Treatment FAQ

what is best treatment for hives

by Kari Wilderman Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Medication

Sep 16, 2020 · Your treatment plan will be tailored to your needs and may include one or more of the following: Soothing anti-itch lotion or cream: Prax lotion or a cream containing menthol can give you temporary relief from the... An antihistamine: This medication can help control the itch and swelling. You can ...

Self-care

You can treat the hives with calamine lotion as necessary. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) This oral antihistamine can reduce the rash and other symptoms, …

Nutrition

The pressure of a purse strap can cause chronic hives where the strap rests on your body. Avoid overheating. Wear loose-fitting, cotton clothes. Apply a cold compress, such as ice cubes wrapped in a washcloth, to the itchy skin several times a day—unless cold... Use anti-itch medication that you can ...

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Oct 26, 2021 · The standard treatment for hives and angioedema is antihistamines that don't make you drowsy. These medications reduce itching, swelling and other allergy symptoms. They're available in nonprescription and prescription formulations.

What are the best natural remedies for hives?

Dr. Axe | Health and Fitness News, Recipes, Natural Remedies

How to tell if hives are getting better?

Loratadine. Also considered by many as the best medicine for hives, loratadine is very similar to fexofenadine. It doesn’t cause drowsiness as much as other options, however the chances of it working on you depend on how well your body takes to the formulation. Cetirizine.

How you should treat hives effectively?

For acute cases of hives (acute urticaria), well-known over-the-counter antihistamines such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine), Claritin (loratadine), Xyzal (levocetirizine), Zyrtec (cetirizine), and Allegra (fexofenadine) can help reduce swelling, redness, itching, and other problems such as wheezing or difficulty breathing.

What is the best OTC medicine for hives?

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What gets rid of hives fast?

Wear loose-fitting, cotton clothes. Apply a cold compress, such as ice cubes wrapped in a washcloth, to the itchy skin several times a day—unless cold triggers your hives. Use anti-itch medication that you can buy without a prescription, such as an antihistamine or calamine lotion.

What is the best medicine to treat hives?

Generally, the most effective, first-line treatment for hives is an over-the-counter, non-drowsy antihistamine like Allegra (fexofenadine) or Claritin (loratadine).Dec 21, 2021

Will Benadryl get rid of hives?

You can take one of the following drugs for hives and itching: diphenhydramine (Benadryl), cetirizine (Zyrtec), fexofenadine (Allegra), or loratadine (Claritin, Alavert). They are over-the-counter (OTC) drugs.Jan 13, 2022

Is Zyrtec or Benadryl better for hives?

Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) is often better than other antihistamines at treating allergy symptoms and hives. It can provide quick relief of allergy symptoms for both kids and adults.

Does hydrocortisone cream help hives?

For mild cases of hives, over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream can be used to alleviate itching and discomfort. However, over-the-counter antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine, can quickly alleviate itching. Antihistamines can also prevent further allergic reactions.Feb 4, 2021

Will Zyrtec help with hives?

Uses. Zyrtec is approved for the treatment of: Urticaria (hives) Allergic rhinitis (hayfever): Antihistamines can decrease the symptoms of watery, itchy eyes, sneezing, itchy nose, and itchy eyes.Feb 4, 2022

What is a natural antihistamine for hives?

A common herb in natural medicine, stinging nettle, may also be a natural antihistamine. In a 2000 study, 58 percent of participants found their symptoms relieved with the use of freeze-dried nettles, and 69 participants rated it better than the placebo. Stinging nettle can be found online and at health food stores.

What kind of viral infection causes hives?

Some infections that can cause hives in children include respiratory viruses (common cold), strep throat, urinary tract infections, hepatitis, infectious mononucleosis (mono) and many other viral infections.

What is the best treatment for hives?

Over-the-counter options. If home and natural remedies aren’t enough to help your hives, over-the-counter (OTC) treatments may be your best bet. Not only can OTC options relieve itching and irritation, they can target your body’s histamine response, which is what causes hives to appear.

Can OTC help with hives?

If home and natural remedies aren’t enough to help your hives, over-the-counter (OTC) treatments may be your best bet. Not only can OTC options relieve itching and irritation, they can target your body’s histamine response, which is what causes hives to appear.

What is a rash on your body?

Hives (urticaria) is a rash on your body. Although hives are often associated with allergic reactions, they can also be triggered by: stress. medications. insect bites or stings. sunlight. cold temperatures. infection. other underlying conditions.

How long does it take for hives to go away?

