How to Get Rid of Skin Hives

Hives are raised, red bumps or patches or welts that appear on the surface of the skin when your body releases histamine into your bloodstream (See References 1 and 2). Triggers include allergic reactions to foods, medications and other allergens; environmental factors, such sunlight or extreme heat; some illnesses and infections; and stress (See References 1 and 2). Hives are itchy but may burn or sting and can last from several hours to several days or weeks (See References 2 and 3). Mild hives often will clear up on their own, but treatment and at-home remedies can relieve itching, swelling and other symptoms (See References 1 and 2). Chronic or severe hives will need stronger treatment (See Reference 2).

Things You'll Need

• Non-prescription or prescription antihistamines
• Baking soda, uncooked oatmeal or bath oatmeal
• Clothes
• Bandages
• Oral corticosteroid prescription

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Instructions

• 1

  Take a second-generation antihistamine to relieve symptoms of mild hives (See References 2 and 3). Second-generation antihistamines do not cause drowsiness or other common side effects, such as reduced reaction time, and include non-prescription Claritin and Zyrtec and prescription Clarinex, Allegra and Xyzal (See Reference 2).

• 2

  Take a cool bath containing baking soda, uncooked oatmeal or bath oatmeal to relieve itching from mild hives (See Reference 2). Apply cool, wet cloths to the affected areas to soothe your skin and cover the affected areas with bandages to prevent scratching (See Reference 2).

• 3

  Take a first-generation antihistamine, such as Benadryl, if you have chronic hives, which are more severe than mild hives and may last for weeks (See Reference 2). First-generation antihistamines are more helpful when treating chronic hives but have common side effects, including drowsiness, reduced response time, dry mouth and blurred vision (See Reference 2). If antihistamines don't provide relief from chronic hives, talk to your doctor about an oral corticosteroid prescription (See Reference 3).

• 4

  Seek emergency care if you start feeling lightheaded; have severe chest tightness or difficult breathing; or if swelling involves your throat. These are signs of severe, possibly life-threatening hives (See References 1 and 2). Severe hive outbreaks may require an emergency injection of epinephrine, or adrenaline, or a steroid medication (See References 1 and 3).