Hives |
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Symptoms of Hives
The common symptoms
of hives are itching, swelling, and
reddening of the skin’s surface.
Hives have the form of small round wheals,
rings, or big patches and they are often
encircled by red flares. For the most
part, hives appear in groups. The welts
may increase, extend, and unite together
to form bigger areas of flat and raised
skin. They can appear and disappear
and alter their shape. If the center
of the red welt is pressed, then it
usually turns white in color. The duration
of hives may range from 4 to 36 hours.
Many people who
suffer from chronic hives also suffer
from angioedema. The symptoms of angioedema
are large welts or inflammation of the
skin that may appear around eyes, lips,
hands, feet, genitalia, and inside the
throat. In some people, excessive heat,
physical exertion, or strain can aggravate
the symptoms.
Natural Cures
Some of the following
natural cures can be used to alleviate
some of the worst symptoms of hives
such as itching, redness, and swelling.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is renowned for its natural
skin-protecting properties and is one
of the few natural ingredients recognized
by the United States Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) for its ability to soothe and
relieve minor skin irritations. It is
helpful in relieving dry skin, soothing
itchy, irritated skin, and moisturizing
the skin. Here are a few suggestions:
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Pour
one cup of boiling water over one
tablespoon of powdered oatmeal.
Let it steep for approximately 30
minutes, strain and apply the liquid
on the affected areas using a sterile
cotton ball. Leave the oatmeal on
the area for a few minutes and let
it dry on the surface. Wash it off
once it is dry. |
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Prepare a soothing
oatmeal bath by adding four tablespoons
of powdered oatmeal to four cups
of boiling water. Fill up a bathtub
with warm water (not hot) and mix
in the oatmeal solution. Soak in
it for approximately ten minutes. |
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Mix two cups of
oatmeal with three teaspoons of
cornstarch. Add water and make a
thick paste. Apply the paste onto
hives and leave it on for about
30 minutes. |
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Use topical ointments and body
lotions for the skin that contain
colloidal oatmeal as a key ingredient. |
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil has several medicinal
properties including antibacterial and
antifungal action. Add approximately
three to five drops to the bath water
to relieve skin infections such as hives
and other rashes. Apply it undiluted
onto hives using a sterile cotton ball.
Tea tree oil blended with lotions and
creams can also help to treat most skin
conditions.
Vitamins and Herbs
There are various vitamins and herbs
that may be used to prevent hives and
to relieve its symptoms.
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Vitamin
C strengthens the immune system
and works as an antihistamine. Take
1,000 milligrams of vitamin C three
times each day. |
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Quercitin, a nutrient,
also works as an antihistamine.
Take 1,000 milligrams of quercitin
three times each day. |
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Aloe Vera reduces
inflammation and itching. Aloe Vera
may be applied to the affected area
in the form of a lotion. Additionally,
an Aloe Vera leaf may be broken
and the gel that is released may
be applied to the affected area. |
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Chamomile cream
can be applied to the affected area
to reduce itching. |
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