How to Treat Hives: Natural Products for Hives and Urticaria

What are Hives?

Hives (also called urticaria by medical staff) belong to skin rash of red color with itchy skin and bumps on it. The scale of hives can be different as well as shape. The diameter can be several millimeters only or can reach some inches.

As for the shape, some are round, some of them make rings or look like big patches. One can observe wheals, lesions of red color at the boundaries, which is one more way the hives are disclosed. They can appear in any part of the body from trunk to legs and arms.

5 % of all people suffer from this disease sooner or later. Women suffer from it more often than men. There can be chronic hives when the patient suffers from the problem for half a year or even longer than that. 80% of cases belong to idiopathic type of hives. It is impossible to find the reason for hives when it is idiopatic.

Characteristics of Hives

Among the characteristics of hives is the predisposition to change the size quickly. That means that hives can fade away immediately and appear somewhere else. It can happen within several hours. Hives can stay for a period of 2-24 hours.

The look of rash can be disturbing, but it can disappear rapidly (in 3-4 hours, for example) and return back at bigger scale a day later. Rare diseases are able to develop and resolve fast. For this reason visit the doctor even if you have nothing to show and no signs are seen. The diagnosis can be set on the symptoms of hives you had. As these manifestations are fluctuating, then care about the pictures made during the severe outbreak.

Symptoms of Hives

A hive, called a wheal too, can be described as a rounded red lesion of spongy type, which develops and disappears within short ranges of time (minutes and hours). Hives can be tiny, just several millimeters. But in some cases hives are enormous and even extremities can be covered with them. There are many symptoms of hives.

Common symptoms of hives are:

• When hives occur for the first time, trunk, legs and upper arms are the most frequent areas for the manifestation.
• Hives come in batches. Every piece is not durable and can stay from several minutes to several hours. With disappearance of wheals, newer ones reappear. The disease can be a trouble for some days.
• Being of patchy kind, they can appear simultaneously and spread widely on the body.
• The size of patches can be absolutely different and the shape is irregular as well. Red color covers the patch, but there are clearings in the centre. The patch has red boundaries.
• Strong itching is the characteristic of the hives.
• Blanching is a common thing when you press the area, it is not red, but pale instead.
• Dermographism characteristic means that scratching of the skin causes reddening.

Hives or angioedema can appear as a manifestation of allergic reaction. This can be the first sign of it and then develops further causing more serious conditions. They can cause anaphylactic reactions, which are rather dangerous and can threaten your life.

Causes of Hives

It is usually considered that food is the main reason why hives develop, but anything can cause hives, actually.

The most widespread causes of hives may include:

• Hives can be caused by food of the following kind: eggs, peanuts, shellfish, milk, soy and wheat
• Certain medicines, frequently antibiotics in addition to sulfa drugs
• Substances added to medicines and food, food dye tarzarine, for instance (Yellow No.5)
• Viral infections
• Bites of insects, stings
• Latex
• Physical exercise
• Tension
• Heat, coldness, water of any temperature
• Dermographism can cause hives. Physical urticaria caused by scratching.

If you wish to find out the causes of hives, it is recommended to fill in the diary with all the details of your menu and medicine intake. If it does not help, then make the allergy testing.

What are Urticaria Complications?

As we previously learned, urticaria (another name for hives) occurs when your body senses the presence of an irritant. After a few minutes or hours of exposure, you may experience a rash and itchy skin.

Although this rash may go away, in certain cases you may experience urticaria complications. In some cases of urticaria, an anaphylactic reaction occurs after a contact with an irritant. Anaphylactic reaction is revealed through the following symptoms:

• Swollen face, throat or tongue
• Hard breathing with whistling sound
• It is hard to swallow
• The heart beats irregularly
• Giddiness
• Faintness
• Stridor in the throat

Urticaria is a condition characterized by symptoms such as itching, scaling, burning, or stinging. The immediate allergic reaction is a dermatitis. When symptoms persist, urticaria may also develop into systemic symptoms such as headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue.

