How to Moisturize Hives on the Face

How to Moisturize Hives on the Face
Photo Credit produit de beauté image by laurent hamels from Fotolia.com

Hives are commonly an allergic reaction to food and medicine. Your skin will exhibit a rash with red and itchy bumps as your body releases chemicals that also produce swelling. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, stress and infections can also be a cause for a hives outbreak in your skin. If you get hives, there is no need to worry as hives tend to go away on their own, but you will probably want to moisturize your skin, especially your face, to ease the itchiness of the rash prevent further irritation from scratching. Consult your dermatologist if have sensitive skin before using a moisturizer on your face.

Step 1

Wash your face with cold water. The inflammation caused by the hives can be reduced greatly by cooling down your skin. Warm or hot water will tend to irritate hives even more and can potentially cause more itchiness, as it will aggravate your skin's inflammation. Use an antibacterial cleanser to eliminate any debris and bacteria that can potentially cause and infection in your skin if you have been scratching the red bumps.

Step 2

Pat dry your face with a soft cotton towel and avoid rubbing your skin, which can make you itch more.

Step 3

Apply a thin layer of antihistamine lotion such Benadryl or Chlor-Trimeton. Another lotion you may consider is calamine since it is commonly used to soothe rashes and itchy skin. According to the Mayo Clinic, calamine lotion works as a local anesthetic, which will not only moisturize your face but will reduce pain caused by the inflammation of your hives.

Step 4

Stay out of the sun while you are experiencing hives. The sun will not only worsen your inflammation but will also tend to dehydrate your skin and make it dry and more prone to itchiness.

Step 5

Reapply your antihistamine or calamine lotion every time your skin begins to feel dry. Always wash your face to avoid infection.

Tips and Warnings

  • As with any medical condition, you want to make sure you are receiving proper care if it feels unbearable or recurring. You may be experiencing allergies to a medication that can be replaced or eliminated from your treatment and it is a good idea to check what specifically is causing your allergies.
  • Terminate the application of your lotion if you experience an increase in your hives or if they cause your skin to turn red or hurt and consult your dermatologist.

References

Article reviewed by I.P. Last updated on: Jun 14, 2011

Must see: Photo Galleries

Member Comments