How fast does Benadryl get rid of hives
Does Benadryl Help With Hives?
Jul 05, 2018
shley asked
Does Benadryl help with hives? I have red and itchy bumps on my arm and I think they are due to allergies.
Answer
Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) is a first generation antihistamine used in the treatment of allergies, urticaria (hives), insomnia and motion sickness. Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) can be used to help manage hives. Hives are swollen, red patches of skin that can occur as a reaction to allergens or for unknown reasons.
Benadryl For Hives
Most times, hives can be itchy. Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) can help reduce the swelling of hives and alleviate the itching. While Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) will help with the symptoms of hives, the best treatment is to determine the cause of the hives and remove that allergen.
Some common causes according toAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunologyare:
- Foods like peanuts, nuts, eggs and shellfish
- Drugs like antibiotics (penicillins and sulfa drugs), aspirin and NSAIDs (Ibuprofen and Naproxen)
- Insect bites and stings
- Pets
- Outside allergens such as pollen, trees and grasses
- Bacterial and viral infections
- Latex exposure
If hives continue to occur and a cause cannot be determined, an allergist should be consulted. In the meantime, Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) is a good choice of treatment to get some relief from the hives. More information on Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) can be found below.
Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) Information
Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) is a first generation antihistamine. First generation antihistamine are sedating antihistamines that can cause a significant amount of drowsiness. As such, caution should be taken when driving or operating machinery until the full effects of the medication are known. Some additional side effects of Diphenhydramine include:
- Drowsiness or sedation
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Coordination problems
- Thickening of mucus in the nose or throat
SinceBenadryl (Diphenhydramine) can cause drowsiness or sedation, care should be used when used in elderly patients due to an increased risk of falls. Care should also be taken when patients are on other medications that can cause drowsiness. If there are any questions about taking medications together, patients should talk to their pharmacist or other health care providers.
Conclusion
When patients get hives, the first thing on most patients mind is getting relief from the symptoms. Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) is a good choice to help with the swelling and itchiness that can occur with hives. For hives that continue with unknown causes, a trip to the allergist is needed to determine the cause of the hives and further treatment.
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.
How to Get Rid of Hives, According to Dermatologists
If youve developed a rash thats hot, swollen, bumpy, or itchy, its possible you have hives. Finding hives on your skin can be unsettling, and usually you cant be sure where they came from. No matter what caused the irritation, we know that you want to find relief fast. So, if youre asking yourself how to get rid of your hives, youve come to the right place.
Hives are a skin reaction that occur when cells in our blood stream called mast cells release histamine, says Mona Gohara, M.D., board-certified dermatologist, an associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University, and member of Preventions Medical Review Board. Mast cells are triggered to release histamine by a whole host of things including medications, infections, and allergens.
Want to get rid of your hives ASAP? Here, expert dermatologists weigh in on natural remedies you can do at home, over-the-counter (OTC) options, and when to see a doctor about your irritated, inflamed skin.
What do hives look like?
Hives, also called urticaria, appear as red to pink areas of superficial swelling in the skin, says Blair Murphy-Rose, M.D., board-certified dermatologist at Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York. These swollen areas or welts can be small or large, she says. Any one hive lasts less than 24 hours by definition, but the episodes can recur for days or weeks. Acute urticaria is defined as episodes lasting up to 6 weeks.
What causes hives?
Hives can be triggered by a wide variety of causes, including both allergic and non-allergic causes, says Dr. Rose. The most common allergic triggers of [hives] include medication and food allergies. Common medications triggering hives include aspirin, NSAIDs, opiates, many antibiotics, sulfonylureas, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, and iodine.
If you develop hives after eating meat, you might consider getting tested for alpha-gal syndrome, adds Dr. Rose, which can be caused by certain tick species like amblyomma, the lone star tick. Bed bug reactions can also look like hives, says Dr. Rose. Particularly suspicious are hive-like bumps in groups of three.
