A few people have chronic hives, which lasts for more than six weeks. For most hives are not that serious but people should consider visiting an skin allergy specialist for better knowledge. The most common treatment for mild and moderate cases of hives is a non sedating antihistamine. It relieves symptoms of itchiness. It does not cause drowsiness. You should take this medicine daily to prevent hives from forming.
All about hives medication
Other medicines that are prescribed to treat hives include:
- Cartisones. It is for short-term use only, as long term use may have side effects.
- Dapsone. It is an antibacterial.
- Other medicines that fight inflammation.
- For some cases of hives, you may need an injection of epinephrine.
The hives can also be treated naturally as well.
- Apply a cold compress to the hives to reduce the swelling and cool the inflamed skin. Dampen a paper towel with cold water and lay it on your affected skin for about 15 minutes at a time. If hives are serious, take a bath in cold water for 20 to 30 minutes and then stay cool.
- Drink herbal teas, such as green tea, licorice root, and chamomile tea. Drink 3 to 4 cups of tea a day for optimal effect.
- Try other herbal antihistamines, such as stinging nettle, colt’s foot, basil leaves etc. These remedies can be injested in pill form. There is temporary relief from itching and there is reduction of redness of skin.
- Soak in to a warm, oatmeal bath to relieve itching and sooth your skin. This is especially helpful, if a large portion of your body is covered with hives, particularly the legs and lower body.
- Apply aloe vera to the hives on your skin surrounding affected areas. It helps the effected skin to heal quicker and decreases the chances of developing on unaffected areas.
- Use ginger in your food or in the form of pill. Take fresh ginger, remove the skin and gently daub the ginger into the inflamed skin.
- Enrich your diet to boost your immune system. Increase the amount of vitamin C by eating more citrus fruits, strawberries, raspberries, tomatoes, red peppers and green leafy vegetables. Yogurt, cheese, sauerkraut are also some good sources.
- Try to avoid stress by doing exercise, sports, art, medication etc. Many scientists believe that there is a link between stress and the immune response.
- If your hives persists, you can go for skin biopsy for hives treatment.