The Best Topical Treatments For Hives

Generally appearing as pale or reddened wheals or irregularly shaped swollen patches, hives, also called urticaria, are a transient reaction in the skin to a food or drug allergy, infections, or extreme or prolonged stress. The wheals can vary in size from as small as a pea to as large as 8 inches in diameter, in which case the center area may be clear, forming a ring. Hives are characterized by intense itching and burning that can become quite maddening.

Hives can, in addition to manifesting on the skin, result in the release of large amounts of histamines. Histamines are natural chemicals located in the skin that, when activated by an injury, allergic reaction, or other stressor, can cause flushing of the skin, swelling, tightness in the chest, wheezing, and a feeling of faintness.

The most common type of hives, acute urticaria, typically lasts less than 6 weeks, and in the majority of cases hives appear suddenly and then disappear within minutes, hours, or a few days. Chronic urticaria refers to outbreaks lasting for more than 6 weeks; often the cause is more difficult to pinpoint. Physical urticaria refers to hives that develop from pressure, insect bites, vibration, cold, heat, exercise, or sunlight.

Hives are a very common malady, affecting 10 to 20 percent of the population at least once. Prevention can be difficult, because you never know if you will be allergic to a new food or drug or if a new stressful situation in your life will cause an outbreak. The best preventive is to avoid foods and drugs that are known systemic irritants and to minimize stress in your life.

The best topical treatments for hives are those that soothe the itch, cool the burn, and reduce inflammation. I hope you find one of the following remedies helpful the next time you or a loved one suffer from this most irritating of skin maladies.

CHICKWEED JUICE

It doesn’t get any fresher than the juice of a common summer weed straight from an organic lawn or garden. Fresh, diluted chickweed juice is cooling, slightly astringent, antiseptic, and antiinflammatory. It delivers emollient, demulcent properties to soothe irritated, sensitive skin and take the heat and itch out of a case of hives. Note: Be aware that this formula may slightly sting raw skin and will stain light-colored clothing. 2 cups fresh chickweed leaves and stems

½ cup purified water
¼ cup unflavored vodka
½ teaspoon vegetable glycerin

EQUIPMENT: Blender, spatula, finemesh strainer, fine filter, funnel, glass or plastic bottle
PREP TIME: 15 minutes
STORAGE: Refrigerate; use within 2 weeks
YIELD: Approximately 1 cup

APPLICATION: 3 or 4 times per day Chop or tear the chickweed into small pieces before putting it in a blender along with the water, vodka, and glycerin. Blend at low speed for about 10 seconds, then at medium speed for 20 seconds or so. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the blender (and free the blades, if they’re clogged with plant matter). Add a bit more water if needed to thin the mixture. Blend again for approximately 15 seconds, until the mixture becomes a bright green slurry. Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh strainer or strainer lined with a fine filter such as muslin or, preferably, a paper coffee filter. Press or squeeze the herb to release all the valuable liquid. Discard the marc. Pour the liquid into a storage container. Label and refrigerate. You will notice that after 2 days of storage, a brownish-green liquid will separate out from the otherwise murky liquid. That’s normal, so no worries.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: Shake well before using. Soak a small cotton pad or square of cotton flannel with the juice and gently dab onto the affected skin. Allow to air-dry. Repeat this procedure 3 or 4 times per day. Bonus Fresh chickweed juice can be applied directly to any hot, red abscessed tissue such as boils, bedsores or skin ulcers, and blemishes, as well as infections, cuts and scrapes, insect bites and stings, poison plant rashes, dermatitis, weeping eczema, and psoriasis.

PEPPERMINT & LEMON BALM ITCH RELIEF SPRAY

Herbal hydrosols are the watery byproduct of steam-distilling plant materials, most often resulting from the manufacture of essential oils. They contain medicinal properties in a much less concentrated form than essential oils, yet deliver most of the beneficial components of the whole plant without potential irritation, plus they come in a convenient spray form. I use them for all manner of skin problems. My nerves tend to get jangled by anxiety and anticipation, so I often get an irritating case of itchy, red hives on my chest just before I have to do a lot of traveling and speaking. To help calm my skin, I have used the following hydrosol blend for years with good results.

½ cup lemon balm hydrosol
½ cup peppermint hydrosol

EQUIPMENT: Spritzer bottle
PREP TIME: 5 minutes
YIELD: 1 cup
STORAGE: Store at room temperature, away from heat and light; use within 6 months
APPLICATION: As desired Combine the lemon balm and peppermint hydrosols in a sprizer bottle. Cap, label, and store in a dark cabinet. There’s no need to refrigerate, but it feels even better when chilled.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: Spray on affected area as often as necessary for instant relief. Bonus This remedy brings great cooling relief when you’re experiencing hot flashes or you’re in need of a pick-me-up on a hot afternoon!