Treatment FAQ

what treatment for hives

by Ms. Carli Mohr I Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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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.Oct 26, 2021

Medication

 · 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

Asthma medications like montelukast ( Singulair) or zafirlukast ( Accolate) can help hives, including those made worse by aspirin or nonsteroidal anti …

Nutrition

 · Chronic hives may be treated with antihistamines or a combination of medications. When antihistamines don't provide relief, oral steroids may be prescribed. A biologic drug, omalizumab ( Xolair ),...

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The first active ingredient is Apis Mellifica, which is essential for treating hives as it reduces the stinging pain, swelling and horrendous itching that accompanies 92% of all hives outbreaks. The second active ingredient is Arnica Montana, which provides great hives relief as it reduces the pain and inflammation caused by a hives rash.

What is the best home remedy for hives?

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

How you should treat hives effectively?

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. Prevent dry skin by using a fragrance-free moisturizer several times a day.

What are the top 9 superfoods that relieve hives?

What are hives, and how are they treated?

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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).

What are hives caused by?

The most common causes are foods, medications, and infections. Insect bites and diseases may also be responsible. The most common foods that cause hives are nuts, chocolate, fish, tomatoes, eggs, fresh berries, and milk. Fresh foods cause hives more often than cooked foods.

How does it take for hives to go away?

The itching, swelling, and redness of hives can last hours to several weeks or months. In most cases the hives eventually go away without treatment, but taking drugs such as antihistamines or corticosteroids help the hives go away faster. The medicines also treat the itching and prevent new hives.

Do hives go away on their own?

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.

What do stress hives look like?

Stress hives often look oval, round, or ring-like but also can take on irregular shapes. Hives are very itchy. You may feel a tingling or burning sensation as if you've been bitten by mosquitos. In addition, some welts may disappear only to be replaced by new ones within a few hours.

When should I go to the doctor for hives?

If you think your hives or angioedema was caused by a known allergy to food or a medication, your symptoms may be an early sign of an anaphylactic reaction. Seek emergency care if you feel your tongue, lips, mouth or throat swelling or if you're having trouble breathing.

When should you go to the hospital for hives?

Other reasons to go to the emergency department include the following: Your hives or swelling do not improve after two to three days. You continue getting new hives after two days. Your symptoms do not get better with the treatment recommended by a health care professional.

Is hives serious?

Chronic hives don't put you at any sudden risk of a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). But if you do experience hives as part of a serious allergic reaction, seek emergency care. Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis include dizziness, trouble breathing, and swelling of your lips, eyelids and tongue.

How long do hives last Covid?

How long does a COVID-19 rash last? More information is needed to know for sure. Right now, reports suggest that a rash typically lasts between 2 and 12 days, with most people having a rash for 8 days.

Do hives spread by scratching?

Yes, the itch can drive you crazy, but scratching hives may cause them to spread and become even more inflamed, says Neeta Ogden, MD, an allergist in private practice in Englewood, New Jersey, and a spokesperson for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

Does 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.

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.

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 get rid of a swollen swollen swollen swollen

Use a cold compress. Applying something cool to your skin can help relieve any irritation. To do this, grab a bag of frozen veggies or wrap a handful of ice in a towel and apply to the affected area for up to 10 minutes. Repeat as needed throughout the day.

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).

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.

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

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.

What are the side effects of a syringe?

You can get them in a shot or a pill. They can cause side effects like: 1 High blood pressure 2 Weight gain 3 Sleep problems 4 Bone density problems 5 Blurred vision 6 The need to pee a lot 7 Increased thirst 8 Fluid retention 9 Psychological effects

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.

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.

What is the best treatment for hives?

Chronic hives may be treated with antihistamines or a combination of medications. When antihistamines don't provide relief, oral steroids may be prescribed. A biologic drug, omalizumab ( Xolair ), is also approved to treat chronic hives in people at least 12 years old.

How to get rid of hives?

While you're waiting for hives and swelling to disappear, here are some tips: 1 Apply cool compresses or wet cloths to the affected areas. 2 Try to work and sleep in a cool room. 3 Wear loose-fitting lightweight clothes.

How long do hives last?

These are hives that last less than 6 weeks. The most common causes are foods, medications, and infections. Insect bites and diseases may also be responsible. The most common foods that cause hives are nuts, chocolate, fish, tomatoes, eggs, fresh berries, and milk. Fresh foods cause hives more often than cooked foods.

What causes hives in the body?

The most common causes are foods, medications, and infections. Insect bites and diseases may also be responsible. The most common foods that cause hives are nuts, chocolate, fish, tomatoes, eggs, fresh berries, and milk. Fresh foods cause hives more often than cooked foods.

What foods cause hives?

The most common foods that cause hives are nuts, chocolate, fish, tomatoes, eggs, fresh berries, and milk. Fresh foods cause hives more often than cooked foods. Certain food additives and preservatives may also be to blame.

What medications cause hives?

Drugs that can cause hives include aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, high blood pressure drugs (especially ACE inhibitors ), or painkillers such as codeine. Chronic urticaria. These are hives that last more than 6 weeks.

What are the symptoms of hives?

Symptoms include shortness of breath, muscle soreness, vomitin g, and diarrhea. Physical urticaria. These hives are caused by something that stimulates the skin -- for example, cold, heat, sun exposure, vibration, pressure, sweating, or exercise.

Why is Oxyhives good for hives?

The reason why OxyHives has been the cure for hives for so many people is because of it's all natural ingredients that have been scientifically formulated to eliminate the triggers that bring on hives and to quickly reduce a hives rash when taken during an outbreak.

Does Urtica Urens help with hives?

The eight active ingredient is Urtica Urens, which reduces the burning sensation that comes with most hives rashes. It is especially effective at reducing the itchiness in the genitals, fingers, hands and lips.

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 to do when you have hives?

With some simple natural remedies, you can calm a hives outbreak on yourself or your child quite quickly. Inexpensive, common household items like oatmeal, witch hazel and baking soda are really effective at calming the itching and redness that usually accompany 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)

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.

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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

Diagnosis

  • Your doctor will likely recommend you treat your symptoms with home remedies, such as over-the-counter antihistamines. If self-care steps don't help, talk with your doctor about finding the prescription medication or combination of drugs that works best for you. Usually, an effective treatment can be found.
See more on mayoclinic.org

Treatment

  • Explore Mayo Clinic studiestesting new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.
See more on mayoclinic.org

Clinical Trials

  • 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: 1. Wear loose, light clothing. 2. Avoid scratching or using harsh soaps. 3. Soothe the affected area with a bath, fan, cool cloth, lotion or anti-...
See more on mayoclinic.org

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

  • You'll probably first visit your primary care doctor. He or she may refer you to a doctor who specializes in skin diseases (dermatologist) or to an allergy specialist. For chronic hives, some basic questions to ask your doctor include: 1. What is likely causing my symptoms? 2. How long will these hives last? 3. What kinds of tests do I need? Do these tests require any special prepar…
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Preparing For Your Appointment

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