Hives generally fade within 24 hours and don’t 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 be signs of a severe allergic reaction and require emergency care.

What are the symptoms of hives?

dizziness. swelling in your throat or face. difficulty breathing. These may be signs of 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.

What are the signs of a severe allergic reaction?

difficulty breathing. These may be signs of 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.

How to stop itching from bathing?

Take a bath with an anti-itch solution. There are several products you can add to a bath to relieve itching. These include oatmeal (specifically marketed as colloidal oatmeal for bathing) or one or two handfuls of baking soda.

What is the best medication for hives?

Anti-inflammation medications. Oral corticosteroids, such as prednisone, can help lessen swelling, redness and itching. These are generally for short-term control of severe hives or angioedema because they can cause serious side effects if taken for a long time. Antidepressants.

How to stop hives from recurring?

The following precautions may help prevent or soothe the recurring skin reactions of chronic hives: Wear loose, light clothing. Avoid scratching or using harsh soaps. Soothe the affected area with a bath, fan, cool cloth, lotion or anti-itch cream.

What are some examples of antihistamines?

Examples include: Loratadine (Claritin) Fexofenadine (Allegra) Cetirizine (Zyrtec) Desloratadine (Clarinex) If the nondrowsy antihistamines don't help you, your doctor may increase the dose or have you try the type that tends to make people drowsy and is taken at bedtime.

How long do hives last?

Chronic hives can go on for months and years. They can interfere with sleep, work and other activities. The following precautions may help prevent or soothe the recurring skin reactions of chronic hives: Wear loose, light clothing. Avoid scratching or using harsh soaps.

What antihistamines make you drowsy?

Desloratadine (Clarinex) If the nondrowsy antihistamines don't help you, your doctor may increase the dose or have you try the type that tends to make people drowsy and is taken at bedtime. Examples include hydroxyzine pamoate (Vistaril) and doxepin (Zonalon).

Can hives be treated?

Chronic hives can be difficult to treat. If there's an underlying cause like a thyroid issue, taking care of that may ease the hives. Often, though, the cause of your reaction can't be found.

Do hives go away on their own?

With time, chronic hives (your doctor may call them chronic idiopathic urticaria, or CIU) usually go away on their own. There’s no medication to cure them, but treatments can help ease your pain and discomfort.

Can Xolair cause hives?

These medications can have side effects, so check with your doctor. Omalizumab (Xolair) is approved for those who don’t get relief from antihistamines. Your doctor injects it under your skin. Experts think it blocks a different chemical in your immune system that contributes to hives.

Can urticaria go away on its own?

With time, chronic hives (your doctor may call them chronic idiopathic urticaria, or CIU) usually go away on their own. There’s no medication to cure them, but treatments can help ease your pain and discomfort. Talk to your doctor about these options: Antihistamines. These medications block something called histamine.

Can loratadine make you sleepy?

The meds come in different forms: Non-drowsy: Your doctor will probably want you to try over-the-counter options like cetirizine(Zyrtec), fexofenadine(Allegra), and loratadine(Claritin) first. They won’t make you sleepy. They usually only cause mild side effects, like dry mouth and eyes.

Does Benadryl make you sleepy?

They won’t make you sleepy. They usually only cause mild side effects, like dry mouth and eyes. It’s important to take these every day, not just when you have a breakout. Nighttime:If your hives are severe, your doctor may point you toward diphenhydramine(Benadryl) or a similar medicine.

Can you take Benadryl at night?

It’s important to take these every day, not just when you have a breakout. Nighttime:If your hives are severe, your doctor may point you toward diphenhydramine(Benadryl) or a similar medicine. Because it can make you drowsy, your doctor will probably tell you to take it at night.

How to treat hives at home?

When you have hives, a cooling sensation may comfort you and draw your attention away from the discomfort caused by skin irritation. Apply cold and wet compresses, use ice on the affected areas, or take a cold bath.

What happens if you get hives?

Sometimes, but not always, hives occur as part of a more serious allergic reaction called anaphylactic shock. Seek medical attention right away if you experience hives along with: 1 Dizziness 2 Trouble breathing 3 Swelling of the lips, eyes, or tongue

How long do hives last?

A minor case of hives can last for a few days. An acute case of hives may persist for about six weeks. If the skin breakout lasts longer than that, it might be a case of chronic hives. Most cases of hives go away on their own, but you can use home remedies to ease the sometimes uncomfortable symptoms.

Does oatmeal help with hives?