How to Treat Hives?

Some patients suffering from chronic hives have no actual cause for it. It must be accepted by the patients and maximum efforts should be directed to manage the situation. The main thing to do is to start the treatment course. Antihistamines are usually used as a hives treatment, they are effective with the right approach.

In case antihistamines are not efficient that means that the hives treatment doze is not sufficient or the duration of the hives treatment is not long enough.

Treatment Options for Hives and Urticaria

Hives, also known as urticaria, are itchy, raised welts that can appear suddenly due to allergic reactions, infections, stress, or unknown triggers. Treatment aims to relieve symptoms, reduce inflammation, and prevent recurrence. Several treatment approaches are available, including conventional therapies and natural alternatives.

Conventional Treatments

• Antihistamines: Antihistamines are the first line of treatment for acute and chronic hives. These medications block histamine, the chemical responsible for hives. Over-the-counter options like cetirizine, loratadine, and fexofenadine are commonly used. In more severe cases, doctors may prescribe stronger antihistamines or recommend taking multiple types throughout the day.
• Corticosteroids: Oral corticosteroids such as prednisone may be prescribed for short-term use in severe cases. These drugs reduce inflammation and suppress the immune response. Due to potential side effects, corticosteroids are not recommended for long-term management.
• Biologics and Immunosuppressants: In chronic urticaria cases unresponsive to standard treatment, injectable biologics such as omalizumab (anti-IgE therapy) can be effective. Immunosuppressants like cyclosporine may also be used under medical supervision, especially when autoimmune involvement is suspected.
• Epinephrine: For life-threatening allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis with hives, epinephrine injection is essential. It acts quickly to reduce symptoms and should be used immediately in emergencies.

Natural Treatment Options

Natural approaches are often used to complement conventional care or manage mild cases of hives. These methods focus on supporting the immune system, soothing the skin, and avoiding known triggers.

• Herbal Supplements: Herbs such as quercetin, licorice root, and turmeric are known for their anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties. These supplements can be taken orally to help reduce allergic responses.
• Topical Applications: Oatmeal baths, aloe vera gel, and chamomile compresses provide direct relief from itching and irritation. These natural remedies are gentle on the skin and often help reduce swelling.
• Dietary Adjustments: Eliminating potential allergens from the diet - such as shellfish, nuts, or dairy - can prevent outbreaks. A food diary may help identify triggers and guide dietary choices.
• Stress Management: Since emotional stress can worsen hives, techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and regular exercise may reduce flare-ups. Managing stress helps regulate immune and hormonal functions.

Natural products are often well-tolerated and provide ongoing support for people dealing with recurrent hives.

Natural Products for Hives and Urticaria Relief

Natural products offer an alternative or complementary option for those seeking gentle and supportive care for hives and urticaria. These products are commonly available in the form of supplements, creams, gels, and teas. They focus on easing symptoms such as itching, swelling, and redness while supporting immune health and skin recovery.

Herbal Supplements

Herbal supplements are widely used to address allergic skin reactions. Products containing natural compounds may help balance immune response and reduce inflammation. Many supplements are formulated to be taken daily and support long-term skin health and allergy control.

Topical Gels and Creams

Natural topical products provide direct skin relief. These may include soothing gels or creams with plant-based ingredients designed to calm irritation and promote skin repair. They are often used on affected areas several times a day for quick comfort without harsh chemicals.

Bath Additives

Oatmeal-based soaks, herbal bath blends, and natural oils can be added to bathwater to soothe widespread hives. These products help reduce itchiness and redness while moisturizing the skin. Regular use can help prevent scratching and reduce flare-up severity.

Teas and Tinctures

Some natural products are consumed as teas or liquid extracts. These often contain calming herbs that help reduce histamine levels, support liver function, or manage stress. Drinking herbal teas may provide both hydration and symptom relief.

