Natural Treatment for Hives in Infants

Known as urticaria in medical terms, hives is an allergic skin reaction. It is usually triggered by some irritant ingested through drink, food and sometimes inhaled through air. This disorder is characterized by sudden outbursts of red swollen welts on the skin that spread rapidly through the entire body, mainly limbs and trunk. Lesions, painful in nature and varying shapes may appear at times. It is better to resort to natural treatments for hives in infants because they have no side effects.

The main reason behind hives is the chemical histamine which is produced in certain parts of the body, when the latter comes into contact with some allergen.

Infants affected by hives face immense difficulties, ranging from swallowing and breathing and even increased heartbeat. Infants who have already been suffering from some kinds of illness are more prone to hives.

Consumption of certain foods such as seafood, shellfish, berries and eggs can result in the eruption of hives in the skin. Other conditions that can lead to hives are exposure to animal hair and insect bites. Sweating due to tight clothes can also lead to hives in an infant. Exposure to extreme temperature conditions can also result in hives. Another predisposing factor of hives happens to be heredity. Sometimes children can inherit hives if either of the parent had had a history of hives.

However, how grave hive in infants may sound, there exists a few safe home remedies which can provide fast relief from the throbbing symptoms. Some natural treatments for hives in infants are listed below:

• Applying ice-cubes wrapped in a soft cotton towel or cloth on the affected areas.
• Application of calamine lotion can also yield results.
• Another natural remedy for hives is the aloe vera pulp. Massaging the affected areas with aloe vera pulp provides relief from the itching.
• A bath in lukewarm water mixed with baking soda is another option.
• An alternative and effective way of treating hives is rubbing milk of magnesia on the affected parts.
• If possible, apply apple cidar vinegar on the skin several times a day. But be careful as the baby's skin is very sensitive.
• Raw onions and cabbage leaf compresses can help in relieving itching.
• Vitamin E in any form can help in reducing hives if applied twice a day.
• Chilled milk can come to the rescue as well. A piece of cloth dipped in chilled milk followed by its application on the affected areas will relieve the pain.
• Sandalwood oil is also effective while it comes to curing hives. A cotton ball rinsed in sandalwood oil can be applied on the affected areas. Since the oil has a cooling effect, it is ideal for treating hives.
• Crushed mint leaves mixed with ice cubes can be another remedy for hives. Boil a few mint leaves in water, let it cool, mix ice cubes with it and then apply.

Hives are common skin disorders and infants can be affected as well. The above mentioned natural remedies for hives, if administered properly can turn out to be immensely helpful while treating hives in infants.