Studies show that oatmeal has anti-inflammatoryand antioxidantproperties that help to promote healing and reduce the uncomfortable itchiness that comes with hives. Experts recommend sprinkling your bath with uncooked oatmeal or colloidal oatmeal — a finely ground oatmeal for skincare purposes.

What causes hives in the body?

However, it’s not always easy to spot what could be causing a case of hives. You may be sensitive to less obvious triggers or may have an underlying infection that needs to be addressed. Hives can also develop because of the following: 1 Exposure to extreme cold 2 Exposure to extreme heat 3 Exposure to too much sun 4 Too much exercise 5 Viral infections, especially mono and hepatitis 6 Bacterial infections, especially UTI and strep throat 7 Receiving a blood transfusion

How to stop hives from itching?

Relieve the itch at home. Itch is common in people who have chronic hives. Here are some ways to get temporary relief:#N#Avoid overheating.#N#Wear loose-fitting, cotton clothes.#N#Apply a cold compress, such as ice cubes wrapped in a washcloth, to the itchy skin several times a day—unless cold triggers your hives.#N#Use anti-itch medication that you can buy without a prescription, such as an antihistamine or calamine lotion.#N#Prevent dry skin by using a fragrance-free moisturizer several times a day.#N#The pressure of a purse strap can cause chronic hives where the strap rests on your body. 1 Avoid overheating. 2 Wear loose-fitting, cotton clothes. 3 Apply a cold compress, such as ice cubes wrapped in a washcloth, to the itchy skin several times a day—unless cold triggers your hives. 4 Use anti-itch medication that you can buy without a prescription, such as an antihistamine or calamine lotion. 5 Prevent dry skin by using a fragrance-free moisturizer several times a day.

How long do you have hives?

If you continue to get hives daily or almost every day for six weeks or longer, you have chronic hives. The medical term for this is “chronic urticaria.". When you have chronic hives, the most effective treatment often depends on the type of the hives you have and your medical history.

What causes hives on the face?

Hives are itchy welts on the skin. They can be caused by: 1 An allergic reaction 2 A physical trigger, such as cold, water, or pressure 3 A medical condition, such as an infection or autoimmune disease

Can ibuprofen cause hives?

Medications: Many medications, including antibiotics, aspirin, and ibuprofen, can be triggers. Hives can occur immediately, days, weeks, or years after you start taking a medication. Hi ves or an itchy rash appear when you start to warm up after being in cold water or outdoors in the cold.

How long does it take for hives to appear after eating?

Hives appear 12 to 24 hours after you eat the food. Additives: Colorings and preservatives used in foods, vitamins and other supplements, spices, cosmetics, skin care products, toothpaste, or other products can trigger hives. Hives usually appear within 12 to 24 hours.

Do you need to treat hives?

If your symptoms are mild, you may not need treatment. Hives and angioedema often clear up on their own. But treatment can offer relief for intense itching, serious discomfort or symptoms that persist.

What is the best medicine for hives?

For severe hives or angioedema, doctors may sometimes prescribe an oral corticosteroid drug — such as prednisone — to reduce swelling, redness and itching. Drugs that suppress the immune system. If antihistamines and corticosteroids are ineffective, your doctor might prescribe a drug capable of calming an overactive immune system.

What is the best treatment for hives and angioedema?

Treatments for hives and angioedema may include prescription drugs, including: Anti-itch drugs. The standard treatment for hives and angioedema are antihistamines that don't make you drowsy. These medications reduce itching, swelling and other allergy symptoms.

What to do if you have hives and angioedema?

Lifestyle and home remedies. If you're experiencing mild hives or angioedema, these tips may help relieve your symptoms: Avoid triggers. These can include foods, medications, pollen, pet dander, latex and insect stings. If you think a medication caused your rash, stop using it and contact your primary care provider.

Can hives be treated?

Hives treatment may not be needed if hives are mild. If you wait a short time, they can disappear on their own without any intervention. If you want to do something to help them go away faster and to reduce itching and swelling, make sure that you do not take any hot baths or showers while you have hives.

What is the best medicine for hives?

Quercetin and evening primrose are two supplements for hives that will calm and get rid of your hives faster. ( 19 ) Quercetin is a natural antihistamine and an anti-inflammatory. Test tube studies have revealed that quercetin prevents immune cells from releasing histamines, which cause allergic reactions like hives.

How long do hives last?

Other times, hives can last for hours and even several weeks to months. Acute episodes of urticaria last for six weeks or less. Hives that last for six weeks or less are acute hives. Those that remain for more than six weeks are chronic hives.

How do you know if you have hives?

