Hives, or urticaria, is an intensely itchy rash of white or yellow swellings (weals) surrounded by red, inflamed skin. It is usually caused by an allergic reaction, which can be triggered by a range of factors, such as certain foods or medicines, insect bites, or stings. People with hay fever or asthma are more susceptible. Hives can also be caused by stress, or have no obvious cause.
Warning
Seek immediate medical help if you have hives and :
* You become breathless, wheezy, or hoarse
* Your lips or tongue swell and/or you have difficulty swallowing
See your doctor first
Make an appointment to see your doctor to confirm that you have hives and/or to check whether you are taking medication that could be triggering the attack.
NATURAL REMEDIES
Oatmeal products are often effective for soothing itchy skin. Add oatmeal oil to lukewarm bath water and soak for 10-2- minutes.
PREVENTION
Preventing hives if you have recurrent attacks, try these measures to prevent them.
* Keep a diary of attacks, and try to identify any foods, medicines, or other factors that may trigger them, once you find a trigger, you can try to avoid it.
* If you think stress is contributory factor, try self-help techniques.
What you can do yourself
Hives is extremely uncomfortable, but the following simple measures will help to relieve irritation and soothe the skin. Attacks are usually short-lived, but some people have persistent symptoms.
* Take an antihistamine to reduce itching and swelling (see DRUG REMEDIES).
* Have a cool shower to reduce the redness and “heat” of the rash. Alternatively, hold a cool compress (a clean face cloth soaked in cool water and wrung out) against the rash for a few minutes at a time. Keep reapplying for about 30 minutes.
* You can also relieve itching with calamine lotion, or with a cream or lotion containing crotamiton (see DRUG REMEDIES, right).
* Try an oatmeal bath oil to relieve itchy skin.
* Minimize irritation by wearing loose-fitting, lightweight clothes made of natural fibres.
DRUG REMEDIES
Antihistamines control allergic swelling and itching. You may need to try several types to find out which works best for you. The drug may need to be taken regularly for a prolonged attack of hives. Ask your pharmacist for advice.
Calamine lotion is a soothing preparation with a cooling effect. Using a pad of cotton wool, dab it on to the rash 2-3 times a day.
Crotamiton preparations (see p 180) are creams or lotions that can relieve itching for 6-10 hours. Apply them 2-3 times a day, but not around the eyes or on broken skin. Don’t use them on children under 3 without consulting your doctor.
Seek further medical advice if
* Hives is not responding to treatment
Warning
Seek immediate medical help if you have hives and :
* You become breathless, wheezy, or hoarse
* Your lips or tongue swell and/or you have difficulty swallowing
See your doctor first
Make an appointment to see your doctor to confirm that you have hives and/or to check whether you are taking medication that could be triggering the attack.
NATURAL REMEDIES
Oatmeal products are often effective for soothing itchy skin. Add oatmeal oil to lukewarm bath water and soak for 10-2- minutes.
PREVENTION
Preventing hives if you have recurrent attacks, try these measures to prevent them.
* Keep a diary of attacks, and try to identify any foods, medicines, or other factors that may trigger them, once you find a trigger, you can try to avoid it.
* If you think stress is contributory factor, try self-help techniques.
What you can do yourself
Hives is extremely uncomfortable, but the following simple measures will help to relieve irritation and soothe the skin. Attacks are usually short-lived, but some people have persistent symptoms.
* Take an antihistamine to reduce itching and swelling (see DRUG REMEDIES).
* Have a cool shower to reduce the redness and “heat” of the rash. Alternatively, hold a cool compress (a clean face cloth soaked in cool water and wrung out) against the rash for a few minutes at a time. Keep reapplying for about 30 minutes.
* You can also relieve itching with calamine lotion, or with a cream or lotion containing crotamiton (see DRUG REMEDIES, right).
* Try an oatmeal bath oil to relieve itchy skin.
* Minimize irritation by wearing loose-fitting, lightweight clothes made of natural fibres.
DRUG REMEDIES
Antihistamines control allergic swelling and itching. You may need to try several types to find out which works best for you. The drug may need to be taken regularly for a prolonged attack of hives. Ask your pharmacist for advice.
Calamine lotion is a soothing preparation with a cooling effect. Using a pad of cotton wool, dab it on to the rash 2-3 times a day.
Crotamiton preparations (see p 180) are creams or lotions that can relieve itching for 6-10 hours. Apply them 2-3 times a day, but not around the eyes or on broken skin. Don’t use them on children under 3 without consulting your doctor.
Seek further medical advice if
* Hives is not responding to treatment
