Cool moisture helps to dull pain receptors and soothe dry, itchy skin. These remedies can provide noticeable short-term relief, but won’t help with long-term management of itching due to hives.
If the area is severely irritated, you may need to rewet the cloth a few times to keep it moist enough. You can buy aluminum acetate solution over the counter as Burow’s Solution, Domeboro, or Star-Otic.
Both milk of magnesia and Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) are also alkaline substances that may provide similar anti-itch relief. As with calamine lotion, however, they may worsen itchy hives in some cases. Whichever alkaline substance you use, wash it away with cool water and a soft cloth once it begins to dry out and flake off.
Both baking soda and cream of tartar are alkaline substances that may potentially reduce itching in the short term. Don’t rub the paste firmly onto your skin, as the grittiness may cause additional irritation. Don’t apply the paste if you have any open wounds in the area.
While apple cider vinegar has become a home remedy “cure all,” any type of vinegar should work the same here. In some cases, vinegar may cause additional irritation. Stop using it if it does!
You can also make your own oatmeal soak by grinding up uncooked, rolled oats in a coffee grinder or food processor. Grind the oats until they’re fine enough to quickly dissolve in water.
Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme which may reduce itching and swelling. Eating pineapple may also help, or you can try bromelain supplements.
If you experience signs of infection like increased redness or swelling, oozing, a foul odor, or a fever, contact your medical provider right away.
Airborne allergens like dust, dander, and pollen. Allergies to certain foods, medications, pets, and so on. Environmental stimuli, such as exposure to sunlight, heat, or (less commonly) cold. Contact pressure on your skin, such as from tight clothing or a purse strap. Viral, fungal, or bacterial infections. Insect bites.
Don’t shower or bathe more than once per day. Otherwise, you may further dry out your skin and make your hives even more itchy and uncomfortable. When taking a bath, try stirring in a scoopful of baking soda or finely-ground colloidal oatmeal while the water is running. Soaking in the tub for up to 30 minutes may provide additional itch relief.
Consult your primary care doctor, dermatologist, or pharmacist for moisturizer recommendations based on your particular condition. Be extra gentle when cleaning, drying, and moisturizing areas in which you have hives. Change cleansers and/or moisturizers if they seem to make your hives worse.
Hives can sometimes occur in an area where a purse strap, waistband, or bra strap presses and rubs against your skin. Adjusting your wardrobe may make a big difference in this case.
Meditation, prayer, or mindfulness techniques. Deep breathing exercises. Yoga or tai chi. Light- or moderate-intensity cardiovascular exercise. Listening to relaxing music or reading a calming book. Getting a good night’s sleep. Talking to a friend or loved one. Discussing your stress with a licensed therapist.
Vitamin C supplements may be helpful, but there’s less evidence to support this. Talk to your doctor if you’re interested in taking supplements.
Consider other potential anti-itch supplements as well, such as fish oil, rutin, quercetin, and coleus forskohlii. For your safety, consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new supplements, as they may cause side effects or interfere with medications.
Opt for non-drowsy antihistamines when possible, or you may feel really tired and worn out all day. They’re also less likely to cause side effects such as dizziness, low blood pressure, or a rapid heartbeat. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist first if you have any other medical conditions or are taking prescription medications.
For adults and children over 6 years old, apply a thin film of hydrocortisone cream to the hives 4 times a day as needed for 5-7 days. Try starting with the lowest concentration of hydrocortisone and gradually raise the strength until you find the concentration that works for you. You can get hydrocortisone ointment in 0. 5%-1% concentrations, while the creams come in a range of strengths from 0. 5%-2. 5%. Don’t use hydrocortisone if you have liver problems or are pregnant or nursing. Discuss other possible restrictions, side effects, and drug interactions with your doctor or pharmacist.
Once you start taking prednisone, you should not stop taking it suddenly unless specifically advised to do so by your doctor. Instead, you’ll likely be directed to taper off of the medication over a period of days or weeks.
Your doctor is more likely to try immunosuppressants if you’ve been diagnosed with chronic hives (also called chronic urticaria), which means you’ve experienced hives daily or nearly daily for at least 6 weeks. Taking an immunosuppressant makes you more susceptible to infection, among other risk factors that you should weigh with your doctor.
Difficulty breathing or swallowing. A rapid heart rate. Fainting or severe dizziness. Severe nausea or vomiting. Rapid and severe swelling of the throat, mouth, or face.
