Food is an essential factor of acute hives (those that develop to full crisis quickly). They are generally caused by the proteins of a food whether it is cooked or raw and the reaction is limited to the mouth and throat. Generally speaking there are six foods that cause approximately 90% of all food allergies in children—diary (milk), soy, wheat, eggs, peanuts (ground) and nuts (tree-walnut, pecan). Most often they grow out of allergies to milk, soy or eggs but generally take any nut or shellfish allergies into adulthood with them.

Disorders of the immune system can cause hives as well as autoimmune disorders such as systemic lupus (account for about 50% of all cases) which are caused by an immune response against the tissue of one’s own body. It is not understood why the immune system mistakes its own tissues and cells for invaders as it would a virus or bacteria.

Treatments for hives typically concentrate on safe and effective ways to deal with the symptoms. Homeopathy remedies are safe, natural solution to hives. They are made with natural ingredients that tend not to cause drowsiness or negative side effects.

Herbs and botanicals such as aloe vera can aid in reducing inflammation as well as being a soothing relief to the skin. It can be applied directly to the affected area from the leaf or in the form of creams or lotions that can be gently applied for temporary relief. Those involved in alternative medicine recommend aloe juice as a means of addressing the body’s internal imbalances in a more direct manner. Another good all round herbal aid for hives is chamomile.  This, too can be used as a cream for immediate relief or as a tonic as it eases stress which is another known hive trigger.

Many sufferers of allergies rely on medications known as antihistamines. They relieve itching and reduce outbreak intensity. Usually tablets can be taken but for more severe cases there are injections and/or inhalers for those who require immediate attention.

Those who are afflicted with hives are also susceptible to anxiety and stress worsening the condition. Where children are concerned an inhaler is recommended although many adults are seeking alternatives responses such as relaxation therapy. These can consist of deep breathing techniques, yoga and/or low grade aerobic exercises.

Chronic hive sufferers should make an attempt to change their diet to a more hive friendly one high in fiber to ensure proper digestion and immune function. For those who are sensitive to the sun the carotenoids in dark colored vegetables will improve the skin’s resistance.  As essential fatty acids can help to reduce inflammation cold water fish such as salmon should be eaten several times a week; also consider nuts and avocadoes.

Drink water throughout the day. Hydration is one of the best ways to keep the body in good health. It not only helps encourages health to every cell of your body but it flushes the body of the toxins that can be a factor to your condition.

Although hives occur in all ages they are generally more prevalent in young adults. The reaction leading to hives involves the release of histamine from mast cells. In about 75-80% of all hive cases the cause is never discovered. The most common causes of chronic hives are food sensitivities, stress, drug reactions or fungal/yeast infections

Over 90% of the population has an adverse reaction to Candida albicans, one of the major fungal/yeast factors. That might seem odd when you realize Candida normally and naturally resides within the colon along with several other types of bacteria, fungus or parasites. Although Candida can cause adverse affects to people including hives they serve their purpose by cleaning up toxins and waste in the body as needed. Also growing within the same vicinity are beneficial bacteria whose sole purpose is to keep Candida and other bacteria (unfriendly) under control. The problems arise when the not so friendly yeast begin to outweigh the friendly.

Approximately 10% of Candida sufferers develop hives, eczema, asthma, chronic vaginitis, diarrhea and/or abdominal cramps. Outside of hives and other skin disorders there are immune system disorders, chronic inflammation, extreme fatigue, yeast infections in women, gastrointestinal tract (gas) disorders, panic attacks, psoriasis, dry, itching skin, dermatitis/ dandruff, swollen lips, throat or tongue, urinary tract/prostate gland problems and/or a white coated tongue (thrush).

If your hives are the result of a Candida induced histamine release one of the first things you should do is go through detoxification. It is one of the best ways to clear up fungal/yeast infections, and is how the body can effectively get rid of the toxins and sugar overload Candida feeds on. Detoxification consist of several days of fasting or limiting the bodily intake to fruit or vegetable juices while drinking plenty of water to flush the system. It takes anywhere from 3-14 days depending how bad the infection is or the timeframe you are working within.

