Is There a Natural Cure for Hives?

Is there a natural cure for hives? Learn why in some cases you can prevent or even eliminate hives outbreaks without expensive medicines.

Doctors estimate that 15 to 20% of the population suffers from hives and all are looking for hives cures. These small raised, red bumps can be a hindrance to your regular daily routines, not to mention the fact that they can be embarrassing! Understanding your body's reaction to allergens is the first step is solving that itchy problem!

Hives are caused by a reaction to an allergen or irritant that your body is exposed to. The allergen may be unknown or known, but the reaction will still be the same.

Your body does not like that allergen and thus the mast cells release histamine and race to the skin's surface to cause redness, inflammation and itching.

Hives appear nearly instantly in some cases, and for other people may take some time to appear on your skin. Depending on the cause of the hives, the cure for hives usually involved avoiding the particular allergen or irritant that caused the reaction.

That of course is where the difficulty lies, as it is not always easy to figure out which of many foods, chemicals and natural substances we are exposed to every day may be causing the problem.

If hives are caused by environmental allergens like pollen or cigarette smoke, staying away from these allergens can eliminate the immune response. However, it is difficult in a world of trees, grass and flowers to stop pollen from touching your skin.

One option is to Wear long sleeved shirts and pants although this may be uncomfortable in the summertime. It is possible to find very lightweight fabrics for warmer weather that breathe and that will still protect your skin.

Indoors, use a good quality air purifier that clears the air of pollen, dust, smoke and other irritants, and you may notice a difference in your skin rashes.

Foods can also cause your skin to break out. We've all heard stories about our friend who broke out in hives after eating a chocolate bar!

The problem comes if you have no idea which foods cause hives. Once you know, it then you can stay away from foods you are allergic to.

A food allergy test can give you a list of foods that could cause an allergic reaction like hives. These tests are not always 100% accurate but are a good starting point.

If staying away from the foods they have recommended stops your breakouts, then you can assume that the test is fairly accurate. Food allergies and sensitivities can change over time, so you may need to be re-tested periodically.

Preparing the body for allergens by eating foods that have anti-inflammatory benefits on the body may help to eliminate some of the reactions you are experiencing. Essentially, a hive is an inflamed section of skin.

Fresh fruits and vegetables that are high in natural enzymes have natural anti-inflammatory properties. Superfoods like blueberries and acai fruit may also help to reduce inflammation. Omega 3 fatty acids are also perfect for reducing inflammation.

Sometimes a simple home remedy can help you clear up a hives outbreak. These are some of the most effective home remedies for sensitive skin.

• Drink plenty of water to cool your body and help eliminate toxins from your body.

• Excessive heat causes inflammation, so avoid too hot showers or baths.

• A cool compress applied to your skin can help relieve itching and reduce inflammation.

• A warm but not hot oatmeal bath can soothe itching and redness. Grind oatmeal in a food processor and add the powder to your bath, or place some oatmeal in a clean nylon stocking and place in your bath.

When all else fails, skin creams that contain steroids can be used to eliminate hives. This cure for hives can only be purchased with a doctor's prescription and each cream has a long list of potential side effects.

Thinning of the skin and skin tearing are two of the most common. Extended use can also lead to genetic disorders so using a steroid cream should be used as a last resort.

A cure for hives is more of a treatment of symptoms or a tactic of prevention. If the cause of the hives is known, dealing with breakouts is much easier through elimination of the allergen.

Changing to safe skin care products, soaps and laundry detergent is also a very simple and effective choice for eliminating skin rashes.

Unfortunately, many products which are labeled as hypoallergenic products actually contain ingredients which can cause skin inflammation and irritation.

It takes some work to find products that are truly free of both allergens and also more irritating chemicals. I've only found one manufacturer of truly safe hypoallergenic products .

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