Hives are an irritating, itchy skin affliction consisting of swollen, reddish bumps which can occur anywhere on your body. They are usually caused by an allergic reaction, when your body produces histamines as a result of contact with an irritant. The histamines are also responsible for other allergy symptoms, such as itchy eyes, sneezing and runny nose. Relief from hives and allergies can be found in a number of home remedies and over-the-counter topical treatments.
Remove the Source
Hives and allergies occur when our bodies react to allergens present in the surrounding environment. Relief from your allergies or hives can be as simple as identifying what is causing the reaction and removing it. Try to pinpoint when and where the reaction happens. Common allergens include foods such as eggs or dairy products, or animals such as cats or horses. Airborne irritants such as pollen and dust can be slightly more difficult to eliminate as they are constantly present in the environment, but you can try using an air purifier in your home.
Pharmaceutical Treatments
Calamine lotion is a creamy ointment containing zinc oxide and iron oxide, and is widely available from drugstores. Apply directly to hives with a cotton ball for instantaneous relief whenever required. Other topical creams containing antihistamines can block the negative affects of histamines when absorbed through the skin. Corticosteroid creams like hydrocortisone and triamcinolone are available with a doctor's prescription, and can reduce redness and swelling when applied directly. Consult your doctor for the correct treatment and dosage. Topical creams do not remedy the cause of the problem, they simply provide relief from the itching. Antihistamine tablets such as Benadryl can also be a great way of managing the symptoms of allergies, either temporarily or on an ongoing basis
Home Remedies
The easiest way to reduce itching and swelling caused by hives or an allergic rash is by applying a cold compress to the affected area. A paste made of cream of tartar and water can be a useful substitute for calamine lotion. Allergy symptoms such as nasal congestion and sneezing can often be alleviated by having a hot cup of tea, as the steam will soothe your irritated nasal passages and loosen congestion; the running mucus can help remove irritants from inside your nose. Consistent hay fever sufferers attest that consuming pollen regularly can build up the body's resistance to pollens in the air which are a common cause of allergies. Try adding a sprinkle of pollen to your breakfast cereal each morning.
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