Home remedies for hives: cool compresses, an oat soak and finding your trigger
Hives (urticaria, or sheetpitti) are raised, itchy welts that appear suddenly and often move around the body. These home remedies for hives calm the itch with cool compresses, a lukewarm oat bath and aloe vera, while a simple diary helps you spot what sets them off.
Important: this remedy is only a supportive home measure. Keep taking any medicine your doctor has prescribed, monitor your readings, and consult your doctor before adding anything new.
About hives
Hives happen when the skin releases histamine, often in reaction to a food, medicine, insect bite, infection, heat, pressure or stress. Most episodes fade within hours to days; hives lasting more than six weeks are called chronic and need a doctor's evaluation.
In Indian homes, sheetpitti is traditionally soothed with cooling measures such as cold water compresses and aloe vera.
Ingredients
- A clean cotton cloth and cold water or ice wrapped in cloth
- Half a cup of plain oats
- Fresh aloe vera gel
How to prepare
- Tie the oats in a muslin cloth for the bath.
- Scoop fresh gel from a washed aloe leaf.
How to use
- Apply a cool compress on the welts for 10 minutes whenever itching is strong.
- Take a lukewarm bath with the oat bag swished in the water.
- Dab a thin layer of aloe gel on the itchy areas.
Helpful habits
- Keep a diary of foods, medicines and activities before each episode.
- Wear loose cotton and avoid hot showers and tight belts or straps.
- Stay cool; heat and sweating can trigger hives in some people.
Precautions
- Call emergency help if hives come with swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, breathing difficulty, dizziness or fainting.
- Do not stop prescribed medicines without asking your doctor.
- See a doctor if hives keep coming back, last more than a few days or come with fever or joint pain.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calm hives quickly at home?
- Cool compresses, a lukewarm oat bath and loose clothing can calm the itch. Your doctor may also advise an antihistamine.
What triggers hives?
- Foods, medicines, insect bites, infections, heat, pressure on the skin and stress are common triggers, though sometimes no cause is found.
When are hives an emergency?
- Hives with swelling of the face, lips or throat, trouble breathing or feeling faint need emergency care immediately.
