Perhaps you have just finished petting your friend’s cat when all of a sudden you notice some red, raised welts, with a white-colored center on your forearm. You know that your constant scratching is only making it worse, yet for some reason you just cannot stop raking away at your skin. Or perhaps you were just bitten by a bug and suddenly you have a welt that is itchy that you just can’t seem to get rid of.
There are a number of reasons for why people get a hive or a group of hives. They are caused by an allergic reaction to a substance such as food, pollen, dander, or medication. Hives are quite common, with about 20% of people in the United States experiencing at least one episode in their lifetime.
When you have an allergic reaction to something, you might experience itchy, watery eyes and a runny nose, which many associate with an allergy. However, allergic reactions can present in a number of different ways from headaches to hives. In addition to allergies, stress, weather, or exercise (well, sweating really, which is a byproduct of working out) can all cause hives.
Hives, for the most part, are not serious and will often resolve on their own within 48 hours. There are some instances where hives will persist or return, in which case the root cause of the condition should be examined. For a flare-up of hives, there are a number of courses you can take to help reduce the itching, which is often the most aggravating symptom associated with hives.
When you experience an allergic reaction, your body produces histamines. Over-the-counter or prescription medications used to combat allergic reactions are called “anti-histamines,” as they prevent the production of histamines. Taking anti-histamines can provide immediate relief, but often we develop immunity to them and therefore it is often best to not use them for a small case of hives.
Instead, one of the most relaxing and easiest ways to cure a case of hives is to soak in an oatmeal bath. Ensure that the water is not too hot, though, as this could cause the opposite effect, and in fact make the hives worse. The cooler the water is the better. Placing a cold compress on the hives works as well, as it reduces the swelling. Calamine lotion is beneficial, as well, as it reduces the itch; calamine is available at most drugstores.
Practitioners often recommend the use of quercetin to stave off the effects of allergies. It is not a vitamin or an amino acid, but rather a flavonoid, which is found in foods and drinks. It is thought that this flavonoid will inhibit the release of histamine, in much the same way as an over-the- counter anti-histamine will. It is also an anti-inflammatory, which is beneficial to hive sufferers as well.
While it is likely that your hives will pass within a day or so on their own, try one of the above methods to help shorten that time and make it less itchy.
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Tags: exercise, headaches
