Sarah EatonHives are itchy red bumps that are the result of a skin reaction. If you’re wondering how to get rid of hives, or looking for a natural hives treatment, then first, don’t do anything to further irritate them. For example, a hives treatment method should involve staying away from hot baths as well as irritating detergents. (1)
Traditional hives treatment methods include antihistamine pills and other medications. However, certain home remedies for hives can also help alleviate bothersome symptoms. For example, oatmeal baths and other hives treatment methods can soothe irritation and decrease inflammation. For more details on home remedies for hives, read the hives treatment methods below. (2)
Which hives treatment will work for you? Here are 9 home remedies to try:
1. Demonstrate Patience and Don’t Irritate
If your hives are mild, treatment might not be needed. Sometimes all you need to do is wait a short while, and they will disappear on their own. However, if you want to make them go away faster or reduce itching and swelling, then avoid hot baths or showers. Also avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing items as this can irritate the area where you have hives. (3)
2. Address Allergies
If you know an allergen caused your hives, take steps to avoid further contact with whatever it is. If you suspect you know the culprit, it’s a good idea to get allergy testing done. Such a test can reveal the trigger. You also might consider keeping a food diary to keep track of symptoms. This will help you narrow it down to what could be causing your hives. (4)
3. Calm the Inflammation
Certain products can make your hives worse. For example, soaps, body washes, and even laundry detergent can trigger or worsen symptoms. Instead, choose natural products free of synthetic fragrances and other irritating ingredients. Furthermore, ditch the hot shower and instead take a cool or lukewarm shower or bath. You can also try using a cold compress to soothe your irritated skin. (5)
4. Take An Oatmeal Bath
Oatmeal baths can help calm the itch. Add a cup or two of uncooked oats into a cheesecloth. Tie it with a rubber band then add it to a lukewarm bath. Remember, don’t make the water too hot or too cold. Extreme temperatures can make hives worse. (6)
5. Reduce Stress
It might not be pets or food causing your hives. It could be stress! Short and long term stress both takes their toll on your immune system. Your body responds by sending histamine to fend off the health issue, which in this case in stress. This is your body’s way of letting you know you need to relax and find a way to manage your stress. (7)
Find out what stress-relieving technique works best for you. For example, you might try exercise such as yoga, or you might try keeping a journal.
6. Baking Soda
Baking soda helps the skin in many ways, and here’s another one! A paste made out of baking soda and water can help calm hives. Furthermore, it can prevent new ones from appearing. Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with cold water to create a paste. Then, rub it on the area in question. Leave it to dry before you wash it off. Repeat a few times a day—the relief will likely be instantaneous. (8)
7. Witch Hazel
Witch hazel can also help calm inflammation and itching from hives. Since witch hazel has strong antioxidant and astringent agents, it’s great for treating hives symptoms. Dab it on the affected area several times a day. (9)
8. Supplements
You might try supplements to help rid of your hives. For example, quarcetic and evening primrose can calm and help make hives disappear. (10) Quercetin is a antihistamine and an anti-inflammatory. Studies have shown that quercetin prohibits immune cells from releasing histamines, which cause allergic reactions like hives. (11) Furthermore, other studies have revealed that quercetin is as effective at fighting allergies as some prescription medications. The bonus? All with little to no side effects. (12) You might also try increasing vitamin B12, vitamin C, and vitamin D. (13)
9. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is another treatment method for hives. This is especially beneficial for those who suffer from chronic hives.
One study treated 40 patients with chronic urticaria using either real acupuncture or “sham acupuncture”. Treatments occurred for three weeks. At the end of the study, the subjects treated with real acupuncture experienced partial remissions of symptoms. What’s more, the effectiveness of the acupuncture treatments seemed to increase with each additional treatment. (14)