How do you treat hives ASAP

How to treat hives

Home remedies and medications can help treat hives quickly and effectively. Examples include cold compresses, aloe vera, antihistamines, and more.

Hives are intensely itchy, discolored, raised areas of skin. They may occur anywhere on the body. Hives usually have a trigger, both allergic and non-allergic.

While the symptoms of hives can be very irritating, there are many ways to treat, soothe, and get rid of them.

In this article, we detail how to treat hives at home, medical options, and possible complications.

What does hives look like? Pictures and more

People often use home remedies to treat hives and do not seek further medical attention or intervention. In fact, many cases of hives disappear naturally within minutes or hours of appearing. Most often, symptoms of hives will disappear within 24 hours, but in some cases, it may take a few days.

Effective home remedies to treat hives include:

• Applying a cold compress: A person can apply a cool, damp cloth to the affected area. This can provide relief from itchiness and help reduce inflammation. A person can use a cold compress as often as necessary.
• Bathing in an anti-itch solution: Oatmeal and baking soda baths can soothe skin and reduce irritation. Adding witch hazel to a bath is another effective home remedy.
• Applying aloe vera: The healing properties of aloe vera may soothe and reduce hives. However, it is best to do a patch test before applying aloe vera to a wider area.
• Avoiding irritants: This includes perfumes, fragranced soaps or moisturizers, and staying out of the sun. A person should also aim to maintain a comfortable temperature and wear loose, cotton clothing.

Some people with chronic hives have reported reduced symptoms when taking vitamin D supplements.

In more severe cases of hives, medical treatment may be preferable. Some over-the-counter options include:

People with more severe and persistent hives may need to see a dermatologist. These doctors specialize in conditions of the skin, hair, and nails.

Hives are a skin condition that usually results in a raised, itchy rash. There are several different types of hives, although the effects are mostly the same.

Hives may be the same color as the surrounding skin or may have a reddish hue. This discoloration may be less evident on darker skin tones.

Learn more about hives on black skin here.

Acute urticaria and acute angioedema

Acute urticaria is a short-lived type of hives. In this condition, rashes last less than 6 weeks and usually occur due to an adverse or allergic reaction to certain foods or medications. Urticaria only affects the upper layer of the skin, called the dermis.

Infections and insect bites can also cause this type of rash.

Angioedema is the rapid swelling of the area beneath the skin, known as the mucosa. A person with hives will not always experience this type of swelling. Angioedema can occur with many different disorders.

Acute angioedema can occur with acute urticaria and is essentially anaphylaxis of the subcutaneous tissues. It is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition.

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction. It can lead to anaphylactic shock, which can be fatal.

Learn more about anaphylaxis and anaphylactic shock here.

Chronic urticaria and chronic angioedema

Chronic urticaria and chronic angioedema last for more than 6 weeks.

In these conditions, a person will typically experience daily, or almost daily, symptoms without an allergic, infectious, or drug-related cause.

Chronic urticaria and chronic angioedema more commonly result from underlying medical causes, such as thyroid disease, cancer, or hepatitis.

Hives affect around 20% of people at some point during their lifetime. They are more common in children and female adults than in male adults.

A hives outbreak happens when high levels of histamine and other chemical messengers release into the skin, causing a rash and other symptoms to surface.

The high levels of histamine cause blood vessels in the affected area to open up and start to leak. The resulting fluid in the tissues causes swelling and itchiness.

Different triggers may cause a person to have an outbreak of hives. Some common causes include:

• an allergic reaction to food, an insect bite, or an animal
• a reaction to a plant irritant, such as nettles
• an infection, such as the flu or a cold
• certain medications
• preservatives and food additives

If hives develop, it is useful to identify the trigger. Factors that can worsen hives include:

Physical urticaria

The effects of heat exposure and overheating can cause a type of hives called physical urticaria.

Common triggers for physical urticaria include:

• extreme heat or cold
• overexposure to the sun
• excessive sweating
• clothes rubbing the skin

This rash rarely spreads beyond its original location.

