Most cases of hives, also called urticaria, are not serious and usually disappear with time. Symptoms include itchy, red bumps and welts on the skin. Angioedema is an associated condition that occurs when swelling goes deeper into the skin; this often appears around the eyes and mouth. Hives can be deadly, reports the Mayo Clinic, if the swelling takes place in the throat or on the tongue, causing airway passages to become blocked.
Medication
The most common remedy for hives on the skin is antihistamines that block histamine, the chemical that produces the welts and bumps. Over-the-counter antihistamines include those that contain diphenhydramine, such as Benadryl, and those containing loratadine, like Clariton and Alavert. Prescription antihistamines can help fight more stubborn cases of hives, and doctors frequently administer oral corticosteroids to reduce the swelling produced by hives and angiodema. If breathing becomes labored, patients should be taken to an emergency room where they can receive a shot of adrenalin to counteract the effects of the hives. Patients who regularly experience hives can carry a shot of adrenaline for use in emergencies.
Avoidance
Hives usually are caused by an allergic reaction. Identifying those substances that cause the outbreak can help to alleviate future symptoms. Some of the most common causes of hives include certain foods, pollen and pet dander, which usually produce other telltale symptoms in addition to the red bumps, such as runny nose and sneezing. Latex, bee stings and medication also can cause angiodema and hives.
Cool Water
While patients wait for the hives to run their course, cool compresses can help to relieve the itching and reduce swelling. Clean, cool washcloths placed over the affected area soothe the itching. Bandages can be employed to keep a cool compress in place. Soaking in a cool bath works for many hives sufferers. To aid in the healing process, sprinkle the bath water with colloidal oatmeal or baking soda.
Vitamins
The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that various vitamins can help prevent and treat hives. For example, 2 to 4 g of vitamin C per day reduces histamines levels, and chronic hives can be relieved with weekly injections of 1,000 mcg (micrograms) of vitamin B12. A plant-based flavonoid called quercetin can reduce an allergic breakout. Patients should take between 200 and 400 mg before meals three times a day, or as directed by a physician.
