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How to get rid of hives quickly?
Hives or urticaria is skin condition which is commonly caused by an allergic reaction. It is characterized by raised red skin wheals. It can be round or it can form rings or large patched that can occur anywhere on the body such as arms, trunk and legs. Red lesions with a red flare at the borders and wheals are other manifestations of hives. One feature of hives is their tendency to change size rapidly and to move around, disappearing in one place and reappearing in others. Hives are usually last two to twenty four hours. It is caused due to the body’s reaction to an allergen, a foreign substance in or on the body. The body releases histamines into the blood, along with a few other chemicals, in an effort to fight the invaded allergen. As the hives are caused due to histamine, so it’s obvious that antihistamines remain the number one cure for hives.
Hives are both common and confusing. Many people who experience hives never successfully conclude what triggered their hives. It can be caused due to food, medications, sunlight or viral infections. Regardless of the etiology persons who suffer from hives usually want to get rid of hives fast as possible. The steps you can take to get rid of hives quickly are mentioned below.
Steps to get rid of hives quickly:
- You can take an oral OTC antihistamine such as Benadryl to treat your hives fast. Antihistamines are the quickest way to reduce the symptoms of hives. If over sedation is a matter then a second generation OTC non sedating antihistamine such as Zytec orclartin can be used. You can also add an inexpensive OTC gastric reflux medicine such as rantidine orcimetidine to your antihistamine treatment. These medicines can help you to get rid of hives and its symptoms fast as they work in combination with oral antihistamine.
- Maintain a hives dairy and note down the things that seem to trigger hives. The cause of hives can be many. The most possible cause of hives is medications, food, sunlight, exercise or viral infection. It is important for person to know the cause of hives so that an appropriate treatment can be started which can target that cause.
- Apply cool compresses to affected areas of hives. Some people get better results by using an ice bag to relieve the itching related with hives. You can also use mint for the relief. Try to stay cool and away from heat and humidity. Avoid scratching the affected area as it’s difficult to get rid of hives if you’re continuously scratching.
- You can also use essential oil to treat your hives. There are plenty of essential oils that can relieve itching and give a cool, soothing feel to your skin. Sandalwood, lavender and chamomile are some of the popular example of essential oils which can be used to get rid of hives. You can also approach to another natural product – quercetin. It’s a pigment that is found in several foods such as onions, apples and green vegetables. This natural product works as a natural antihistamine.
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