How to Cure Chronic Hives: 8 Tips to Treat Chronic Hives Naturally

Treatment of chronic idiopathic urticaria

Chronic idiopathic urticaria, also more commonly known as hives, is an allergic reaction to one or more allergens that may never manifest itself, hence the word idiopathic (reason unknown).

Urticaria-A Quick Overview

Symptoms of the condition vary in appearance and size, for example hives welts can be round and resemble small bumps or nettle rashes, or manifest as large rings or patches that can resemble ringworm. These swellings or rings often grow and swell with each other, in numerous cases the swelling can grow particularly in the head area, this is often a more serious secondary condition called angioedema (angioedema is a swelling deeper in the dermis or skin). Hives can occur over most of the body and in several cases all over the body, however, hives do not usually affect the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet. The exception to that is pressure or vibratory urticaria.

The term chronic describes variation of the skin condition that has become continuous or recurrent and is generally classified as chronic after becoming apparent for a period of two to six weeks. Many Chronic Urticaria sufferers suffer from the condition for years with daily outbreaks, myself included.

Simple allergy or life-altering condition

It’s fair to say that traditional medicine is lagging behind any sustainable relief for chronic idiopathic urticaria sufferers, and I’m guessing that’s because most people view the condition as nothing more than an allergy.

It is true that simple acute cases of urticaria (hives) are in fact a simple allergic reaction, studies indicate that most people at some point in their life will experience symptoms of hives, and for such cases a short dose of antihistamine or a quick shot of cortisone is usually enough, but not for those with chronic hives.

A lifetime of daily antihistamine is not the answer

Taking non-sedating antihistamines, including Allegra, Claritin, Clarinex, and Zyrtec, is fine for acute hives symptoms, but as explained, they offer little or only short-term relief for chronic idiopathic patients. Having been a long-term sufferer of hives, effective relief is sought and for any of you in the same position, you may find some of the following natural methods helpful in relieving hives symptoms:

8 natural tips to treat chronic idiopathic urticaria

• Take a high dose of vitamin D (use d2), this is the nutrient that the skin absorbs through sunlight, the dose should be left to the person, but as a suggestion I use a fairly high dose.
• Reduce swelling by using cold compresses or ice packs (if fresh from the freezer, wrap in a towel before placing on skin).
• Calamine lotion applied to the area will help a bit, this tends to be more effective for smaller more common hives, mine tends to be the rings and deeper swelling so calamine doesn’t work as well for me .
• Cat’s claw (it’s not a real cat’s claw), it’s actually a herb or a root or something. You can get it in supplement form anyway, and it does reduce bloating or at least speed everything up.
• Herbal teas can be good, even if you just use them instead of your regular tea or coffee when you experience an attack of hives. I think the reason is because they contain natural antioxidants. Green tea is also used to reduce swelling.
• Vitamin C is often said to offer relief to hives sufferers, I can’t be sure if that’s the case but I take it anyway as it can only be a good thing.
• Aloe vera gel, peanut oils or vitamin E are also widely used to offer some relief, if memory serves, you are supposed to apply your chosen liquid twice a day.
• Keeping a diet sheet is something you should consider, although it is not technically a remedy for hives, it can help you distinguish specific allergens that may be the cause of the trigger of your chronic hives. Simply keep a list of the foods and drinks you consume over a period that could end in an episode, then you can refer back and see which items may be to blame. Try cutting one thing at a time to see if it helps and reduces the frequency of hive attacks.

How to stop getting hives

Obviously, this is just a small list of natural methods to treat chronic idiopathic urticaria, without a doubt, the best result for all of us is not having the constant breakouts in the first place… But how?