I never had hives until last week, but once was enough. I caught myself absentmindedly scratching at what I thought was a mosquito bite, then a couple more. When my whole arm began to itch, I started to think this was weird. When I got a good look, I was sure of it.
Upon taking a more complete inventory I realized that a few mosquito bites would have been preferable to the rapidly spreading red blotches on all my limbs. And the overall itching sensation was spectacular.
I did a search of some medical websites and saw my arms and legs pictured there. Fortunately I found some useful advice. Unfortunately I didn't have any of the suggested remedies in the house.
WebMD.com told me that hives are also known as urticaria, caused by an allergic reaction to some substance, although often people with hives never find out why they happened. I fell into that particular camp.
Hives can show up anywhere. They can be red bumps, or larger plaques or wheals that form when smaller ones join.
Hives are a response to histamine, a chemical that specialized cells release along blood vessels of the skin. Plasma leaks out of small blood vessels in the skin.
Possible causes for the release of histamine are allergic reactions, bug bites, chemicals found in some foods, latex, pet dander and exposure to sunlight.
WebMD.com suggested use of cool compresses and wear clothes that are loose-fitting. If you have a choice between being in a warm environment or a cool one, head for the cool. The website also suggests prescription antihistamines if your hives are chronic or particularly bad. For really severe cases, oral corticosteroids may be recommended.
Mayoclinic.com suggests using an over-the-counter antihistamine to decrease the itching. A cool bath with baking soda, oatmeal (definitely uncooked) or colloidal oatmeal is also recommended. I have a friend who has an allergic reaction to oatmeal, so this particular bath might not be everyone.
That first night was difficult, having to tough it out without being able to use any remedies. But the next day after picking up some calamine and baking soda, things got better.
Antihistamines were not for me, as I don't react well to them. But a couple of the natural remedies did the trick.
I coated my blotches, which had by then spread over my torso and up my neck, with calamine lotion. The stuff didn't stay bright pink which was nice. It just gave me a whitish dried-pasty veneer. This helped to reduce the itching to a dull roar but I don't think it made any of them disappear or shrink.
A cool bath with a cup of baking soda in it the next morning was amazing. The key is to make sure the water is cool, as warm water can make things worse. That 20-minute soak brought such relief.
It also left me feeling like I had a light dusting as from baby powder, and a slightly white glaze but I wasn't about to quibble with success. I wore this coating with pride and great satisfaction. All the itching stopped, and most of the welts were gone from morning until evening when a few popped up. When this happened I got out the calamine again.
Baking soda bath in the morning, calamine lotion in the evening, for two days and I was almost back to normal. A little calamine that next day and I was free of welts.
Hives are often just a miserable inconvenience. But they can require a doctor's attention in some circumstances, for instance if you are dizzy or have tightness in your chest. If you are wheezing, or having trouble breathing, or if your face, lips or tongue are swollen, see your doctor.
Sources:
Hives and Your Skin. Webmd.com. Retrieved July 21, 2013.
http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/hives-urticaria-...
Understanding Hives -- Treatment. Webmd.com. Retrieved July 21, 2013.
http://www.webmd.com/allergies/understanding-hives-treatment
Lifestyle and home remedies. Mayoclinic.com. Retrieved July 21, 2013.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hives-and-angioedema/DS00313/DSECTION=l...
Natural home remedies: Hives. Besthealthmag.ca. Retrieved July 21, 2013.
http://www.besthealthmag.ca/get-healthy/home-remedies/natural-home-remed...
Visit Jody's website at http://www.ncubator.ca
Reviewed July 22, 2013
by Michele Blacksberg RN