Hives typically signal an allergic reaction, virus, or bacterial infection in the body. They can come on suddenly or over a period of time. For many people they’ll experience a red raised rash with or without itching. Minor cases of hives can be successfully treated at home while more serious cases need to be treated by a medical professional.
How to tell the difference between minor and serious? With serious cases people typically experience breating problems, nausea, vomitting, edema, severe itching, etc. Please contact a medical professional or seek medical treatment immediately if you’re experiencing those type’s of symptoms.
Then there are people like me who get minor attacks of hives several times a year. Most of the time I don’t even know what sets them off. It can be a new laundry detergent, pollen, pet dander, food, medication, or even prolonged sun exposure. We’re all different and can have different triggers.
Over the years I’ve found several different home remedies that help to treat a minor case of hives.
1. Benadryl – You can buy it over-the-counter in a liquid, pill, or in a topical cream. I keep all three formulations on hand.
2. Hydrocortisone Cream – A powerful anti-itch cream that can be purchased over-the-counter.
3. Cool Wet Compresses – Run cold tap water over a clean cottton wash cloth. Wring it out and place over the hives. Change the compresses as needed for relief.
4. Aloe Vera – I keep several natural Aloe Vera plants in my home. I will cut off a stalk and squeeze out all of the juice. Apply the juice liberally onto the affected area. If you don’t have an Aloe plant you can use 100% Aloe Vera After-Sun Gel. I keep a bottle in the back of my refrigerator. Applying cold aloe gel really helps to soothe them.
5. Mud – Yes…mud! Collect some dirt from outside (minus rocks and debris). Place in a cup and mix warm water with it. Stir to get it muddy and of a paste consistency. Apply to the affected area. I only use this method if it’s a very small area that I’m dealing with and don’t have other treatment methods available. ie. When we’re camping or hiking.
6. Tepid Bath – Draw a tepid bath and soak in the water for 5-15 minutes. Don’t use bubble bath, bath gels, soaps, etc. Just draw plain bath water!
7. Ice Packs – When using an ice pack pick one that is appropriately sized for the area. I like using a small bag of frozen vegetables. Regular ice packs are too heavy and don’t feel comfortable sitting on my skin.
I’m not a health and wellness expert and I don’t pretend to be a doctor on TV. I’m a regular person just like most of you! I’m just sharing a few tips on things that I’ve personally found that have worked over the years to reduce the swelling, redness, and itching. As always, you want to contact a health professional for additional information.
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I rarely get hives , but it has occurred. I have tried all of these remedies except for mud. MY sons both have had more allergies and hives than I have had.
My granddaughter tends to get hives during the spring months. Probably has to do with seasonal allergies. We use Benadryl and cool water compresses. I am going to look for some aloe vera gel to have on hand.
This is so informative to read. I never knew about the mud remedy that is so good to know I will try to remember that one.
I have them too. I have allergies to so many things that I also don’t really know what causes most reactions. I never try new product without a deliberate effort to watch for reactions. Sometimes it works and I don’t use that product again and sometimes the issue just pops up by itself. I have cream from the doctor that I use but your suggestions are very good too. i use some of them also.
I’m lucky that I’ve never had hives. I have some eczema sometimes from the meds I take and have some Hydrocortisone Cream that I use.