Still, sometimes your hives are not a result of any allergy or tick-borne syndrome. Some people may also develop hives due to pressure on the skin, hot or cold temperatures, and physical exercise, says Dustin Portela, D.O., board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon of Treasure Valley Dermatology.
Hives can be accompanied by tongue swelling and shortness of breath, and in this case are obviously considered an emergent matter, notes Dr. Gohara, and you should seek emergency medical care.
How to get rid of hives
The best way to treat hives is to prevent them from developing to begin with, says Joshua Zeichner, M.D., associate professor of dermatology and the director of Cosmetic & Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Avoid processed or canned foods and stick to fresh options. Aspirin is also a known trigger, so you should use an alternative pain reliever if you are prone to developing hives, adds Dr. Zeichner.
Natural remedies for hives
If you feel hesitant to go straight to OTC treatment options, here are some remedies that you can try from the comfort of your home, according to Peterson Pierre, M.D., dermatologist and founder of Pierre Skin Care Institute.
- Use a cold compress
- Draw yourself an oatmeal bath
- Apply witch hazel or aloe vera to the irritated area
- Stay cool, as heat tends to make the itch worse.
Dr. Zeichner adds that you should make sure to keep the skin barrier hydrated and intact, especially if you are scratching your skin. Eucerin Advanced Repair Lotion is ultra lightweight and can be spread over large surface areas without leaving the skin feeling greasy. The lotion also contains ceramides which help repair the skin barrier and pull in hydration, he adds.
OTC remedies for hives
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, antihistamines can be taken on a daily basis to prevent hives from developing, says Dr. Zeichner. Allegra Hives is an FDA cleared option to consider.
Antihistamines reduce the amount of histamine circulating in your body to decrease symptoms, says Dr. Rose. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is one of the best OTC treatments for hives. It has a quick onset so it works fast, but can cause sedation and fatigue, so it is best to take it before bedtime or a nap. Note: some people, especially older individuals, have an opposite response to Benadryl and it keeps them awake, warns Dr. Rose.
Some of the newer generation antihistamines like cetirizine (Zyrtec), Fexofenadine (Allegra), and loratadine (Claritin) are much less likely to cause sedation, and while they have a slower onset, they work for a longer duration of time, continues Dr. Rose. These are best for prevention of allergies and hives when used daily over a period of time, she says. Dr. Rose notes that Zyrtec and Claritin are considered safe to use in pregnancy, but not Allegra.
If you want to go the topical route, over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone cream can be applied to an individual hive to help reduce itch, says Dr. Zeichner. It should not be used for more than two weeks in a row to any individual area, he n.otes. Additionally, Dr. Pierre suggests calamine lotion for itch relief.
When should you see a doctor about hives?
Hives are incredibly common, and while usually not a sign of something more serious, they can be, says Dr. Rose.
If you are getting recurrent hives, and over-the-counter antihistamines and cortisone creams are not helping, visit a board-certified dermatologist for evaluation and treatment, suggests Dr. Zeichner. Your dermatologist can discuss prescription, topicals, and prescription systemic medications that can get your skin under control. You also can visit an allergist for specific testing that may uncover your particular trigger, he adds.
Additionally, if your hives have been occurring daily for greater than 6 weeks, its time to see a dermatologist, says Dr. Portela. If you develop hives that last longer than 24 hours in the same location, this may also be a more serious condition for which you should seek medical care. Lastly, if you experience hives that cause swelling of the lips or tongue, or make it difficult to breathe, this constitutes a medical emergency and you should seek emergency care, he notes.
..Madeleine, Preventions assistant editor, has a history with health writing from her experience as an editorial assistant at WebMD, and from her personal research at university. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in biopsychology, cognition, and neuroscienceand she helps strategize for success across Preventions social media platforms.
With more than a decade of experience, board-certified dermatologist Caroline Chang, M.D., is nationally recognized as a top doctor in both medical and cosmetic dermatology. She is also the founder of Rhode Island Dermatology Institute, the states first direct care dermatology practice with the goal of providing high-quality, customized care.
