Until…
Fast forward one hour and you start to notice a familiar itching sensation. You glance down at your arm and notice something else. Red bumps -- lots of them.
Uh oh! It’s the one question you’ve forgotten to ask.
“Do you have a cat?” you ask, trying to seem calm. You hope that the answer will be no.
“We do,” your new friend responds. “He’s probably upstairs. Would you like to meet him?”
Double whammy. Dread fills your very being.
You’re allergic to cats, and the end result is always the same. A massive case of hives.
What will you do?
There’s nothing fun about getting hives. From the itching to the swelling, hives can be downright miserable.
The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology says that about 20 percent of people will develop hives at some time or other. In other words, they’re quite common.
In fact, you might have had hives but had no clue just what they were.
Hives, also known as urticaria, can appear right after exposure to a trigger -- or many hours later. They are also called welts, wheals and nettle rash.
Hives look like a bumpy skin rash. They can be red or flesh toned. In addition, they itch and may turn white if you press on them, what's known as blanching. Hives may only persist for minutes or they may be present for many years.
This common condition is caused by an allergic reaction. When this happens, the body releases a protein called histamine. This causes the capillaries to leak fluid. And that, when it settles in the skin, causes what we see in the form of hives.
Following are six ways to treat hives naturally.
1. Avoid Triggers
The number-one natural remedy for hives is obvious. Know what you’re allergic to and avoid it at all costs. That way you might not get them at all.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), many things can cause hives. One of the most common triggers is food. That can be milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts or shellfish. Citrus fruits also are a common culprit.
Further, hives can be caused by a number of other factors. These include medicines, bites and stings from insects, animals, pollen, coming into contact with allergens, physical activity, stress, chemicals, scratching the skin, and even allergy shots.
And that’s not all. The sun also can cause hives. This is called solar urticaria or sun hives. It can appear within minutes of time spent in the sun. Though clothing and sunscreen can help, they will not always prevent sun hives. More than half of those with sun hives will develop angioedema, or swelling beneath the skin.
So to avoid any of these causes of hives, it’s important to know your allergy triggers. Keep a journal of things that cause reactions so that you will remember to avoid them in the future. And if you find something to which you might be allergic, consult your doctor. Doctors often can prescribe tests that will confirm suspicions.
2. Take Antihistamines
Antihistamines are common medications that can be purchased over the counter. Antihistamines block histamines, which cause hives.
Just make sure you don’t take an antihistamine that will make you sleepy. To avoid this, the Mayo Clinic suggests starting with what’s known as a “second-generation antihistamine.” That’s because these medications come with fewer side effects like drowsiness. Examples of second-generation antihistamines include Loratadine (Claritin, Alavert), Fexofenadine (Allegra), Cetirizine (Zyrtec), Levocetirizine (Xyzal) and Desloratadine (Clarinex).
If these don’t work, you can switch to a classic antihistamine. However, try to take these meds at bedtime as they can interfere with work performance or driving. The Mayo Clinic says that these medications include: Hydroxyzine (Vistaril), Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), and Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton).
3. Calamine Lotion
Calamine lotion does a good job of relieving itching associated with hives. This nonprescription remedy can be found in the form of ointments, lotions and creams. Witch hazel is another option. Both can relieve that all-over-uncomfortable feeling.
4. Cool the Skin
Cooling the skin is key to dealing with hives. That’s because cooling shrinks blood vessels, which, in turn, blocks histamines.
Try indulging in a cool bath with a bit of baking soda added to the top of the water. Uncooked or colloidal oatmeal, available at most grocery stores, is made to soothe irritated skin.
Try applying a cool compress to the area. This can reduce swelling and help to restore comfort.
5. Vitamin C
According to Prevention, studies show that Vitamin C can stop histamine release. In addition, it helps to speed the process of histamine breakdown in general.
That said, the opposite is also true. A lack of Vitamin C can raise histamine levels. In supplementing, a daily amount of 200 to 400 mg of Vitamin C is suggested for improvement.
Further, Prevention says that bioflavonoids may help in reducing the amount of histamine that the body releases. Also called flavonoids, foods that contain these chemical compounds include citrus fruits, cherries, dark grapes, broccoli, red and green peppers, and herbal teas.
6. Lower Stress
We often think of high blood pressure when it comes to stress. But what about hives?
Experts say that stress actually can be a cause of hives. That’s because stress can have an effect on the immune system. However, creating a sense of calm may reverse the process.
One small study found positive effects when relaxation therapy and hypnosis were used in people with chronic hives. In this particular study, participants listened to an audio tape at home. When consulted between five and 14 months later, six of the participants had no hives. And seven people said they had experienced improvement of the condition.
Two great ways to decrease stress are yoga and meditation. Further, walking in nature can help to create a sense of calm. Just make sure not to walk in an area that contains allergens that could trigger hives.