Updated: 6/20/2019

You may find yourself wondering, what do hives look like? If your skin has itchy patches that later turn into swollen red bumps, it may mean that you are experiencing hives. Before seeking for effective and natural treatments for hives, you should understand basic information about this common disease. Hives also called urticaria is a type of skin rash with raised, red, itchy bumps, which is one of the common diseases of people [1] and can affect anybody at any age. It is estimated that approximately 20 percent of people over the world experience this problem at some point in their life. Most people often go to the doctor to listen to his or her advice. They also use antihistamines such as ranitidine and diphenhydramine to treat it. In severe cases, leukotriene inhibitors or corticosteroids may be used. However, there are also various home remedies that can help remove hives effectively. In this article, we will list out top natural home remedies for hives on face and body. Scroll down!

What Are The Signs & Symptoms?

When you see that there are some red bumps, which appear on your skin and make you itchy, you will be able to get hives. Some studies show that stress, infection, and allergies are the main reasons for hives [2]. There are also some common triggers of hives such as chemicals, food, cold temperature, vibration, insect bites, stings, animal dander, and so on. A less common cause of hives is exposure to certain bacteria namely possibly Helicobacter pylori or Streptococcus species. Hives are sometimes mistaken for bug bites. Although they have some resemblances, there are still differences in several ways. Itchy patches, red or skin-colored bumps that are symptoms of hives and change in shape, develop, move around, disappear and then reoccur over the short period of time. They can disappear quickly but reappear suddenly. The symptoms may exist and appear at any parts of your body from several minutes to a couple of months. Chronic hives last more than six weeks and its patients always feel typically itchy in their affected areas. Normal hives only last for 24 hours and do not result in any cars after that.

Hives should not be mistaken for bug bites and angioedema. Angioedema is indicated by the swelling tissues beneath the surface of your skin. Angioedema is also caused by certain medications, a hereditary deficiency, and allergy reaction. However, angioedema is accompanied by other symptoms such as swelling in the mouth and eyes, swelling of the feet, hands, and throat, stomach cramps, and difficulty in breathing. If you suffer from hives, it is important to know that alcoholic beverage, scratching, emotional stress, and exercise may worsen the skin condition. Thus, to get exact diagnose, you should see a doctor.

Top 16 Natural Home Remedies For Hives On Face And Body

Hives can be treated with a variety of treatments, including creams, medications, and home remedies. However, it is recommended using natural home remedies for hives because medications and creams may have some unwanted side effects. However, if symptoms of hives last more than one month and recur several times without any improvements, you should see a doctor or an allergist.

1. Green Tea

People often use antihistamines that are available in the prescribed or over-the-counter form as an effective treatment for hives and any allergies. Green tea is considered as a natural antihistamine. Green tea has a great source of polyphenols and flavonoids. Polyphenols have antioxidant properties. These compounds of green tea are effective in preventing tissue injuries and boosting the immune system. Besides, the polyphenols present in it reduce inflammation caused due to hives. It also contains antioxidant and antihistamine effects, which may deal with the condition from its roots [3]. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory properties of green tea make it a desirable remedy for hives.

If you are experiencing hives, you just need to drink three cups of green tea daily. You can add a little honey to the tea to make it sweeter.

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2. Oatmeal

Oatmeal has many health benefits because it is rich in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Therefore, people often eat oatmeal in the early morning as a healthy breakfast. Moreover, the topical application of oatmeal can give skin glowing and smooth. Oatmeal is suitable for sensitive skin that is more prone to itchiness, redness, and irritation. Hives can result in redness and itchiness and swelling patches on the surface of your skin. It also contains starches and beta-glucans which exert skin-protective properties. Along with that, it contains phenols that exhibit -inflammatory and antioxidative effects on the skin [4], [5].

Method 1: Oatmeal Bath

• Add a cup of uncooked raw oatmeal to a bath filled with a bucket of warm water.
• Bath and relax in this water for 15 to 30 minutes.
• Repeat this treatment daily until the symptoms of hives disappear completely. Regular oatmeal bathing can give you glowing and smooth skin.

Method 2: Oatmeal And Baking Soda

• Take two cups of ground oatmeal and a cup of baking soda and mix them together.
• Pour the mixture into the warm bath and stir it well.
• Soak your body in the bath for 15 minutes.
• Enjoy your bath twice a day and do this every day.
• Keep doing until your condition improves.

Method 3: Oatmeal And Cornstarch

• Take two cups of oatmeal, two tablespoons of cornstarch, and water.
• Mix everything well to make a fine paste.
• Apply the paste to your affected skin.
• Leave it on for about 15 or 20 minutes.
• Rinse it off with warm water.
• Do this remedy once per day daily until your situation is better.

3. Fish Oil

Fish oil is high in omega 3 fatty acids. These fatty acids contain anti-inflammatory properties, which may help to ease inflammation caused by hives [6], [7]. You can take fish oil capsules but only after consulting your doctor. You can also consume varieties of fish that is rich in omega 3 fatty acids including tuna, trout, and salmon. Mackerel also has a great source of omega 3 fatty acids.

