How do you get rid of grass hives
What Can I Do for Grass Rash?
We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Heres our process.
Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
- Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
- Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
Rashes and grasses
Many people, from babies to adults, experience rashes. While rashes have many causes, one cause can be contact with grass.
Lets take a look at the reasons why grass may cause rashes, what the symptoms are, how to treat these types of rashes, and how you might prevent grass rash in the first place.
How can something as common as grass cause a rash? There are several reasons.
Grass allergy
Many people are allergic to grass. Its referred to as grass pollen allergy, often known as hay fever.
If youre allergic to grass and experience runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing when youre outside or pollen counts are high, your skin may also react if it comes into contact with grass.
Some people are only allergic to breathing in grass pollen, while others react to actually touching grass. Respiratory symptoms of grass allergy are much more common than skin rashes caused by grass allergy.
Contact dermatitis
Another reason for grass rash is a condition called contact dermatitis. This refers to an itchy, red, noncontagious rash caused by any irritant or allergen. Common causes of contact dermatitis include:
- perfumes
- soaps
- cosmetics
- cleaning products
- environmental pollutants
- pesticides
- fabrics
- plants
Grass is pokey
The physical structure of grass may also give you a rash. Many types of grass have sharp, microscopic bristles all over them to help discourage bugs from eating them. When these tiny bristles rub against your skin, a rash may result from the irritation.
Sensitive skin
Babies and children are particularly likely to get rashes from grass because they have newer, more sensitive skin. Children who have eczema may find that its made worse by contact with grass.
The appearance of rashes caused by grass may vary. Common symptoms include small red bumps on the skin that came into contact with the grass and itching that may be mild or severe.
A contact dermatitis-type rash may be very red, burn, and even cause the skin to blister or crack.
An eczema exacerbation will be a dry, itchy, patchy rash. Eczema most commonly occurs behind the knees, on the elbows, and on the face, although it may appear in other places.
Some people may experience hives where the grass touched their skin. Hives are raised, itchy bumps or welts. They may occur alone or may be accompanied by other allergic symptoms, such as:
- sneezing
- watery eyes
- wheezing
- swelling
If you experience swelling or difficulty breathing, call 911 or your local emergency services immediately. These may be symptoms of a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.
There are several treatment options for rashes caused by grass. Here are some common home remedies:
- Wash the area. Taking a shower or washing the affected area with warm water and a very mild cleanser may help remove pollen and soothe the skin.
- Apply a cold compress. A cold compress or cool cloth over the rash area may help relieve burning and itching.
- Take an antihistamine. An oral antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine Benadryl, may relieve allergy symptoms that are contributing to the rash. Check with your childs doctor before giving them a new medication.
- Apply a corticosteroid. Topical corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone, may relieve itching and decrease inflammation.
- Apply an ointment. Ointments like calamine lotion may also relieve itching. Adults may use these creams according to the directions. Consult your childs doctor before using topical corticosteroids to ensure proper use.
For children with eczema thats exacerbated by grass, gently bathing the skin and then applying moisturizers may help.
The National Eczema Association recommends Aquaphor and Eucerin work well for many people with eczema.
Oatmeal baths may also be effective for moisturizing and calming the skin. Keeping the skin wrapped in cool, wet cloths may be helpful to alleviate dryness and itching, too.
If youve identified grass as the cause of your rash, the best way to prevent future rashes is to avoid contact with the grass. However, this is often impractical grass seems to be everywhere! It may be impossible to avoid lawn work, picnics, children playing outside, etc.
Some tips for minimizing skin contact with grass or preventing grass rash include the following:
- Wear long sleeves, pants, shoes with socks, or even gloves if youre going to be in a grassy area or doing yard work.
- Wash your hands immediately after contact with grass.
- Shower (or bathe your child) after being outside or being in contact with grass.
- Regularly moisturize your skin to keep it healthy and intact.
- If youre allergic to grass, consider taking an antihistamine before being around grass. If youre constantly around grass, consider regularly taking an allergy medication.
- If your rash lasts longer than a few days, causes extreme itching, spreads, or feels unmanageable, your doctor can help. They can help you identify causes and treatments and possibly refer you to a dermatologist or allergist.
- A number of things can cause rashes in children. If your child has a rash that wont go away, persistent itching, hives, or any other symptoms that concern you, call your childs pediatrician.
Rashes are very common and may have a number of causes. One of those causes can be contact with grass. This may be due to an allergic reaction, contact dermatitis, or simply the irritation of grass blades on human skin.
There are many treatment options for grass rash, such as covering the skin, taking oral medications, and applying skin creams. If your rash isnt going away or youre unable to treat it effectively at home, contact your doctor for help.
15 Ways to Get Rid of Hives
You may be able to relieve hives with home remedies, including aloe vera or an oatmeal bath, and over-the-counter products. But a doctor may need to treat severe or chronic hives.
