Homemade Herbal Skin Care

What are Hives?

Urticaria is the medical word for “hives”. It is most commonly caused by allergic reaction and generally characterized by raised, erythematous and pruritic wheals. It can appear in any part of the body including the face. One of the most dangerous characteristic is that it can occur without warning and you would not even know what caused it. A thing to watch out for is the onset of difficulty of breathing with could be a start of respiratory arrest

What are the Causes?

It can be caused by a number of triggering factors:

1. Food Allergy – this is one of the most common causes and usually the mildest one. This can be treated with over the counter antihistamine drugs like loratadine and diphenhydramine. Among all the other causes, food allergy can easily be pinpointed
2. Drug induced- this could be life threatening so when administering medications, extra care should be given to people who have strong history of allergy in the family.
3. Physical causes – this kind can be caused by contact from any physical surfaces even your own sweat can cause you to develop wheals and itch. Extremes of temperature like too much heat and cold are two of the most common causes in this category.
4. Idiopathic – a great percentage of people who suffer from chronic condition are unable to figure out what really triggers the attack. Idiopathic condition often last more than 6 weeks and the most commonly causing the chronic form.
5. Stress – studies has shown that even emotional disturbances like stress can be some form triggers.

How to Get Rid of the condition without Drugs

Since it is mostly caused by food allergy, an allergic prone person should be aware of what food he or she should avoid. Food that are known to cause allergy such as chicken, shellfish, peanuts, shrimps, mango and chocolates should be kept away from this person.

Most of the people who experience the attack should be very careful on choosing their cosmetics, soaps and even the detergents that would be used to wash their clothes. One very effective way to prevent the ailment is to use mild and hypoallergenic soaps and cosmetics. Extremes of temperature should be avoided as much as possible.

Chronic form can be very stubborn and very difficult to treat so prevention should be prioritized as much as possible. Psychological well being should be always optimum to avoid attacks. Stress management greatly helps. Another option is to apply cool compress on the affected area or take a warm bath with baking soda and cornstarch mixed in the water.

Another way of getting rid of urticaria is to use natural supplements and homeopathy. Homeopathy strengthens a body’s immune system and cures stress. A healthy immune system could handle allergens and minimize attacks. Aside from improving the immune system, homeopathy also builds emotional well being thus preventing release of histamine caused by emotional stress.

Related Articles: Treatment of Hives & Eliminating Hives Naturally

Tags: hives, urticaria, urticaria treatment