Hives Causes, Symptoms

Scientifically called urticaria, hives are a kind of skin rash which are dark red in color. They cause the appearance of wheals on the skin, which are skin elevations with a red base. Based on the causes of hives, the condition is classified as one of the following two kinds:

• Acute Hives – Acute hives are an allergic reaction which is triggered as an auto-immune response. This variant of hives lasts less than six weeks. 
• Chronic Hives – Chronic hives is caused by non-allergic causes like viral infections, changes in temperature and pressure, or overexposure to sunlight. However, there are other causes of the affliction as well which are yet unknown.

The symptoms of hives include the appearance of red colored raised areas of skin, accompanied by itching and discomfort, angioedema (which refers to water retention), and swelling in the tongue, lips and face. There are various methods of hives treatment, including home remedies. Some of the remedies for hives are as follows:

• You can use milk of magnesia to dab the rashes caused by hives. Milk of magnesia is alkaline in nature and as such, relieves itching and irritation.
• You can soak yourself in warm water mixed with baking soda and cornstarch in order to relieve itching in the rashes.
• You can apply aloe vera gel on the rashes for its cooling effect.
• You can prepare a paste of oatmeal and cornstarch in water and apply it on the rashes. This is an effective treatment for hives.
• You can cure hives by the application of pineapple pulp on the rash for its anti-inflammatory action. It is particularly effective in relieving acute hives.
• You can apply a paste of turmeric in water on the rashes to relieve itching. It also serves to combat the infectious organisms causing hives. As such, this remedy is also an effective method of hives prevention.
• You can consume nettle tea and peppermint tree to relieve any irritation and itching caused by hives. These teas help in calming your nerves and thereby help relieve the symptoms of hives.
• You can also apply calamine lotion on hives rashes.
• You can also consume cayenne pepper to treat hives.
• You can also deploy aromatherapy under the supervision of an expert to cure hives.
• Do visit your doctor if the rashes do not heal within six weeks. It is important to diagnose the cause of hives before the treatment can be prescribed.