Hives (urticaria) are a rash on your body. Identifying what triggered your hives is crucial to preventing them from happening again. If you can identify the trigger, you can avoid contact with it.
Although hives are often associated with allergic reactions, they can also occur due to:
Hives generally fade within 24 hours and dont require treatment.
However, you should seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:
- dizziness
- swelling in your throat or face
- difficulty breathing
These may indicate a severe allergic reaction and require emergency care.
If your hives are milder, continue reading to learn how to ease any discomfort and speed up the healing process.
Some remedies and other products may cause a skin reaction. Its best to do a skin patch test before applying.
In most cases, home remedies can help you find relief. Here are a few ways to soothe itchy skin:
Use a cold compress
Applying something cool to your skin can help relieve irritation and swelling. To do this, grab a bag of frozen veggies or wrap a handful of ice in a towel and apply it to the affected area for up to 10 minutes. Repeat as needed throughout the day.
Take a bath with an anti-itch solution
There are several products you can add to a bath to relieve itching. These include colloidal oatmeal or one or two handfuls of baking soda.
Learn more: How to make an oatmeal bath
Avoid products that may irritate the skin
Certain soaps may dry your skin and cause more itching when you have hives. Make sure to use a mild soap thats marketed for sensitive skin. These typically omit fragrance and irritating chemicals.
You should also avoid using irritating moisturizers or lotions. When in doubt, opt for a formula that targets sensitive skin, such as these options. Applying immediately after bathing may also help soothe the itch.
Keep things cool
Heat can make itchiness worse. Wear lightweight clothing and keep the temperature in your house cool and comfortable. Avoid sitting in direct sunlight.
If home remedies arent relieving your symptoms but you arent ready to head to the pharmacy you may want to give a few natural solutions a try.
Natural remedies arent regulated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so use them with caution.
Witch hazel
The natural tannins found in the herb witch hazel can help relieve irritation. Despite this, it
You can apply witch hazel to your skin like a mask a few times each day. Let it sit on the affected areas for about 20 minutes, and then rinse it off.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera is a natural anti-inflammatory. According to the
But, as with any new product, its important to do a skin patch test before application, especially if you have sensitive skin. Some aloe products may also have added fragrance or other chemicals, so be sure to read the label.
You can apply topical aloe vera to your hives as needed, likely a few times a day. Be sure to follow any instructions on the package.
If the above remedies arent enough to help your hives, over-the-counter (OTC) treatments may help relieve your symptoms. Not only can OTC options relieve itching and irritation, but they can also target your bodys histamine response, which is what causes hives.
Calamine lotion
Products containing calamine can help relieve itching by cooling your skin. You can apply calamine lotion directly to your skin:
- Make sure you mix the lotion before using it by shaking the container.
- Put some calamine lotion on a cotton pad or cloth.
- Apply the pad or cloth directly to the hives and let dry.
You can treat the hives with calamine lotion as necessary.
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
This oral antihistamine can reduce rash and other allergy symptoms like itching by working from the inside out.
Be sure to follow the dosage instructions on the package. Benadryl usually kicks in within an hour and should start to relieve your symptoms the same day.
Benadryl may cause drowsiness.
Fexofenadine (Allegra), loratadine (Claritin), and cetirizine (Zyrtec)
These antihistamines typically come in 12- or 24-hour formulas to provide extended relief. Theyre also less likely to cause drowsiness than diphenhydramine.
You may need to adjust the dosage to effectively treat hives, so talk with a doctor or pharmacist. They can advise you on how much to take and how often.
If youre experiencing severe or chronic hives, you may need prescription medication. Talk with a doctor about your symptoms and how you can best find relief.
Common prescription options include:
Prednisone (Deltasone)
This corticosteroid is taken orally. You should only use it for a short period of time as directed by a doctor. Corticosteroids can have side effects, especially if taken for extended periods of time. Side effects can include:
- elevated blood pressure
- elevated eye pressure (glaucoma)
- swelling
- weight gain
- immunosuppression, which means you may get infections more easily
To reduce side effects, take oral corticosteroids at a lower dose and transition to corticosteroid creams with your doctors supervision.
Omalizumab (Xolair)
This medication must be injected under the skin. This option is
- headache
- dizziness
- inner ear pain
- cold symptoms
Dapsone (Aczone)
This antibiotic is available topically and as an oral medication. This medication can treat inflammation due to hives or other skin conditions that are caused by bacterial infection. Its important to take all antibiotics as prescribed.
Antibiotics only help relieve symptoms caused by a bacterial infection.
Leukotriene-receptor antagonists
This nonsteroidal treatment option is taken orally. These drugs should be used only after steroid treatment and antihistamines have been unsuccessful. There is
- headache
- nausea
- cough
- low fever
If your symptoms worsen or last longer than a couple of days, you may want to talk with a doctor. They can identify the cause and provide medication to help relieve your symptoms. Understanding your triggers may help prevent future outbreaks.