Home Remedies To Treat Urticaria

The skin has different ways of reacting to external agents  when it considers that it is being attacked or in danger. Urticaria is one of them. It can only appear in one location or it can spread to several areas. In addition to itching, another of its main symptoms is redness. In this article we offer some home remedies to treat hives.

What is it and why urticaria arises

This skin reaction to certain stimuli called urticaria  can be caused by allergic reactions to some substances,  as well as by contact with toxic or irritating agents.

Many people suffer from hives when they touch an ivy or sumac leaf, for example.

There are other triggers that can produce urticaria, such as:

• Insect bites;
• Swim in cold water;
• Midday sun exposure;
• Take a steam bath;
• The change of weather (being in a warm place and moving to a cold one or vice versa).

Some have this reaction when consuming certain types of food (especially fish, shellfish and oilseeds).

In another group we can include patients with urticaria caused by the ingestion of medications (such as penicillin).

In fact,  some individuals have skin reactions due to stress,  depression or anxiety.

The symptoms that we should take into account to determine if it is urticaria are:

• Granules or small nodules on the skin;
• Swelling;
• Tingling or heat;
• Itching or burning;
• Redness.

Home Remedies to Treat Hives

The symptoms of urticaria usually go away on their own within a few hours or days. However, in the meantime, we must bear the nuisance.

The good news is that there are homemade recipes to treat hives and especially to reduce itching.

Onion

Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, onion is excellent for treating urticaria.

It may sting a little at first, but soon more than grateful relief will come.

• Simply  cut the onion into slices and apply to the affected area.
• Cover with a towel and leave for at least half an hour. If the area is too wide, we recommend rubbing half an onion and not rinsing.

cold compresses

• When the skin is red and itchy a lot, an excellent way to reduce symptoms is to apply cold water or ice cubes.
• In this way,  the blood vessels will narrow and block the release of histamine  (which causes irritation and burning).
• Remember not to place the cubes directly on the skin as this will burn it.
• If desired, you can take a cold shower (when the hives are widespread).

Sodium bicarbonate

In this case, you will use warm water because it is easier to dissolve the bicarbonate.

• Fill a bowl and add a few tablespoons of baking soda.
• Soak the affected area (or the entire body if you wish) and stay that way for 20 minutes.
• Dry very carefully, gently tapping to avoid further irritation.

Apple vinegar

Due to its antihistaminic properties, this condiment commonly used in salads quickly reduces inflammation and itching. In addition, it  helps to restore the skin’s health.

• If the hives have not spread far, you can soak in a towel or cotton and apply as a compress.
• If irritation is greater, it is best to submerge the area in a basin of cold water and vinegar for at least 20 minutes.

Chamomile

In this case, we will  enjoy the benefits of this infusion internally. If you don’t have chamomile, you can use valerian or linden (other sedative herbs).

It’s a spectacular recipe if the reaction is caused by nervousness, stress, anxiety, etc.

Ingredients

• 2 spoons of chamomile flowers (20 g)
• 1 cup of water (250 ml)
• 1 spoon of honey (25 g)

Method of preparation

• Put the chamomile and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil.

• Let it cook for 5 minutes and turn off the heat.
• Cover to cool another 5 minutes.
• Strain and sweeten with honey. Drink before it gets cold.
• Repeat up to three times a day.

Oatmeal flour

It has anti-inflammatory properties and reduces urticaria symptoms almost instantly. Relieves itching and helps in healing the skin.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of baking soda (200 g)
• 2 cups of oatmeal (250 g)

Method of preparation

• Mix the baking soda with the flour.
• Fill the bowl with warm water and add the ingredients.
• Stir so they dissolve.
• Soak the body area in the basin and stay there for at least 15 minutes.

Another option is to apply oatmeal to the area affected by the hives (if you don’t have this ingredient, you can use cornstarch or talc).

aloe vera

Of course, this wonderful home remedy to treat urticaria could not be missing.

Aloe vera reduces symptoms, promotes healing, prevents intense itching (which hurts and can become infected) and relieves redness.

• Simply cut an aloe leaf horizontally and extract the gel from the inside, which will be applied to the affected area.
• Let it dry alone.