Topical Treatment for Hives

Hives is a frustrating skin condition with an itchy rash of pink to red bumps that appear and disappear anywhere on the body. They are mostly caused by an allergic reaction, when the body releases histamines as a result of direct skin contact with or consumption of an allergen. An individual attack of hives typically lasts a few hours before fading away, and new hives can appear as older areas disappear. Fortunately, there are many treatments available to get relief from the itchiness and other symptoms of hives. Generally, large outbreaks of hives require oral antibiotics, whereas small areas of hives can be treated with prescription topical antibiotics. Some over the counter topical antibiotics can also be successful in treating hives.

Topical medications can help in providing some relief from hives. There are many different types of topical treatments that you can use for hives. The topical treatment of hives is classified in two parts steroid and non steroid. Steroid topical solutions include varying amounts of steroids to reduce inflammation and calm the itching. These are mostly prescribed to patients who have severe hives. Non steroids solutions include many different ingredients in them. Hives patients with non-steroid topical treatment should find ones that have antihistamines and pain relief medication. Some of the topical treatments for hives are mentioned below.

Topical treatment for hives:

1. Calamine lotion is a creamy over the counter ointment is good option for instant relief from itching caused by hives.
2. Topical creams which contain antihistamine agents block the adverse affects of histamine on mast cells. The cream can provide relief, but does not treat the basic cause of the problem.
3. Your doctor can prescribe corticosteroid cream like hydrocortisone and triamcinolone to reduce inflammation and swelling. The dosage of this medication will be decided by your doctor.
4. Use of cool compresses is the simplest way to reduce the swelling and itching. Apply an ice pack or take cold showers to reduce swelling and itching. A paste made from cream of tartar and water is also effective and can act as a substitute for calamine lotion.
5. Ointments provide the maximum level of moisturizing and usually work best for outbreaks of hives. The topical creams usually contain ingredients such as camphor, menthol, diphenhydramine and pramoxine that provide relief from itching.

Topical treatments for hives can be used to numb the nerve endings and ease the pain and itching of hives. Topical medications like lotion for hives are the best option when the hives are caused due to allergic reaction to something to ingest or something you touched.