Health Conditions from A to Z

Hives

Hives is a skin condition characterized by itchy, raised white bumps called wheals that are surrounded by a reddish area. The most common area of the body where wheal occurs are the arms, legs, or trunk, but they can appear anywhere and last for several hours or even days.

What To Consider

The most common cause of hives is a histamine reaction that is triggered by allergies, especially to certain foods, such as strawberries, fish, shellfish, peanuts, soy, beef, citrus fruits, milk, and eggs. Drugs such as penicillin and exposure to chemicals, including those in common household products such as laundry soap, can also cause hives. To ensure long-term relief from hives, such factors must be screened for and addressed.

Self-Care Tips

Diet
Identify and avoid all foods to which you are allergic or sensitive. To minimize the occurrence of hives, eat a varied diet and avoid eating the same foods more than more than once or twice each week.

Nutritional Supplementation
Hydrochloric acid secretions in the stomach are usually low in people with hives. Vitamin B complex deficiency is also common among hives patients. Therefore, supplementing with betaine hydrochloric acid (HCl) and vitamin B complex is highly recommended. Pancreatic enzymes taken three to four times daily on empty stomach, especially during the initial attack of hives, is also helpful, as are bromelain and vitamin C (also taken away from meals).

During a hives outbreak, take two tablets of bicarbonate soda in water, and sip every 15 minutes until symptoms ease.

To prevent a recurrence of hives, supplement with bioflavonoids and pantothenic acid, vitamin B complex, vitamin B6, and essential fatty acids.

Topical Treatment
To the affected area, apply a mix of calamine lotion with beta carotene liquid, or a vitamin A capsule squeezed together with zinc oxide. If neither of these remedies is available, applying plain unflavored yogurt to the affected area might also help ease symptoms.

Aromatherapy
Chamomile essential oil applied topically can help relieve symptoms.

Flower Essences
Rescue Remedy Cream applied topically can also help.

Herbs
Drink parsley or peppermint teas. Peppermint oil taken orally can also help.

Homeopathy
The homeopathic remedies Apis mel., Nat mur., and Urtica Urens. Are all useful for treating and preventing hives.

Hydrotherapy
Add two cups of uncooked oatmeal to your bath and soak for 20 to 30 minutes. This is an excellent remedy for relieving itchiness and inflammation caused by hives.

Topical Treatment
Fresh coriander juice applied topically can also help relieve itchiness and inflammation.

Caution

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