Hives is a condition that arises when the body reacts unfavorably to certain chemicals. Hives are basically allergic reactions, mostly to food and can be both acute and chronic. While an acute case of hives generally takes about two to three hours to clear up, a chronic condition may last for weeks or sometimes even months. Hives can be caused by foodstuffs that you are allergic to or even certain antibiotics. Viruses are also common causes of hives and fever
Hives is characterized by tiny red bumps that being to appear on the skin. These might go away on their own, but if your immune system is low, these may persist for a longer period of time and the condition may also become severe. Allergy shots, medications and prescriptions from the physician are your best bet if hives become severe. The drugs usually contain antihistamines that control hives effectively.
The drugs however, can cause harm if taken for a long period of time. It is better therefore to use natural remedies so cure the itch and sometimes the inflammation that can be caused by hives. Doctors generally recommend that the exact cause of hives should be found out before drugs can be prescribed.
For people with hives, it is recommended that hot showers be completely avoided. Hot showers tend to aggravate the condition and therefore it is advised that you avoid them. Cold water reduces inflammation and causes soothing of the itching skin so it is better to take cold showers.
When hives are accompanies by fever, over the counter drugs may not prove to be very effective. A visit to your dermatologist would prove fruitful. With the drugs that your physician or dermatologist will prescribe, it’s a good idea to take certain precautions and home remedies to help relieve the inflammation and irritation and to prevent further aggravation of the condition.
Since hives are caused by chemical reactions, try to make sure that you double rinse all your clothes so that there are not even mild traces of detergents left in your clothes. If the detergent residue is present in the clothes, it might aid in aggravating the skin irritation.
Add a lot of green leafy vegetables to your diet. Also eat onions and apples as all of these are rich in a plant pigment called Quercetin that can help eliminate hives completely. Taking about 500 milligrams of this natural pigment daily will help remove the malady.
If your hives are fiery and itch too much, apply sandalwood oil. The oil has many soothing effects and cools the affected areas acting as a skin sedative. If you cannot get your hands on sandalwood oil, you can also use mint oil that can soothe irritationl.
answered by G M