Probiotics, live microorganisms similar to the beneficial organisms living in the colon already, and called friendly bacteria as well, are used in complementary/alternative medicine (CAM) to aid in cases of Candida related hives. This is seen more so than ever since it was realized there are cells in the colon directed connected to the immune system.

Because probiotics are known to reduce the severity of the allergies Candida/hive sufferers can supplement their diet with them. They aid in the body’s biochemical processes of strengthening the immune system to combat allergies, especially in conjunction with essential fatty acid such as flaxseed, borage seed or fish oil.

Vitamins and minerals such as calcium, iron, and magnesium are essential not only for bodily function but healing as well. Other micronutrients (trace minerals) are often lacking in people who have been diagnosed with allergies resulting in hives or Candidiasis.

Hives have been around long enough for many home remedies to be tried and true. And for those who suffer long term or chronic hives the gambit has been run as they search for ways to relieve itching and swelling from multiple welts or patches of irritation.

Of course getting to the root of the problem is paramount for most chronic sufferers but relief is at the top of the list as well considering that some symptoms are so severe they are able to stop people from being able to productively work or have a normal home life.

Some people who on a day to day basis live with hives have learned to prevent outbreaks by avoiding the allergy, environmental or stress triggers that cause their hives to appear. Overtime they have learned that if it is the sun they cover up when leaving the house.  If it is working in the garden they wear gloves and don’t stay out for long periods at a time. Or if it specific foods they read labels and are careful when eating in unfamiliar places. It is their defense mechanism;   their way to live as normally as possible.

Most hives, even chronic cases clear up on their own—usually within 36-48 hours, although chronic cases can last up to a year or more. Most cases of hives are not life threatening. They come, and are gone with little invasion other than topical inconvenience. If they appear on the face, lips, around the eyes or in the throat they can become serious and even life threatening.

Aloe vera can reduce inflammation and is soothing to the skin, as does the herb chamomile. You can gently apply either in cream or lotion form directly onto the hives for temporary relief. There are several topical creams sold over the counter as well as prescriptions that your doctor can recommend. For areas where itching persists there is calamine lotion for a quick fix.

By drinking aloe vera juice as directed you can begin to address the issue of an imbalance in the body. Chamomile tea will ease stress; replace your coffee with it.  And drink plenty of water as it will work to help keep the body flush of toxins which are notorious for causing hives.

Eating home-made yogurt or yogurts purchased with live proactive bacteria (probiotics)—also known as acidophilus, can help rid the body of inflammation. Use garlic whenever possible as it contains compounds that are anti-viral and anti bacterial. Foods rich in vitamin C help by repairing cells and skin tissue that are damaged and in eliminating the free radicals which could be adding to the problem. Quercetin is a bioflavonoid found in many fruits and a number of vegetables that contain antioxidants to help fight pathogens. The polyphenols in green tea are as helpful to many people as antihistamines are.

Meditation induces physical relaxation as well as mental awareness. Yoga is known for its ability to combine stretching exercises with controlled breathing for relaxation. Exercise helps dispel stress hormones from the bloodstream and stimulates the release of endorphins.

A good introduction to basic home treatments for Hives, for everyone who hates reading !!

Urticaria is commonly regarded as the result of an allergic reaction—more specifically a reaction to a pathogen (foreign to the body) that triggers histamine release within the body. As the histamine (fluid) is released from blood vessels under the skin it pools together to create the bumps, welts and patches characteristic of hives.

Hives often strike suddenly; they can appear anywhere and usually disappear just as quickly. The first indication is an itchy area on the body followed by redness. Soon the redness gives way to swelling which can lead to burning or stinging as well as the itching.

Although hives can be cause by a number of things (some unknown) common factors are food additives, chemicals in foods themselves (eggs, dairy and some nuts or seafood) drugs (even NSAIDs), household products such as cleaning aids or detergents or other environmental factors such as exposure to heat, sunlight or cold and/or insect bites/stings.