Alternatively, you can extract the oil by squeezing fish oil capsules. Apply it to the affected skin areas. Leave it overnight and then in the morning, rinse it off with lukewarm water. Repeat this treatment daily for best results.

4. Cold Compress

The cold temperature can help to block the further release of histamine and shrink the blood vessels. In other words, it may reduce inflammation, itching, and swelling [8]. That’s why it is considered as one of the effective home remedies for hives.

• Take some ice cubes and wrap them in a cloth.
• Put it over your affected skin for about 10 minutes.
• Do this remedy three or four times a day daily for quick results.

Note: Don’t directly place the ice on your skin.

5. Baking Soda

Baking soda is one of the best natural home remedies for hives. With the anti-inflammatory properties, baking soda can easily reduce the inflammation along with itching. You will experience less irritation and feel your skin soften within a couple of applications [9].

Method 1:

• Prepare a warm bath.
• Take a half cup of baking soda.
• Pour it to the bath and mix well.
• Soak your body in the water for about 20 or 30 minutes.
• Do this once a day every day until hives are gone away

Method 2:

• Take two tablespoons of baking soda and put into a small bowl.
• Add water to make a thick paste.
• Apply the paste to your affected skin.
• After 10 minutes, wash off with warm water.
• Repeat his remedy once a day every day.

6. Apple Cider Vinegar

In the list of the effective home remedies for hives or itching, apple cider vinegar is also helpful [10]. It contains antihistamine properties which can relieve inflammation fast and regulate the immune system response in your body. Plus, it plays an important role in restoring your skin health.

Method 1:

• Take two cups of apple cider vinegar and a warm bath.
• Pour the apple cider vinegar into the water.
• Soak your body in it for about 15 or 20 minutes.
• Do this remedy once every day until your condition improves

Method 2:

• Take an equal amount of apple cider vinegar and water.
• Dilute the vinegar with water.
• Use it to wash your affected skin.
• Apply the remedy two or three times per day.

Method 3: Apple Cider Vinegar, Lemon Juice, And Honey

• Mix one or two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar into a glass of water
• Add a little lemon juice and honey to the mixture
• Mix everything well together
• Drink the mixture three times every day until your condition improves

7. Ginger

Ginger is known as a wonderful drug. It includes strong anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties [11], [12]. Its anti-inflammatory properties may soothe the swelling caused by the hives [12]. It can also reduce itching, relieve swelling, and improve circulation to the skin.

Method 1:

• Take a fresh ginger root.
• Peel the skin of the ginger root off a small piece.
• Dab the ginger on your affected skin gently.
• Do this remedy two or three times per day daily.
• Keep doing until you see that there are no hives on your skin.

Besides, you can sometimes drink ginger tea and chew fresh ginger a few times a day daily too. It will help you heal your skin.

Method 2: Ginger With Sugar And Vinegar

• Take a quarter cup of brown sugar, a tablespoon of fresh ginger, and three and a quarter cups of vinegar.
• Boil all the ingredients for several minutes.
• Mix the mixture with a little warm water.
• Dab on your affected skin several times a day daily.
• Keep doing until it heals your skin completely.

8. Aloe Vera

For skin problems, aloe vera is said to be the best treatment. It includes antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties which may reduce inflammation, itching, and redness [13], [14].

• Apply some aloe vera gel to your affected skin.
• Leave it on for about 15 minutes.
• Wash off your skin with warm water.
• Reuse this remedy several times per day until your skin is improved
• You can also drink two tablespoons of aloe vera juice every day to boost your immune system.

Note:

Avoid using this treatment when you are pregnant or breastfeeding. This remedy is also avoided by children.

9. Turmeric

When talking about the natural and effective home remedies for hives, turmeric should be listed too. Curcumin is a vital bioactive component present in turmeric which may treat lots of health and skin conditions [15]. It is known for its anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties which may help you reduce inflammation in your body [16].

• Take a tablespoon of turmeric powder.
• Pout it into a glass of hot water or hot milk.
• Mix these ingredients well.
• Consume the liquid twice per day every day.
• Keep doing until your skin is healed.

Alternatively, you can use turmeric in cooking or take some turmeric supplements. But remember that when you take turmeric supplements, you should ask the doctor first.

Note:

If you are taking the prescription blood thinners, you should not take turmeric.

10. Nettle

Nettle has anti-inflammatory, astringent, and antihistamine properties which may help you to relieve the inflammation, swelling, and itching [17], [18], [19]. So, when using nettle as a treatment, you should follow this detailed instruction here:

• Take a tablespoon of dried nettle leaves and a cup of hot water.
• Pour the dried leaves into the hot water.
• After covering, let it steep for 10 – 15 minutes.
• Strain it and a little honey.
• Enjoy this tea.
• Do this remedy two or three times a day daily.

If you don’t have time to make this tea, you can take five nettle capsules (300 milligrams) every day. However, you should ask your doctor before taking the capsules.

11. Basil

Basil consists of antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties which may combat inflammation and itching [20].

