Hives (urticaria) is a skin condition known for its characteristic itchy red raised rash that occur as bumps or patches intermittently. Sometimes called welts, wheals or swellings, the rash has a tendency to appear and disappear with very slight trace of having existed after a few hours since they are a superficial (surface) reaction. Hives may be accompanied by angioedema, a deeper lying rash or swelling, affecting the eyes and lips.
Serious cases of angioderma can affect breathing due to significant swelling within the air passages and requires immediate medical attention.
- Hives is simply a skin reaction to the body’s immune response.
- The body’s immune system releases chemicals and cells when it perceives a threat.
- These chemicals and cells assist with an immune response to protect our body against any harmful invaders by destroying the invader and reducing the damage they may cause at certain areas.
- In an allergy, the body is “overreacting” and perceiving a fairly harmless substance (the allergen) as an potentially dangerous invader.
- The immune system triggers its response and immune chemicals cause an irritation of the skin, seen as a rash and felt as itching in hives.
Causes :
The causes of hives is an immune mediate hypersensitivity response (overreacting immune response) in response to an allergen or triggered by certain physical and chemical stimuli.
- Allergic reactions to certain foods and airborne substances (similar to the ingested and inhaled allergens discussed in the ‘Morning sneezing‘ article). In allergic reactions, the body’s immune response is triggered by the ‘antigen-antibody’ response.
- Surface contact with irritants like body powders, soaps, creams and lotions, latex, animal hair or fur, wool,
- Drugs and medicines may causes hives and this includes nutritional supplements and herbal remedies.
- Environmental factors like heat, cold and wind may trigger a reaction is some hives sufferers.
- Psychological or emotional causes like anger, anxiety, depression.
- Idiopathic - UNKNOWN causes.
Symptoms :
- Red raised rash – may appear as bumps, patches or swelling
- Itching of the affected area or an itch throughout the body
- Burning or stinging of the affected area
- Pain or warmth radiating from affected area
The last two symptoms usually occurs in very acute cases of hives and is often described by sufferers as a”poison ivy rash” or “stinging by a jelly fish”.
Treatment of Hives (Urticaria):
- Anti-histamines are the first line of treatment in most cases of hives.
- Corticosteroids in more severe cases of hives especially in life threatening scenarios.
- Creams with urea and or topical corticosteroids or to reduce itching.
Management :
Identifying the causative factor can be the most useful approach to managing hives (urticaria). Lifestyle or dietary changes that reduce your exposure to the trigger may limit the extent of the condition while it is being treated symptomatically. This would also prevent future attacks of hives.
Home Remedies for Hives (Urticaria) :
There is home remedies and ‘natural cures’ for hives on the internet but the effectiveness of these remedies are subjective. Common practices include using calamine lotion, aloe vera gel and nettles tea. These home remedies may provide some relief from the symptoms of hives but it is important to consult with your medical practitioner for a proper treatment regimen. Petroleum jelly applied to the rash may be useful in lubricating the skin and preventing damage caused by constant scratching.
Homeopathic & Naturopathic Treatment of Hives :
- A homeopathic complex of Mezereum 6CH, Urtica urens 6CH and Histaminum 6CH in drops or tablets may be useful for reducing the itching. Homeopathic Anti-Itch Formula.
- A homeopathic complex of Rhus toxicodendron 6CH and Ledum palustre 6CH may be useful for reducing the rash.
- The long term use of Natrum muriaticum 6CH to 30CH may assist with reducing episodes of hives in chronic sufferers.
- A herbal immune modulator can be used for short periods to reduce the severity of symptoms or prevent the onset of hives.
- Reduce the intake of all foods that may trigger your hives including dairy, wheat, nuts, soya and egg yolk, preservatives, food colorants and additives.
- A good emollient may assist with dry skin and surface factors that trigger your hives. Read our post on making a simple home remedy emollient cream.