Stress and anxiety can also be instrumental in a reaction that causes hives. All humans respond to threats by either fighting or fleeing (instinctive). While deciding which path to take the body gears up for whatever the response may be. Extra stress hormones (adrenaline as well as cortisol and noradrenaline) are secreted, the heart begins pumping faster, breathing quickens, blood pressure rises, digestion slows and perspiration increases.

By taking physical action the body automatically exhausts the stress hormone. If you, however, do nothing or if in the case of excessive histamine release (for reasons unknown) the stress chemicals often remain in the bloodstream. Creates further anxiety, in many it results in hives.

If you are aware that it is stress—young mothers with four kids under eight years of age, competing for a coveted position or rank in your company or sports field, take measures to help overcome the symptoms the body is experiencing. Change your lifestyle if need be—and let it start with the diet.

The way in which we eat as well as what we eat both, play an important part in our body’s health. If stress and hives seem to go hand in hand in your life eliminate processed foods from your diet along with white flour/sugary foods and those high in calories or fat. Incorporate, instead, foods such as fruits and vegetables from the produce stand, lean cuts of poultry and cold water fish, legumes, nuts and seeds. These will ensure that the digestive system is working well and in turn give our immune system the back-up it needs.

Treatments such as stress management, deep breathing exercises and good old fashioned physical exertion will do more for the body then most give them credit for. Exercise on a regular basis is one of the best stress-reduction techniques you can implement. It improves health, relaxes tense muscles, improves blood flow (getting oxygen filled blood to every inch of the body) and enables a good night’s sleep. It also guarantees the sugars and oxygen your brain requires to function properly and with clarity, will be delivered.

Hives have two main characteristics—they itch and they swell. They vary from the size of a pimple to the entire chest or back area. They can appear individually or join together to form large patches. They can appear for a few hours or last days before fading or just disappearing.

Hives form as an adverse reaction to histamine–a chemical and part of the body’s natural immune system, being released in response to pathogens that are foreign to the body. Histamine is needed in order for capillaries to be able to accept the white blood cells and various other compounds necessary to withstand the invasion of pathogens.

Multiple factors are involved in histamine release—allergic reactions, insect bites/stings, chemicals in foods, food additives and coloring, exposure to sunlight, heat, cold and/or medicines can all cause the process. It is a normal part of our immune’s defense but as those who suffer hives with none of the above as a viable cause, they can be a mystery.

One possibility is the digestive system’s inability to function correctly. For whatever purpose, the waste is being forced from the skin’s excretory system rather than through the colon and eliminated in the normal fashion. If this is the cases the skin is hit with pathogen from all sides.

The aim of a lifestyle or dietary change is to help the body reach and/or maintain optimal immune system health. In many cases a complete dietary revision is essential to solve the problems of chronic hives since food borne chemicals and/or antigens are likely involved. And unfortunately, there are no tests that can reliably identify them.

Check food labels carefully. Stay clear of excess food additives in processed foods as well as yellow #5 food coloring (known to cause hives). Do not take medications such as Bufferin, Excedrine, Alka-Seltzer or Anacin as they all contain aspirin. Also watch those containing salicylates such as Pepto-Bismol.

Since hives are triggered by the histamine release increase the consumption of foods that are high in vitamin B3 (niacin), which has the ability to inhibit its release. Good sources of niacin include seafood, poultry, seeds/nuts and whole grains—including cereals and breads. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help flush toxins.

Quercetin is a bioflavonoid found in apples, raspberries, red grapes, cherries, citrus fruits, black and green tea, red wine, onions, broccoli, and leafy greens (apples, cherries and berries can cause allergic reactions, so take care) that have beneficial antioxidants to help fight pathogens. Green tea has polyphenols that are beneficial to some as antihistamines.

Those affected by hives should try a high-fiber diet which will automatically improve digestion and reducing the necessity of using skin to expel toxins. Deeply colored vegetables–high in carotenoids will aid the skin in resisting the sun rays. Cold water fish should be eaten several times a week as essential fatty acids aid in reducing inflammation.