Method 1:

• Prepare a tablespoon of dried basil leaves and boiling water.
• Put the dried basil leaves into a jar and pour hot water into it.
• Cover the jar and let it cool.
• Use a cotton cloth to dip into the liquid and apply the cloth to your affected skin
• Do this remedy many times per day as needed

Method 2:

• Crush the basil leaves by your hands.
• Apply them to your affected area.
• Leave the crushed leaves to dry.
• Use lukewarm to wash off your skin.

12. Mint

Mint is one of the most powerful home remedies for hives. It may calm the burning and itching sensations due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties [21], [22].

Method 1:

• Boil a cup of water.
• Steep two tablespoons of mint leaves into the boiling water for 5 minutes.
• Put the liquid into the refrigerator after straining.
• Use the cool liquid to wash your skin which contains hives several times per day as required.

Method 2:

• Add a teaspoon of crushed mint leaves and two teaspoons of sugar into a cup of boiling water.
• Strain it and allow it to cool.
• Consume this tea once or twice every day depending on your situation.
• Keep doing this until your situation is better.

13. Licorice Root Tea

Licorice root may help decrease the inflammation brought by hives since it holds anti-inflammatory properties [23], [24].

• Take some licorice roots.
• Brew them with water for 15 minutes.
• Add a little honey if you want.
• Take this tea several times per day.
• Repeat every day for quick relief.

Note: If you are taking medication for diabetes, you ought not to try this remedy.

14. Olive Oil And Grape Seed Oil

When people get hives, their skin becomes drier. So the best remedy for this situation is olive oil. The oil is full of nutrients and is also a natural humectant that helps to attract moisture to dry skin. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties found in grape seed oil may keep common allergies skin disorders such as hives at bay [25], [26].

• Pour three tablespoons of olive oil in a glass bowl.
• Add three or four drops of grape seed oil to the bowl.
• Blend these oils well.
• Dip a cotton ball into the mixture.
• Squeeze the excess oil out.
• Apply it to your affected skin.
• Wash off your skin after 10 to 15 minutes with warm water
• Repeat this remedy once or twice a day daily.

15. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea works as one of the most excellent home remedies for hives. If you get hives because of stress, you should try to drink a cup of chamomile tea. It will provide you with a soothing effect and give you mental peace [27], [28], [29].

To make this tea, let’s follow these steps below:

• Boil some water.
• Brew the chamomile leaves in the water for a few minutes.
• Strain it and add some sugar or honey if desired.
• Enjoy this tea as needed.

16. Vitamin C Cream

Vitamin C may lower the effect of histamine and relieve the discomfort caused by hives [30]. To get rid of hives, you should follow these steps here:

• Take enough amount of vitamin C cream.
• Apply the cream to your affected skin
• Allow it to soak for immediate results.

For best effects, you should take the cream which contains the combination of vitamin C and zinc.

Simple But Effective Tips To Get Rid Of Hives

1. Wear Gloves

If your skin has the hives and welts, you should wear mittens or gloves. It may keep you from scratching or doing something that breaks the welts. Scratching may result in infection. You can avoid it by soaking a cool gauze in the cold milk and then wrapping the affected areas. This cold compress can give you significant relief immediately.

2. Avoid Triggers

Hives can easily reoccur. Therefore, if you identified the allergens causing hives, you should avoid these triggers completely in the future to prevent hives from reoccurring [31]. If your house has insects, you should contact the local pest control agencies and ask them to get rid of insects from your house. Ants are also one of the possible culprits.

3. Meditation And Yoga

We all know that yoga and meditation should be practiced regularly to reduce stress and pressure in your mind and your body. Stress and pressure are triggers that worsen the hive condition [32]. Yoga and meditation can give calm and peace to your mind. As a result, it fastens the healing process. Both yoga and meditation evolve many deep breathing exercises that can ease the internal trauma and get rid of stress. Therefore, whenever you experience stressful situations, you should do yoga and meditation.

4. Eat Probiotics

To treat hives and prevent it from recurring effectively, you should use probiotics, especially those have a great source of acidophilus bacteria [33], [34]. These bacteria are effective in enriching the intestinal gut. Moreover, they reduce reactions caused by environmental allergens. 

It is recommended consuming cottage cheese and curd that contain live cultures. These foods can boost the activity of good bacteria in your intestines.

5. Calamine Lotion

Calamine lotion is effective in shrinking the capillaries and blocking the histamine leakage into the bloodstream. Moreover, calamine lotion contains cooling and soothing properties that can ease itching and irritated skin.

Additional Tips

Apart from following the above home remedies for hives, you should also remember these tips:

• Stay away from stress as soon as possible.
• Wear smooth-textured cotton clothing and loose.
• Eat more food which contains a lot of vitamin C such as cherries, strawberries, kiwi and so on.
• Avoid taking a hot shower or hot bath during an outbreak.
• Stay out of the sunlight as much as possible.
• Take exercise or yoga regularly.
• Avoid soy, nuts, milk, eggs, shellfish, wheat, and other dairy products which can cause allergic reactions

Now that you know many natural ways on how to treat hives, what are you waiting for? Try these, and do let us know which one worked best for you. Also, share with us if you know other home remedies for hives.

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