Curing Hives Naturally
August 22, 2009
Hives or urticaria is a type of skin allergy. These appear on different parts of the body, particularly on the limbs and trunk as red and raised rashes. Hives are generally symptoms of allergy.
Nonetheless, chronic hives are largely idiopathic in nature. No particular cause or allergic reactions are found to be responsible for idiopathic hives.
Secretion of histamine by mast cells is responsible for hives. Histamine causes leakage of fluids from the local blood vessels, causing inflammation and reddening of the skin. Histamine secretion is often triggered by allergens. Allergies caused by certain foods, medicines and chemicals and insect bites are primarily responsible for hives.
Hives symptoms
There are two types of hives – ordinary hives and physical hives. Ordinary hives appear as red, inflamed and itchy weal. They subside within a few hours or even minutes, only to reappear at a different place on the body. The sequence of appearance and disappearance of ordinary hives might continue for several days or months.
Hives that are chronic in nature lasts for over 6 weeks. Physical hives appear when you vigorously scratch or rub your skin. The red and itchy welts appear on the area where the skin is scratched. Physical hives might also occur from exposure to hot water, cold and sunlight.
Hives herbal remedies
Herbal tea could reduce the hives flare-ups. Teas that sooth the nerves, such as chamomile, peppermint, catnip and passionflower teas could reduce the irritation and itching. Applying ice pack on the effected area could help to reduce the swelling and the discomfort. To reduce the itching, you can apply calamine lotion on the hives.
Applying zinc oxide on the rashes can reduce them speedily. Milk of magnesia can also alleviate the itching. Applying aloe vera on the hives could reduce the irritation and itching. You can wash the hives with a solution made by mixing two tablespoons of sodium bicarbonate in a mug of water.
If you are prone to hives, stay away from allergens that trigger this condition. Take appropriate steps to avoid stress and extreme temperature that are known to cause hives.
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