If you're looking for other treatments for your hives, several natural solutions can help.
Home Remedies
Some things you probably have lying around your house can help with the symptoms that make your hives unpleasant.
Oatmeal baths: A cup of uncooked oatmeal in a bath can soothe itching and ease pain. Make sure it's a cool bath. If it's too hot, the water can make that itching and swelling hang around.
Aloe vera lotion: It's a source of vitamin E, which your skin needs to be healthy. It can also reduce the itching your hives can bring.
Supplements: Some research says some of these can help your symptoms. For example:
- Vitamins B-12, C, and D
- Fish oil
- Quercetin
But most experts say these options need more study. Talk with your doctor before taking any supplement.
Lifestyle Tweaks
If you know what causes an outbreak and can avoid it, that will make a big difference. In some cases, the trigger may be obvious, like a food or an animal.
You may want to keep a food diary to better track how the foods you eat affect an outbreak of hives.
Keeping a log of when you get hives can also help you figure out the cause. Perfumes, extreme heat or cold, or different chemicals could be the reason. Avoiding them may keep you from needing medication.
Cool, wet compresses and loose, smooth-textured clothing can also help. Avoid wool and mohair as these fabrics can be irritating to the skin.
Other Options
Some people try phototherapy. That's when a doctor gives you several treatments of ultraviolet light to make the welts smaller. Doctors don’t know for sure if it helps. Talk with your doctor about it.
If stress causes your hives, try relaxation techniques, including hypnosis. Be aware that they've been proven to ease the itching but not the welts.
Some evidence also suggests that acupuncture can help relieve symptoms.
Before you start any treatment, talk to your doctor to find out if it's right for you.