Allergy Support Blends

Natural allergy support blends often combine multiple plant extracts to address hives from different angles. These blends may include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-balancing herbs, formulated to improve skin resilience and reduce hypersensitivity.

How Natural Products Help Treat Hives and Urticaria

Natural products support the body's ability to manage hives and urticaria by calming inflammation, reducing allergic reactions, and helping the skin heal. Unlike medications that often block symptoms quickly, natural options work by supporting the body's internal balance and encouraging long-term stability.

Anti-Inflammatory Action

Many natural products contain plant compounds that help lower inflammation in the body. Hives are often a result of an overactive immune response, leading to the release of histamine and other inflammatory chemicals. Natural anti-inflammatory agents help calm this response, reducing redness, swelling, and itching.

Immune System Support

Natural remedies often include ingredients that regulate immune function. When the immune system overreacts to a trigger, it can cause skin reactions like hives. By promoting a more balanced immune response, natural products can help prevent excessive histamine release and future flare-ups.

Skin Soothing Effects

Topical natural products act directly on the affected skin to relieve itching and discomfort. They can cool the skin, reduce irritation, and support the repair of damaged tissue. This helps break the itch-scratch cycle and lowers the risk of skin infections.

Stress Reduction

Some natural products target stress and nervous system tension, which can contribute to chronic hives. Ingredients with calming effects help reduce cortisol levels and promote relaxation. This is important for people whose hives are triggered or worsened by emotional stress.

Detoxification Support

Natural formulas may also support liver and kidney function. These organs help eliminate toxins and allergens from the body. Better detoxification may reduce the frequency and severity of allergic reactions, including hives.

By working through these multiple pathways, natural products offer a gentle yet effective approach to managing hives and supporting overall skin health.

Common Ingredients in Natural Products for Hives and Urticaria

Natural products for hives and urticaria often include plant-based ingredients known for their soothing, anti-inflammatory, and antihistamine effects. These ingredients are selected for their ability to reduce allergic reactions, calm the skin, and support immune balance.

• Quercetin is a natural plant flavonoid found in many fruits and vegetables. It is known for its antihistamine properties, helping to stabilize mast cells and reduce histamine release. This makes it useful for managing allergic skin reactions like hives.
• Aloe vera is commonly used in gels and creams for its cooling and skin-soothing effects. It helps relieve itching, reduce redness, and promote the healing of irritated skin. It is often applied directly to affected areas.
• Chamomile is widely used for its calming and anti-inflammatory benefits. It is found in teas, creams, and bath additives. Chamomile can help ease skin discomfort and reduce stress-related flare-ups.
• Licorice root contains compounds that reduce inflammation and support skin healing. It is used in both oral supplements and topical products to relieve redness and swelling caused by hives.
• Turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. It may help reduce the immune system's overreaction and improve skin condition when used regularly. Turmeric is found in capsules, powders, and teas.
• Colloidal oatmeal is a common ingredient in natural bath products and creams. It helps reduce itching, moisturizes the skin, and forms a protective barrier. It is especially effective for widespread or chronic hives.

How to Prevent Hives?

There are certain steps you can take in order to prevent hives or reduce the severity of hives symptoms. For example, to help reduce the irritation that can be caused by external factors, make sure to wear comfortable clothes and shoes and perform all other normal hygiene tasks.

To prevent hives, consider alternative therapies such as by using creams, botanicals, and vitamins that deal with the causes of hives. It's recommended that they be given the lowest available dose for the shortest time possible.

Lifestyle changes to prevent hives also include:

• Washing your hands with soap and warm water,
• Avoiding foods containing spices and other possible allergens,
• Wearing a medical mask over your mouth and nose to protect against irritants,
• Using a cloth to wipe your hands, face, and nose.

You may also try writing a hives diary. Note all the things that could cause hives. Pay attention to hives that happen on similar occasions or after exposure to similar things.