Some people experience dermatographism, a type of physical urticaria. This condition occurs due to pressure on or trauma to the skin. Dermatographism typically involves pronounced lesions or marks that appear after seemingly minor skin abrasions, such as small scratches.

Some people refer to dermatographism as skin writing. The condition is most common in young adults, and symptoms typically resolve within an hour of presenting.

What is the difference between hives and a rash? Pictures and more

The severity of a hives can vary between individuals. Most symptoms are manageable at home, but medical attention may be necessary in some cases.

A person should see a doctor if:

• symptoms last more than a few days
• symptoms worsen over time
• the rash is painful or leaves a bruise
• symptoms interfere with daily life
• they experience dizziness

A person will need immediate medication attention if they experience:

• any swelling of the tongue, mouth, or throatSimilarly
• difficulty breathing
• tightness in their chest

A doctor will examine the rash and ask questions to determine the cause. Doctors may also use blood and allergy tests to rule out specific causes.

Hives are usually treatable and do not cause complications on their own. However, in more severe cases, angioedema may occur.

Angioedema is a buildup of fluid in layers of the skin that causes swelling and can affect the eyes, lips, hands, feet, and genitals. Doctors can prescribe medication to manage and reduce swelling.

Recurrent hives can negatively impact the quality of a persons life, causing them to feel stressed or anxious and can even lead to depression. A person should always speak to a doctor if hives are affecting their quality of life.

Here are some questions people often ask about hives.

How do you treat hives naturally?

Ways of treating hives naturally include:

• avoiding scratching
• applying a cool compress
• bathing in lukewarm water with colloidal oatmeal
• wearing loose, cotton clothing
• avoiding soaps with fragrances or strong chemicals
• applying aloe vera

What is the fastest remedy for hives?

A cool compress may offer immediate relief from discomfort, but topical medicines may be more effective. Ask a pharmacist about over-the-counter options.

Hives are a skin condition that results in itchy, raised, patches of skin. There may also be discoloration.

Hive can result from allergic or non-allergic causes. Home remedies and medications can often reduce symptoms.

People with severe hives may have a risk of further complications. A person should seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, ongoing, or affect their quality of life.

Managing Hives in Kids

If that first hive isnt accompanied by the above symptoms, its okay to treat the child at home. The main goal will be to help your child feel less miserable because hives can be extremely itchy and uncomfortable. The hives themselves will usually go away on their own and wont pose further risk to the child in the absence of those other symptoms.

OTC Antihistamines

To help quell the itch and provide some relief, the best defense is an over-the-counter antihistamine like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or cetirizine and pseudoephedrine (Zyrtec-D). That should block or prevent the release of a chemical called histamine thats largely responsible for the hive itself and the itching that accompanies it. Dosage is based on weight and age, so follow label instructions, Dr.Rossi says.

What to Know About Scratching

You can also try to help your child stop scratching their hives with medications or alternative treatments. Scratching is a natural response, Dr. Elmariah says, but it can cause hives to break, putting your child at risk of infection. You can dress your child in clothes that cover the hives to prevent scratching. And one of the best itch-busters is cold therapy: Place a cool washcloth or cold pack on the hives (unless their hives are triggered by cold temperatures).

Oatmeal Baths

To further relieve itching, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends bathing your child in lukewarm water and colloidal oatmeal, limiting the bath to the recommended time on the package. (2)

Do, however, avoid bubble baths and scented lotion. After bathing, moisturize your childs skin with a gentle cream or lotion. You might also want to dress your child in loose-fitting clothes and adjust the temperature in your house, as heat and cold in some cases can aggravate hives.

As youre doing this, take notes, which will come in handy if your child develops hives again. Write down what time you noticed the hive, what activities your child was doing, and what your child was eating over the previous day, which may help you identify a trigger, Rossi says. You should also note how you treated the hive, how your child responded to that treatment, and how long the hive lasted. If you think youve pinpointed a potential trigger, make sure your child isnt exposed to that trigger again.

