What are Hives? How to Treat Hives at Home?

Hives, also known as urticaria, are reddish-pink rashes or spots that can occur anywhere on the skin and are caused by various reasons. These red welts are typically the skin’s reaction to an allergen, such as an infection, foods, pollen, medications, and so on. Most of the time, these hives go away on their own.

Hives can be itchy, uncomfortable, and even harmful to the skin. In certain circumstances, the youngster may not feel anything at all. Acute hives are those that disappear in a few days or less than a week, and chronic hives are those that take longer than six weeks to vanish. Physical urticaria refers to hives generated by stress on the skin or exposure to external conditions such as excessive cold or heat.

Hives are usually not contagious unless caused by an infectious virus or bacteria. Hives, unless chronic, appear only when triggered and last no more than 24 hours. Hives leave no physical evidence of their presence on the plus side – no scars or bruises on the skin.

Classification of Hives

Urticaria can be classified into two categories: acute and chronic. A broader classification enables you to gain knowledge about physical or induced urticaria.

Dermatographic urticaria is sometimes referred to as skin writing.
Papular urticaria is a symptom of chronic papules induced by an allergy to insect bites, particularly mosquito bites.
Cold urticaria is a type of urticaria that occurs when the skin is exposed to anything exceedingly cold or extremely cold conditions.
Cholinergic urticaria as a result of excessive perspiration.
Contact urticaria, which manifests as rashes, happens when an individual comes into contact with a material that causes hives to break out.
Delayed pressure urticaria occurs when weals emerge due to pressure on the skin, but four to six hours later.

Complications

Hives are often self-limiting and do not create issues. Angioedema, on the other hand, may arise in more difficult situations.

Angioedema is a swelling caused by fluid buildup in the skin’s layers, and it can affect the eyes, lips, hands, feet, and genitals. Physicians can prescribe medicine to help control and lessen swelling.

Recurrent hives can have a detrimental effect on a person’s quality of life, making them feel tense or anxious and even leading to depression. Always consult a physician if hives impair a person’s quality of life.

Home Remedies to Treat Hives

The following are some methods for relieving or alleviating hives in children.

Cold compresses are a good topical treatment for hives. Pack ice cubes tightly in a handkerchief and apply to the affected areas to alleviate swelling, burning, or itching.
Apple cider vinegar contains antihistamine characteristics that rapidly reduce inflammation and improve the child’s general skin health.
Baking soda is an anti-inflammatory and is a common home remedy for hives. Combine a cup of baking soda and a tub of warm water well. Allow at least 20-30 minutes for the child to soak in it. Additionally, you might apply a baking soda and water mixture to the affected areas.
When it comes to curing hives, ginger is a wonder medicine. It acts as an antihistamine and anti-inflammatory agent, targeting the genes and enzymes that cause inflammation.
Additionally, oatmeal contains anti-inflammatory qualities that may help alleviate the itching and irritation associated with hives on the skin.
Turmeric is also antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. It is a natural antihistamine and antioxidant that has been used to treat a range of skin conditions, including hives.
Hives can be alleviated by aloe vera’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial qualities. Aloe vera gel should be applied to the affected regions and left for 15 minutes. Consuming aloe vera juice daily can also aid in the fight against hives.
Nettle is another natural antihistamine that is also astringent, making it an excellent herbal cure for hives. Consuming nettle green tea twice a day or taking nettle extract capsules daily can better manage hives.
Additionally, basil or tulsi can aid in the fight against hives. It aids in the fight against infection and alleviates itching. Basil leaves can be crushed and the extract applied to the affected areas, or basil leaves can be boiled in water and applied to the affected area for relief.
Witch hazel is an astringent that can be applied topically on hives to help alleviate inflammation and itching.

Medications

Prescription medications may be used to treat hives and angioedema.

Anti-itch medications. Antihistamines, which alleviate itching, swelling, and other allergic symptoms, are the primary treatment for hives and angioedema.
Anti-inflammatory medication. In severe cases of hives or angioedema, doctors may occasionally prescribe an oral corticosteroid medication — such as prednisone — to help reduce swelling, redness, and itching.
Immunosuppressive medications. If antihistamines and corticosteroids do not work, your doctor may prescribe a drug that might quiet a hyperactive immune system.
Pain and swelling-relieving medications. Chronic hives and angioedema may be treated with leukotriene antagonists nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications.
Blood protein regulators. If you have hereditary angioedema, various drugs can help you manage your signs and symptoms by regulating the amounts of particular blood proteins.

When to See a Doctor?

A severe case of hives or angioedema may require a visit to the emergency department and an emergency injection of epinephrine, a kind of adrenaline. If you have had a significant attack or if your attacks continue to occur after treatment, your health care physician may recommend that you carry a pen-like device that enables you to self-inject epinephrine in an emergency.

Book an appointment now to answer all your queries. You can book an appointment with the top Child Specialists in Lahore through Marham.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1- What helps hives fast for kids?

Calamine lotion, 1% hydrocortisone cream, or a baking soda and water mixture might be used to relieve itching. For 10 minutes, submerge your child in a cool bath. Apply a cold compress or pack to itchy areas.

2- What cream can I put on hives?

Calamine lotion is the most effective and safest anti-itch cream. Other anti-itch creams containing hydrocortisone or topical anesthetics may provide more relief, but they are more likely to cause adverse effects.