Fact Checked
Hives is a skin rash that comes quickly and the skin becomes red and blemished along with small raised welts that look like a bite of a mosquito that pops up all over. Sometimes, hives heal over time but on other times, it can remain in the body for years or even decades.
Hives are usually caused by an allergy but it can also develop without an allergy. It is not a disease but caused by an altered immune system. The rash can be caused by the following:
- Hives can be caused by allergens and will depend on the hypersensitivity of the individual. Some people eat foods that might cause external irritation include fish, nuts and beans, eggs, crabs, artificial food additives and artificially flavored foods.
- Exposure to pollen, dust, animal dander, an abrupt change in the temperature and excessive pressure of clothing on the stomach.
- Sometimes, exercise can cause the skin condition because the temperature of the body suddenly changes and this affects the nerve endings of the skin.
- Contact of skin with synthetic substances such as perfumes and deodorants as well as applying powder on the stomach that contains synthetic substances which can cause irritation on the stomach.
- Long-lasting stress and anxiety can cause the skin condition on the stomach and other parts of the body.
Treatment and home remedies of hives
- Treat hives with antihistamines and steroids in order to lessen the symptoms.
- Avoid using deodorants and soaps that might have irritating chemicals
- Avoid stressful scenarios since it will trigger the rash. The individual should engage in meditation and yoga in order to minimize stress.
- If hives is due to the cold, apply a wet compress on the stomach to lessen the itching and the burning sensation.
- Create a paste using baking soda. All you have to do is mix 2 teaspoon of baking soda to a cup of water to create a paste and apply it over the affected area in the stomach. This will help relax the itchiness and burning sensation.
- Minimize itchiness by soaking in an oatmeal bath. Using a blender, blend a cup of oatmeal, instant oatmeal, quick oats or slow cooking oats until smooth. In a tub of water, sprinkle the oatmeal until totally dissolved. Soak the body in the tub for 15-20 minutes, and then pat dry using a soft towel. Do not rub on the skin. Use this bath once or twice in a day.
- You can apply calamine lotion or witch hazel in order to reduce the burning sensation and itchiness. This lotion works as an astringent and shrinks the blood vessels, thus only a small amount of histamine seeps into the tissue space.
FACT CHECK
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/itchy-skin/hives
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-hives/symptoms-causes/syc-20352719
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/hives-urticaria-angioedema#1