few teaspoons of the dried herb to your bathwater. A
tincture or infusion of
valerian (Valeriana
officinalis),
passionflower (Passiflora
incarnata), or
peppermint (Mentha
piperita) may help
relieve hives resulting from
stress; valerian should be taken in
doses up to 10 ml to be effective.
Homoeopathy -
If
your hives sting and itch, try Urtica urens. If
your hives sting and itch, try Urtica urens.
Apis, derived from the honeybee, is especially good when
you have considerable redness and swelling. Either remedy is available over the counter.
Mind/Body Treatments
- Stress can raise histamine levels in some people. There are several relaxation
techniques available to assist in reducing your stress levels. Stress can raise histamine levels in some people. There are several relaxation
techniques available to assist in reducing your stress levels.
Dietary Considerations
Avoid all suspect foods
such as chocolate, milk, cheese, eggs, fish, wheat, artificial flavourings and food
additives. You may need to undergo an elimination diet to pin point the exact food causing
the problem. For a few days eat foods that you think will not make you break out, then
gradually start eating suspect foods, keeping a careful record of how your body responds
to each one.
Personal Care
One of the best remedies
for hives is a soothing bath. If you are allergic to
bee stings
or other
insect bites, ask your doctor about
prescribing an emergency kit for you.
When to seek further
professional advice
you develop hives
accompanied by dry throat, cough, nausea, dizziness, difficult breathing after a bee or
wasp sting.
you have recurring bouts
of hives lasting a month or more
you develop hives after a
blood transfusion.
your hives appear under
the skin
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