Natural treatments for hives
Natural treatments for hives, or urticaria, focus on alleviating inflammation and itchiness associated with this skin condition, which commonly displays as red or white welts. While conventional treatments mainly involve antihistamines and corticosteroids, some individuals explore natural remedies. Acupuncture is one approach used in some cultures, though evidence of its effectiveness remains limited. Dietary strategies, such as food allergen elimination diets, may help identify and avoid triggers, but their efficacy lacks robust scientific support. Certain supplements, including quercetin and vitamins B12 and C, are suggested for their potential anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties, although further research is needed to validate these claims. Additionally, stinging nettle and probiotics are gaining attention for their possible benefits in reducing symptoms. Lifestyle adjustments, such as using cold compresses, wearing loose clothing, and taking oatmeal baths, can also provide symptom relief. Overall, while some natural treatments may offer support, it is essential for individuals to consult healthcare professionals for tailored advice and to ensure safety.
On this Page
Subject Terms
Natural treatments for hives
- DEFINITION: Treatment of inflammation of the surface layers of the skin.
- PRINCIPAL PROPOSED NATURAL TREATMENTS: None
- OTHER PROPOSED NATURAL TREATMENTS: Acupuncture, food allergen elimination diet, quercetin, sublingual immunotherapy, vitamin B12, vitamin C, lifestyle changes, stinging nettle, probiotics
Introduction
Hives, the common name for urticaria, is an inflammation of the skin's surface layers and is characterized by small, itchy red or white welts (wheals). An allergic reaction usually causes urticaria, but the allergenic trigger is often unknown. When a cause can be identified, it is frequently something taken by mouth, such as shellfish or other fish, dairy products, peanuts or other legumes, chocolate, fresh fruit, or medications. Other allergens, such as pollens, molds, or animal dander, can sometimes produce hives. Hives can also be caused by heat (cholinergic urticaria, or prickly heat), cold (cold urticaria), pressure (dermographism and pressure urticaria), light (solar urticaria), exercise, and certain infections, such as hepatitis B.
In most acute cases, urticaria disappears within hours or days without treatment. However, it may continue for a prolonged period or recur frequently. Such chronic cases are often challenging to treat.
Urticaria is closely related to angioedema, which involves swelling in the deeper layers of the skin. When swelling occurs in the throat or tongue, angioedema can be life-threatening. Urticaria and angioedema are also closely related to anaphylaxis, an extremely dangerous condition that can lead to death within minutes or hours. Anaphylaxis is an overwhelming allergic reaction that may lead to swelling of internal organs, collapse of blood circulation, shock, or suffocation. It may be caused by all the same factors that trigger hives; one of the best-known causes is bee sting allergy.
Conventional treatments for urticaria and angioedema include avoidance of triggering factors, the use of antihistamines, and, occasionally, corticosteroids. When breathing is threatened, epinephrine shots and hospitalization may be needed.
Proposed Natural Treatments
Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) has shown (in one small, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial) some promise for treating urticaria caused by latex allergies. Based on the theory that delayed-type food allergies may cause urticaria, food allergen elimination diets have been tried as a treatment for chronic symptoms. However, the evidence that it works remains preliminary.
There are many forms of the elimination diet. One of the most common involves starting with a highly restricted diet consisting only of seldom allergenic foods, such as rice, yams, and turkey. Other proponents of the elimination diet allow a greater range of foods at the outset. If dietary restriction leads to resolution or improvement of symptoms, foods are then reintroduced individually to see which, if any, will trigger urticaria.
In China, urticaria is often treated with acupuncture, but the evidence that it works for this condition is weak. Vitamins C and B12 have also been suggested for treatment, but more evidence is needed to prove that they work. Quercetin has been suggested for the treatment of urticaria due to its inflammatory and antihistamine properties. Observational, animal and small-scale human clinical studies have supported these claims. However, more extensive double-blind, placebo-controlled trials are necessary to confirm these results. Stinging nettle has also been suggested for its anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties. Preliminary research indicates that including probiotics in one’s diet can boost the immune system and lessen the frequency of hives. Finally, applying cold compresses, wearing loose-fitting clothing, and soaking in oatmeal baths are lifestyle choices a person can make to relieve the symptoms of urticaria.
Bibliography
Biggers, Alana. "How to Get Rid of Hives: 15 Ways." Healthline, 13 Apr. 2023, www.healthline.com/health/skin-disorders/how-to-get-rid-of-hives. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.
Chen, C. J., and H. S. Yu. "Acupuncture Treatment of Urticaria." Archives of Dermatology, vol. 134, 1998, pp. 1397-1399.
"Quercetin Information." Mount Sinai, www.mountsinai.org/health-library/supplement/quercetin. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.
Sparks, Dana. "Home Remedies: Having Chronic Hives." Mayo Clinic, 24 Mar. 2017, newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/home-remedies-having-chronic-hives. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.
"10 Ways to Get Relief From Chronic Hives." American Academy of Dermatology Association, www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/hives-chronic-relief. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.
Zhou, Shuai, et al. "Treatment of Acute Urticaria with Acupuncture." Medicine, vol. 99, no. 29, 2020, p. e21093, doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000021093.