Hives (urticaria) are triggered by stress and allergens, such as, food, pets, and drugs. Hives appear as raised red, itchy bumps of varying sizes and can affect different parts of the body. Biochemically, urticaria is triggered by an allergen causing massive release of histamines from mast cells. Treat immediately to avoid any serious complications, such as, anaphalactic shock and respiratory distress. Symptoms of intense itching can cause skin infections from constant scratching.
Hydrocortisone Types
Hydrocortisone can help to temporarily relieve the itchiness that often accompanies the appearance of hives during an allergic attack. This medication can come as gels, liquids, sprays or as a topical cream or ointment that can be bought as a low strength of half a percent or one percent non-prescription over-the-counter drug or as a prescription medication with higher potency from a physician for very severe episodes. Use the medication as directed on the package or by the Doctor and always wash your hands thoroughly to avoid ingestion of the drug. Avoid contact with eyes and mouth.
Antihistamine Function
Hives are caused by massive release of histamine chemicals in the body from particular cells called mast cells. The release of histamines is stimulated by allergens that enters the body's system which triggers the body's immune defense system to react. Taking over-the-counter anti-histamine medication, such as Benadryl, can help alleviate the allergic symptoms and reduce itchiness from the hives. Benadryl contains the active ingredient diphenhydramine which is a known histamine blocker. The medication is available as over-the-counter oral tablets, topical creams, or sprays from most local drugstores. Benadryl creams can be applied directly to the hives to help temporarily reduce the itchiness.
Compress Relief
Compresses can help temporarily relieve the itchiness from the hives. Use cool compresses by soaking a large cotton cloth in a bowl of cool water. Add a few drops of fresh squeeze lemon juice to the water. This will act as a natural antiseptic and will help to reduce any potential of secondary skin infections from lesions caused by scratching the hives. Apply a medicated cream to the affected area then cover with the cold compress. Keep the compress in contact with the skin for five to 10 minutes or until the itchy redness or heat from the affected area has subsides.
Effects of Herbs
Some herbal lotions and creams from plant sources can help to relive the itch associated with hives. Aloe vera is commonly used as a topical lotion to treat itching. The lotion is derived from the aloe vera plant. The juice and pulp from the stem and leaves of the plant can be extracted from the plant, along with the aloin resin, and used temporarily to relive the itch. Calamine lotion can also be used to reduce the itchiness. Other herbs with natural anti-inflammatory and antiseptic are ginkgo balboa, calendual, and licorice roots. These herbs can be bought from local herbal stores as ready made prepared packs of pastes or plasters. Applying directly to the affected area can help to relieve the itchiness.
Oatmeal Significance
Colloidal oatmeal is from the plant Avena sativa, and contains natural oils, betaglucans and starch, which can help to change the pH of the skin to reduce the itch and inflammation. Soaking the affected area in colloidal oatmeal or corn starch can give temporary relief from the itchiness. If a large area of the body is affected, then soak in a cool bath tube of water and add several tablespoons of colloidal oatmeal.
Thank you for your expert comments.
I have nade the modifications per your suggestion.
Please let me know if I need to make further changes.
Thanks
Dr Susan Jewell MD
