Urticaria can happen anywhere on the body, such as the trunk, arms and legs. Of those individuals who suffer from chronic hives, some 80 percent are counted to be idiopathic, the medical term which implies that no cause, allergic or otherwise, can be ever detected. However, treatment of Urticaria does tend to always debar such harsh effects, with medical professionals striving for the best.
One trademark of Urticaria is its tendency to alter size speedily and to move around, vanishing from one place and reappearing in other places of the body, often within just a few hours. Individual hives usually last 2 to 24 hours. An outbreak that looks striking, even appalling; first thing in the morning can be completely gone by noon, only to be back with full force later in the day. Therefore, it is always advised that even if one does not have evidence of hives atop the skin, it is best to show the doctor for examination purposes. The doctor will best know exactly how to establish the diagnosis based upon the history of one`s symptoms; as such, treatment of Urticaria and hives is very much necessary under all circumstances. At times, it is helpful to bring by a photograph of what the itchy rash looked like at its worst, in order to perfect and effective treatment of Urticaria.
A swelling and inflammation that might happen rather deeper in the skin and also poses every chance of accompanying hives, is referred to as angioedema. This may be witnessed on the hands and feet, as well as on mucous membranes (with swelling of the lips or eyes that can be as dramatic as it is brief). The goal of treating most cases of ordinary hives is to alleviate those symptoms as the condition melts away by itself. The most commonly used oral treatments for Urticaria are antihistamines, which help counterbalance the effects of the histamine leaked by mast cells. The principal side effect of antihistamines is however drowsiness. Several antihistamines are available without prescription as over-the-counter-drugs, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), had in doses of 25 milligrams and chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton), taken in a dose of 4 milligrams. These can be taken up to thrice a day, but because these medications can cause drowsiness, they are most often counselled to be taken during bedtime. Those who have them at other times should be especially careful and remain alert for adverse effects.
Loratadine, another effective cure for treatment of Urticaria (Claritin, 10 milligrams), is available over-the-counter and is less likely to stimulate drowsiness. Also approved for over-the-counter use is cetirizine (Zyrtec, 10 milligrams), which is moderately sedative in its impression. Some antihistamines come compacted with decongestant medication (Claritin-D, Zyrtec-D). The decongestant component is not however necessary to treat hives. Antihistamines that require a prescription include hydroxyzine (Atarax, Vistaril) and cyproheptadine, both of which tend to pretty much induce drowsiness. Prescribed antihistamines that stimulate humble sedation are fexofenadine (Allegra) and levocetirizine (Xyzal). At times, physicians combine these with other types of antihistamines referred to as `H2 blockers`, such as ranitidine (Zantac) and cimetidine (Tagamet). However, besides these mentioned treating and remedial measures for Urticaria and hives, physicians always choose upon individualising treatment plans to suit specific patients and amend them depending upon the clinical response.
Oral dispensing of steroids (prednisone, Medrol) can help severe cases of hives, at times looked upon as the only way out for treatment of Urticaria. However, such consumption of steroids must be observed on a short-term basis, as their usefulness is limited by the fact that many cases of hives last too long for steroid use to be extended unharmed. Other treatments have been used for Urticaria as well, including montelukast (Singulair), ultraviolet radiation, anti-fungal antibiotics, agents that restrain and held back the immune system and tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline, Elavil, Endep, nortriptyline, Pamelor, Aventyl, doxepin Sinequan, Adapin). Substantiation to support the benefit of such treatments in Urticaria and hives is although meagre. In ordinary instances, they are rarely needed.
Topical therapies for hives include creams and lotions which aid to numb nerve endings diminish itchiness and irritation. Some ingredients which can indeed accomplish this, much mandatory for treatment of Urticaria comprise camphor, menthol, diphenhydramine and pramoxine. Many of these topical preparations require no prescription at all, which is the further beauty for such application of remedies upon hives. Cortisone-containing creams (steroids), even strong ones requiring a prescription, are not very helpful in controlling the prickle of hives.