Pediatricians Can Help Identify Hives Triggers if They Keep Coming Back

If your child continues to get hives, make an appointment with your pediatrician. He or she will want to know the specifics about whats been happening with your child, including what medications youve tried and how theyve worked; whether youve been able to identify a trigger for the hives; and how often your child is getting hives. (1) You should also call your doctor if any single hive or welt lasts longer than 24 hours without changing.

Depending on what that information reveals, your pediatrician may send you to an allergist to test for a food allergy. Treatment may then include antihistamines, a doctors first line of defense. For more involved cases of hives, the doctor may prescribe oral steroids like prednisone (Deltasone)or simply treat an underlying illness, Woods says.

Hives can be an alarming condition to see on your child. But rest assured: Most hives arent dangerous and will resolve on their own, Woods says.

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When to Seek Help for Hives

Hives are typically harmless, but you may need to see a doctor if theyre severe, they wont go away, or they keep coming back. A doctor can help you treat and prevent hives.

Hives (urticaria) are itchy, raised patches or bumps that can erupt on any area of your body. Hives can also occur in mucous membranes, such as the inside of your mouth or under your eyelids.

Hives can make you uncomfortable, but they dont usually indicate a serious health problem. But there are times when hives should be brought to a doctor or other healthcare professionals attention.

In this article, well provide information about the causes of hives and go over typical symptoms. Well also clarify the instances when seeking medical attention for hives is important.

Hives occur when your immune system releases a chemical called histamine. Histamine is a chemical your body releases when it perceives a threat, such as an allergen.

The main symptom of hives is intense itchiness. Your skin may also feel warm to the touch or have a burning sensation.

The size, shape, and overall appearance of hives varies. They may be large, raised welts or tiny, raised pinpoint bumps. You may have one single hive, a small rash of multiple hives, or a very large rash that covers a significant area of skin.

Your skin tone may also affect the appearance of hives. Hives on paler skin tones are often pink or red in color. If you have light skin and press down on a hive, the discoloration will temporarily disappear (blanch).

Hives on black or brown skin may not take on a different color than the surrounding area of skin.

Mild hives arent usually serious. Mild or occasional hives dont typically necessitate a trip to the doctor. But you should consider mentioning your hives during your next doctors appointment.

If your hives are more severe, it may be time to talk with a doctor or other healthcare professional. Here are some factors to consider:

Timing

You should consider talking with a doctor or other healthcare professional if your hives last longer than a few days. Hives typically go away on their own. They may come and go for a few days and look different at different times.

If your hives are consistent and wont go away, something else may be going on.

If you recently started a new medication or supplement, you may be having an allergic reaction to it. Tell a doctor whats happening as soon as possible and call 911 or local emergency services if you develop any other symptoms, like fever or shortness of breath.

Allergic reactions to medication can happen within hours of starting a new medication. But they can also happen days or weeks later.

If your hives are recurrent, showing up every few days or weeks, you may benefit from seeing a specialist such as a dermatologist or an allergist.

It can be hard to uncover the cause of hives. You could be having a reaction to anything you regularly come into contact with, such as soaps, foods, or pets.

An allergist may recommend allergy testing to help you identify the triggering allergen.

Response to treatment

In some instances, over-the-counter (OTC) treatments such as antihistamines or topical corticosteroids may not provide enough relief.

If your hives arent responding to treatment, you may want to speak with a doctor or other healthcare professional. They can offer additional treatments, such as prescription allergy medications and injections.

Triggers

Hives have many potential triggers, including:

It can be challenging to determine whats triggering your hives. You can talk with an allergist about allergy tests that can help you identify the offending substances.

Allergy tests are particularly helpful for things you come into contact with regularly, like foods, pollen, and bug bites. Once you identify your triggers, you can work to avoid them in the future.

Severity

Hives range in severity from mild to severe. If your hives are accompanied by swelling or pain, it may be time to speak with a doctor or other healthcare professional. The same is true for hives that are extremely itchy.

