Hives
Consult your health care professional if:
- You have recurring bouts of hives lasting a month or more
- You develop hives after a blood transfusion
- You develop hives following a bee or wasp sting - especially if accompanied by dry throat, cough, nausea, dizziness or difficulty in breathing
- You develop hives after taking medication
- Antihistamine tablets may be required for longer lasting or more severe cases of hives
Symptoms
Itchy raised red or white welts on the skin
Causes
Hives are often an allergic reaction to something you have eaten, touched or inhaled. In the case of allergy, the body releases a chemical called histamine to attack the alleged 'bad' substance - hives develop in response to the high histamine level. Allergens that most commonly provoke hives include strawberries, fish, nuts, drugs such as penicillin and aspirin, and various food additives, emulsifiers, flavourings or preservatives.
Some people develop hives in response to stress, insect bites, extreme temperatures, or pressure on the skin (e.g. from tight clothes).
Infectious organisms such as Hepatitis B virus, Epstein-Barr virus (the cause of glandular fever), Candida and a variety of bacteria have also been associated with hives.
Natural Therapies
To relieve itching, apply a soothing lotion or cream such as chickweed or nettle, to the area - a mild case of hives will often disappear after a few hours.
High doses of vitamin C may reduce severity of symptoms of allergic reations
Vitamin B complex is indicated to help your body cope with stress
Nettle tea - when cool, bathe itchy area. Can also be drunk
To pinpoint the cause of a food allergy, it may be helpful to keep a diary to record the link between the foods eaten and the allergic reaction.
If you are prone to allergies, taking a daily vitamin C supplement with bioflavonoids may help to reduce your sensitivity.
Life Style Factors
Take steps to reduce stress, anxiety and tension and improve your overall health. Adequate rest and sensible levels of exercise are essential.
Wear loose comfortable clothing when you have hives - the pressure of tight clothes or belts when your body is in a hyper-sensitive state may lead to more hives.
Remedies
To pinpoint the cause of a food allergy, it may be helpful to keep a diary to record the link between the foods eaten and the allergic reaction.
If you are prone to allergies, taking a daily vitamin C supplement with bioflavonoids may help to reduce your sensitivity.