Finding an effective treatment for chronic Urticaria and hives can indeed be intriguing. In instances, wherein the trigger has been identified - such as an after-effect to a certain food, medication or physical stimulus - treatment primarily involves to avoid the trigger. If the chronic hives have been induced by an underlying health condition, they may improve when this very `underlying` condition is given a remedy. The symptoms of Urticaria can be treated effectively in most people with over-the-counter or prescription medications as generally are recommended time and again. Some of these everyday counselled medications for treatment of Urticaria might just pose a chance, which may not be suitable if one is pregnant, is perturbed with heart disease or is taking other medications such as the antibiotic erythromycin or the anti-fungal medication ketoconazole. If a non-sedating antihistamine does not work, the doctor might recommend taking a different type of antihistamine. These antihistamines, which can make one to be riddled with drowsiness, include Hydroxyzine (Atarax, Vistaril) and Diphenhydramine (Benadryl, others).
Other Medications
If antihistamines alone does not relieve one`s symptoms to the treatment of Urticaria and hives, other possible treatments include:
Oral Corticosteroids: Oral corticosteroids such as prednisone can aid in reducing inflammation, redness and itching - but are only used for short term for severe hives or angioedema, because they can cause serious side effects.
Tricyclic Antidepressants: Instances of this category include amitriptyline, nortriptyline and doxepin. These medications possess antihistamine properties and can help alleviate itching.
Epinephrine: For a severe attack of hives or angioedema, one might need an emergency injection of adrenaline (epinephrine) and a visit to the emergency room for clinical purposes. If one is down with repeated attacks, despite treatment, the doctor may prescribe and instruct how to use the adrenaline (EpiPen). He needs to carry this medication at all times for use in emergency situations for treatment of Urticaria and hives.
Naturopathic and Ayurvedic Treatment
Besides the strict allopathic and clinical treatment of Urticaria and hives, there exist some effective and long-lasting grand-motherly remedial measures for hives, more sophisticatedly stated as naturopathy in the medical domain. Indeed, the field of Ayurveda is also very much known to thoroughly exploit the natural ingredients for its curing outcomes. Treatment of Urticaria in Ayurveda demands a thorough understanding of naturopathy and it`s basic in the first place.
Naturopathy for Urticaria and its treating measures might incorporate within its bound:
•It is firstly advised to adopt an all-fruit diet for the beginning 5 days and to administer a warm water enema. He is recommended to drink liberal quantities of hot water. With gradual advancement of time, the patient needs to get onto a well-balanced diet with accentuation on raw vegetables and fresh fruits. As a warning measure, the patient is severely asked to stay away from all foods that are difficult to digest.
• Salt provides relief in Urticaria with digestive disorders. Approximately, 12 grams of salt should be dissolved in water and drank in recurrent periods. Later, upon having this salt water, the throat needs to be tickled to stimulate vomiting. It brings in relief and cures eruption.
•Utilising rose water in vinegar helps assuage severe itching in hives. As an efficacious treatment measure for Urticaria, he is counselled to mix approximately 35 millilitres of rose water with 25 millilitres of vinegar and dab it to the affected parts.
•Turmeric is an invaluable home remedy possessing antiseptic properties. As such, the patient is asked to blend 2 teaspoon of turmeric powder in water and take it at regular intervals for relaxing senses.
•Mint relieves itching in Urticaria. Due to its acknowledged properties, approximately 7 grams of mint and 25 grams of brown sugar has been recommended to be boiled and drunk.
•Naturopathic treatment for Urticaria details down intake and basking in fresh air and sunlight, quite essential and mandatory for gradual long-lasting relief.
•Lastly, he is strictly asked not to expose the already suffering skin to cold weather and cold water, which is sure to result in adverse effects.
Home treatment and remedial measures for Urticaria and hives exist in the dozen, with several of the household utilised items generally surfacing as most effective, when all else seems to fail. However, prior to the commencement of any such curing agents and their application, it is basically very important to identify the root cause of allergic reaction. Once he becomes aware of the triggering agent, it becomes very easy to wrestle with the almost won battle.
Some of the household treatments of Urticaria can comprise:
Urticaria can be treated at home applying various methods. Tough these methods ensure gradual healing but there are no chances of side effects.