Hives covering a large body area, such as the entire torso, may also warrant a discussion with a doctor or other healthcare professional.

There are times when hives may be a symptom of a medical emergency, such as:

Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction often accompanied by hives and angioedema. Other symptoms include wheezing, swelling, and shortness of breath.

If you or someone else has anaphylaxis symptoms, call 911 or local emergency services. If you have an EpiPen (epinephrine medication), use it immediately.

Angioedema

In some instances, hives may be accompanied by deep, painful swelling within the skin or mucous membranes (angioedema).

The swelling caused by angioedema can occur in these areas:

• under eyelids and around the eyes
• on the lips, mouth, and throat
• beneath the skin

Angioedema can make it hard to breathe and can quickly become a medical emergency. Angioedema is common during anaphylaxis.

Alpha-gal syndrome

Hives can sometimes be a symptom of alpha-gal syndrome, a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. Alpha-gal syndrome is an allergic reaction to alpha-gal, a sugar molecule found in:

• red meat, including beef, pork, venison, and lamb
• gelatin, including gelatin-coated medications, cosmetics, and foods such as candy
• dairy products, including cows milk
• bites from lone star ticks and possibly, other types of ticks

Its also known as the red meat allergy. It can develop in adults who have been bitten by a lone star tick.

Alpha-gal syndrome is usually accompanied by symptoms such as:

• nausea and vomiting
• diarrhea
• indigestion
• heartburn
• stomach pain

A doctor will examine your skin to assess whether you have hives or a different condition, such as dermatitis or eczema.

A doctor will ask you about your medical history, your symptoms, and how severe they have been. Theyll want to know how often you get hives, how long they last, and any potential triggers you suspect.

You may undergo diagnostic tests, such as blood work or a skin biopsy, to rule out underlying illnesses or infections such as ringworm.

Allergy tests, such as a skin prick test, can help you identify your triggers. For this test, a doctor will insert a variety of potential allergens under your skin to see if any elicit an allergic reaction.

If youre able to identify your triggers, eliminating those substances will be an important part of treatment.

In some instances, alleviating anxiety and stress may also be helpful. A doctor or other healthcare professional may recommend medication or stress-reducing activities, like meditation, yoga, and therapy.

A healthcare professional may recommend prescription-strength oral antihistamines, such as Clarinex (desloratadine). Prescription-strength hydrocortisone cream may also help treat reoccurring hives and reduce itching.

Depending on the severity of your condition, a doctor or other healthcare professional may recommend allergy shots. Allergy shots are a long-term treatment option used to decrease your sensitivity to allergens in your environment. But the treatment schedule is time-intensive and can often last for years.

Allergy shots may be beneficial if you have severe hives or hives caused by unavoidable allergens. This treatment isnt used for hives caused by food allergies.

Mild hives often respond quickly to OTC antihistamines. There are several types of antihistamines, and they can be taken by mouth or applied to the skin. They work by reducing the effects of histamine.

There are many different brands of antihistamines you can choose from. Some cause marked drowsiness, dry mouth, and other symptoms. Read the label so you know what to expect before you buy.

Topical steroid creams can also be beneficial for reducing swelling and itching. These medications work by constricting blood vessels and reducing inflammation.

To prevent, alleviate, or reduce the symptoms of hives, you can try these at-home remedies:

• remove potential triggers and allergens from your environment
• use sun protection such as sunscreen or sun-protective clothing
• avoid wearing tight or restrictive clothing
• place cool compresses on the affected areas of skin
• avoid scratching itchy skin
• take a colloidal oatmeal bath or use colloidal oatmeal lotion on the affected area
• treat the skin with witch hazel or calamine lotion

Hives usually dissipate within a few days or faster with at-home treatments.

In some instances, hives may require medical treatment. A doctor or other healthcare professional may prescribe oral medications or recommend allergy injections if you have long-term, severe, or recurring hives.