Symptoms of hives can include: ( 5) Swelling of the surface of the skin into red or skin-colored welts (called wheals) with clearly defined edges. Wheals are typically round or oval and can get bigger, spread, and join together to form larger areas of flat, raised skin.

What foods are considered food allergies?

Certain foods, especially food allergies to shellfish, tree nuts, milk, and some fruit. Medications, especially antibiotics and non­steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs) like aspirin and ibuprofen. Allergy shots.

What causes hives in the body?

Illness, including lupus, autoimmune diseases, leukemia. Hives resulting from physical causes, like pressure, cold, or sun exposure, are called physical hives. Heat urticaria or heat hives are caused by an increase in body temperature from things like hot showers or baths, spicy foods or exercise.

How to get rid of hives quickly?

This includes soaps and other body care products, as well as the detergent you use on your clothing. Opt for natural products free of unhealthy synthetic fragrances and other aggravating ingredients. Another simple way to calm hives is to take a cool bath or shower. You can also use a cool compress on the hives to help relieve any itching. ( 16)

What is the best medicine for hives?

Loratadine. Also considered by many as the best medicine for hives, loratadine is very similar to fexofenadine. It doesn’t cause drowsiness as much as other options, however the chances of it working on you depend on how well your body takes to the formulation. Cetirizine.

Can antihistamines help with hives?

By taking note of these specifics, you can make it easier to relieve hives with an antihistamine that’s meant for you. Active Ingredient. Antihistamines come in many forms. Some only target nasal and sinus symptoms, while others act more effectively on itching and skin irritation.

Can cetirizine cause hives?

One of the side effects for cetirizine is labored or effortful breathing, which makes it a poor choice for people with respiratory problems. This can make it a dangerous choice if your hives has spread to your wind pipe and throat. Delivery Method. Antihistamines can come as tablets, capsules, gel caps, or liquids.

Is Perrigo safe for hives?

Despite being a lesser known brand, those who have tried Perrigo claim that it can effectively relieve hives relative to most other options. Using fexofenadine as its main active ingredient, Perrigo is also very mild and safe, causing minimal side-effects.

What is an allergic reaction?

Allergic reactions are characterized by a group of symptoms that may or may not occur in certain people. For instance, two people with the same allergy to pollen can manifest a reaction in different ways. One might only have a runny nose, while another develops hives.

Is GoodSense a good antihistamine?

GoodSense is a well-known brand in the antihistamine market, with its Loratadine Tablets third on the list of top-rated medicines for hives. What makes it a viable option for a lot of people is that it’s very affordable, costing only a fraction of what other medications might cost. At such a low price point, people looking for an antihistamine to keep in stock for family or office use can get great value for their money with GoodSense.

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Diagnosis

Treatment

Clinical Trials

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Aakash Gupta
Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
The best treatment for hives is to identify the triggers. The treatment includes antihistamines or a combination of medications.
Medication

Antihistamines: Reduce symptoms.

Loratadine . Fexofenadine . Cetirizine . Desloratadine


Corticosteroids: Reduce swelling and itching.

Prednisone


Histamine (H-2) blockers: Used if antihistamines are not effective.

Cimetidine . Ranitidine . Famotidine


Monoclonal antibodies: Effective against certain cases of hives that are difficult to cure.

Omalizumab


Leukotriene receptor antagonists: Drugs that prevent release of histamines from mast cells.

Montelukast

Self-care

Always talk to your provider before starting anything.

  • Apply cool compresses to the affected area
  • Wear loose, light clothing
  • Apply sunscreen lotion before going out in sun

Nutrition

Foods to eat:

  • Vitamin B5 rich foods such as whole wheat pastas and breads, hazelnuts, chickpeas, eggs, mushrooms, rye etc.
  • Vitamin C-rich foods such as blackberries, cherries, asparagus, cantaloupe, avocado, grapefruit, papayas, oranges etc.
  • Vitamin E-rich foods such as cold-pressed olive oil, kelp, kale, spinach, pumpkin seeds and almonds

Foods to avoid:

  • Alcohol
  • Caffeine drinks
  • Processed foods
  • Half cooked foods
  • Histamine containing foods such as cheese, yogurt, buttermilk, shellfish, fish, eggs, chocolate, aged foods, fermented foods, artificial Food colourings, Processed meats, berries, tomatoes, and wheat.

Specialist to consult

Dermatologist
Specializes in the study of the skin and its disorders.
Allergist
Specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic disorders.
Primary care physician
Specializes in the acute and chronic illnesses and provides preventive care and health.

Preparing For Your Appointment

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