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Cures for Chronic Hives

Hives (also known as urticaria) are an allergic skin condition causing intense itching, swelling and bumps (welts) on the body. Episodes of hives are designated as acute or chronic. Hives that occur at least twice a week and have been present for more than six weeks are designated as chronic. Acute hives will generally clear up quickly on their own; however, chronic hives require long term care for relief. Unlike acute hives, chronic hives may not have a specific cause.

  1. Causes

    • In about 5 percent of chronic hives cases, an underlying disease is present. Thyroid disease, liver problems, skin reactions, even sinusitis may trigger a chronic attack. The possibility of an allergic reaction to medication, food or insect bites should be explored by taking a thorough medical history, having the patient keep a food diary and administering a physical exam. Blood samples, urine tests and a skin biopsy may be ordered.

    Prescription Cures

    • For chronic hives, it may be necessary to administer prescription steroids, taken by mouth (prednisone or Medrol). Many cases of chronic hives are determined to be caused by an autoimmune reaction. This occurs when the immune system attacks normal tissues of the body. Autoimmune urticaria is treated with the prescription drug Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine), usually with good results.

    OTC Cures

    • Over-the-counter medications used to treat chronic hives include antihistamines---necessary to prevent the body's release of histamine (the agent responsible for the itch). Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is one of the older antihistamines on the market, but it can cause marked drowsiness. Newer OTC antihistamines, like Claritin (loratadine) and Zyrtec (cetirizine) do not cause as much sleepiness and are also effective in treating chronic hives.

    Natural Cures

    • Chronic hives have been linked to high levels of emotional stress. If your case of hives has lasted for longer than six weeks and you have a high level of stress or anxiety, a stress management plan may be in order. Try reducing or eliminating stressors at work and at home. Incorporating more relaxation time into your day has also been shown to relieve stress situations.

    Precautions

    • It is important in the treatment of chronic hives that the patient takes enough medication (antihistamines, perhaps in conjunction with other drugs) to suppress the hives. Follow your doctor's advice carefully, and keep taking the drugs on the schedule given to you, whether or not you have hives on any particular day. The goal is to prevent the hives from breaking out at all.

    Warning

    • Some prescription medications, such as the oral steroid prednisone, should only be taken for short-term relief of chronic hives. Long-term use of steroids can cause damage to the body's immune system.

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