Home Remedies For Hives

Have you experienced a food allergy? How do you know if you even have it? In most cases a person will realize they have it based on a skin reaction as a result of the food allergies they may have. It is first important to understand how food allergies appear before you can understand the skin reaction as a result of food allergies.

We know that allergies to foods and drugs can cause hives, but almost always hives caused by foods or drugs stop by themselves within a few days or weeks. Chronic hives continue to break out for more than a couple of weeks and are evaluated with blood tests, X rays and MRIs. Usually doctors can't find a cause, but when they do, they find a hidden infection, tumor or an autoimmune disease.

Canine hives are allergic reactions that are caused by substances absorbed through your dog's skin or inhaled through the nose. These reactions can occur virtually anywhere on your dog's body. The hives are circular and raised, and may cause your dog's hair to have raised patches. They usually go away on their own within 24 hours.

What causes Hives: Hives are usually caused by being allergic to something. But they can occur when a person is exposed to anything that causes his body to release histamine. Releasing histamine causes liquid to leak from blood vessels under the skin. When this fluid collects or 'pools' together it creates the bumps that are called 'hives'.

Common symptoms of allergies include redness and itchiness of the eyes, wheezing or other breathing problems, skin rashes or hives. Some people with severe allergies might even experience anaphylaxis or death in extreme exposure situations. There are many common allergies from which many people suffer. Animal dander (particularly from cats), pollen, dust mites and certain medications can all be causes of allergies. Some individuals are also allergic to certain foods or even whole food groups.

Treatment

Hives often do not usually require medical treatment, but if the hives remain for an extended period of time, see your doctor. After taking your medical history, your physician may ask about your exposure within the last two weeks to any possible irritants. Unfortunately, hives can be caused by such a wide range of irritants that your physician may not be able to identify the exact cause. If the cause is identified, you will be urged to avoid the substance that caused the outbreak. In severe cases, your doctor may prescribe a medication, usually an antihistamine, to treat the condition.

Prevention of Hives

Hives come from excessive heat in the body, say Ayurvedic practitioners. To cool the heat and soothe the maddening itch, they favor eating watermelon as well as drinking coriander milk or cilantro.

Avoid exposure to substances that give you allergic reactions. Don't wear tight-fitting clothing and avoid hot baths or showers just after an episode of hives. These can both cause the hives to return. Finally, ensure your immune system is strong to guard against potential allergic reactions.