Urticaria treatment by utilising cool compression: By applying a cool compression, it is known very much to help and also provide some alleviation from the pain and itch.
Urticaria treatment by utilising calamine lotion: By applying a calamine lotion all through the affected parts, it can grant one much relief from the irritating feeling.
Urticaria treatment by utilising milk of magnesia: Dabbing milk of magnesia on the lesions has been long recognised to furnish some relief and liberation from pain. As milk of magnesia is an alkaline solution, it helps in removing the nettlesome itchy sensation.
Urticaria treatment by utilising herbal tea: It is mostly witnessed that when one is down with hives and it`s massive botheration, he is generally stressed out and too much concerned with the skin. As such, the patient tends to loose one`s sense of calmness and the nerves are quite vulnerable. As such, pacifying the nerves is one of the most crucial things to do, as stress makes the matter worse. Drinking peppermint or passionflower tea is known to bring about remarkable effects. As an alternative, one can also try chamomile, valerian and catnip, which also soothes the tensed and taut nerves.
Urticaria treatment by utilising cornstarch: To stop the continuous sensation of itching, the patient is advised to get 1/2 a tub filled with warm water, add 1/2 cup cornstarch and 1/2 cup baking soda to the remaining ingredients. Later, soaking oneself at least once a day in this blended water can bring in a lot of difference.
Urticaria treatment by utilising aloe vera gel: Applying aloe vera gel or vitamin E oil to the hives affected area at least twice a day can benefit the patient a lot, identified as one of the most efficient home treatments of Urticaria.
Urticaria treatment by utilising nettles: Drinking nettle tea which needs to be prepared by 2 tsp. powdered stinging nettles and dollops of added honey or lemon to add flavour, is also known to bring about long lasting good effect upon hives.
Urticaria treatment by utilising cayenne pepper: Consuming cayenne pepper capsules have been exhaustively recommended to help the faster healing procedure of hives. As an alternative home remedial measure to Urticaria, one can also have vitamin C, vitamin E or zinc for quicker relief.
In order to effectively exploit the methods of treatment of Urticaria and hives, one is always asked to stay away from allergen triggering foods. A diet for hives needs to be a perfect one, which should not contain food items like eggs, strawberries, berries, peanuts, nuts, chocolates, cheese, tomatoes, soy products, shellfish and many more. In order to identify various other foods that might again trigger off the allergies to the utmost, he is also recommended to find out those foodstuffs that one is allergic to and thereafter, avoid having it.
Acupressure and its various mysterious and yet relaxing measures that are utilised for treating Urticaria and hives, have been in prominence since a long period of time, precisely in India. Acupressure treatment of Urticaria demands massaging the trapezius points of the affected body parts, exactly those areas from where one can find some relief. This trapezius muscle can be found in the exact upper back area, between the neck and shoulder. By rendering vital pressure further, it may clear the red and white ringed patches of the body.
Homeopathic treatment of Urticaria and hives is another domain that perhaps can bring about the most combined format of relief, by utilising both medicinal as well natural remedies for curing on a long-tern basis. Commonly referred to as Chaapa-ki in native Hindi hives, just like with any other nettlesome disease, homeopathy practically has a solution to everything it keeps its hands on. Homeopathy, as such, possesses an exceedingly promising role in the treatment of chronic Urticaria and hives. The long term results with homeopathic medicines are pretty encouraging and sustainable, mostly keeping the patient contended and happy.
Although homeopathic treatment for Urticaria is time consuming and not very immediate like its allopathic counterpart, a patient can indeed gradually reach a stage where this problem can be exterminated from the root. Two likely medicines that are mostly ranked at the top, for treating Urticaria from its foundation are Sulphur and Astacus Fluviatilis. Sulphur is an extremely crucial homeopathic medicine for treating chronic and obstinate hives however, as a warning measurement, it needs to be remembered that Sulphur can act as a `double edged sword` and must be used only under strict directions of the homeopathic physician. Apis mel (manufactured from the bee sting) is another homeopathic medicine that is often employed with tremendous success in homeopathy for treating chronic as well as acute forms of Urticaria. Apis mel is also known to be effective in treating Urticaria where angio-oedema (swelling) is also very much apparent.