How to treat and get rid of hives

If you’ve seen red or skin-colored bumps on your skin that appear and disappear very quickly, then it’s unlikely that you’ve been bitten by bugs. These rashes are possibly hives that result in itching ranging from mild to severe.

Though they look similar to bug bites, hives (also known as urticaria) are different in several ways:

• Hives can appear on any area of the body in any shape
• They may appear suddenly and go away just as quickly
• Pressing the center of a red hive makes it turn white - a process called “blanching”

Hives can also develop as a result of sun or cold exposure, infections, excessive perspiration, and emotional stress. The reason why stress seems to precipitate an outbreak of hives in many people is not completely understood but is likely related to the known effects of stress on the immune system.

Hives occurs when the body reacts to an allergen and releases histamine and other chemicals from under the surface of the skin. The histamine and chemicals cause inflammation and fluid to accumulate under the skin, causing wheals (the red or skin coloured bumps).

 Following the below steps you may reduce hives:

• 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 cold compress can be used 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. It is advisable, however, to do a skin test before applying aloe vera to the entire area that is affected.
• Avoiding irritants. This includes perfumes, fragranced soaps or moisturizers, and staying out of the sun. A person should also stay cool and wear loose, comfortable clothing.
•  Stress Reduction. As stress triggers hives, avoid it by yoga and relaxation

You must be wondering whether hives can go away or not. The answer is yes!  It can go away by treating it through homoeopathy. Homeopathy restores your immune system to normal and stops it from reacting. 

Here are some recommended homeopathic medications that can be considered once the complete history of hives is recorded by your homeopath.

• Apis mellifica –Someone needing this remedy for hives typically experiences red, inflamed, raised patches of skin. These patches burn and sting – much like a bee sting. They may also be tender to touch. The itching gets worse in cold weather and may feel better in fresh air.
   
• Arsenicum album:  when the eruptions are clearly worse at night and accompanied by great restlessness that tend to burn more than itch, and usually feel better from heat this can be recommended. This may be helpful even when the eruptions recede.
   
• Belladonna – Cases resulting in eruptions that occur over the whole body with most appearing on the inner side of limbs, less on the face and sometimes resemble mosquito bites that itch the most in the mornings and the evenings this treatment is recommended.
   

Do not self-medicate. Always consult a homeopathic doctor to get your personalized treatment and achieve long-term results.