Everything you need to know about hives
If you have never experienced hives in your life, you might be shocked and alarmed to find your neckline and your face breaking out in flesh-colored or red welts. Even your kids might come home from school with an itchy rash all over their body.

What do you do next? The things that most people do is that either they search online, call a friend, or consult a doctor in order to find out how to get rid of the condition fast.

This health condition is also called urticaria and it mainly involves itchy red bumps appearing on the skin. These bumps range from being several inches to a few millimeters in diameter. Multiple bumps can appear to get connected and form large plaques on the skin. Majority of these welts go away in a day’s time with proper home treatment. However, there are some that can last for more than two days. These require immediate medical attention and a doctor’s consultation.

Below is some information about hives to help you understand this health condition better.

What are the different types of hives?

• Hives or urticaria falls into two main categories. The categories depend on the amount of time they have been present.
• Acute urticaria (ordinary hives) that resolve after six to eight weeks.
• Chronic urticaria continues longer than six to eight weeks.
• As hives are so common and ordinary hives, resolve spontaneously, generally, doctors do not spend too much time or expense in evaluating the cause of hives that last for less than eight weeks.

Are itchy red bumps on the skin a cause for concern?
Hives pictures depict that urticaria is nothing but a rash on the body. Despite the fact that these bumps are generally associated with certain allergic reactions, they can even be triggered by:

• Medicines
• Stress
• Underlying conditions like cancer and thyroid
• Insect stings and bites
• Cold temperatures
• Sunlight
• Infections

Identifying the triggers is quite important. If you are able to determine the triggers for your rash, you will be able to avoid contact with the triggers and thus prevent more of these bumps from forming on your skin.

When to seek immediate medical attention?
These welts fade within a time span of 24 hours and do not necessarily require any kind of treatment. Nevertheless, seeking immediate medical attention is important if you are experiencing any of the following conditions:

• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness
• Swelling in the face and throat

These might be the symptoms of a chronic allergic reaction and require emergency medical care.

What are the home remedies for treating urticaria?
There are many people who use different home remedies for treating hives. Some of the most effective home remedies for treating hives include:

• Adding oatmeal to your bath. Soaking in an oatmeal bath helps in soothing the skin. Taking bath in an anti-itch solution like baking soda baths or oatmeal baths can reduce skin irritation. You can even add witch hazel to your bath.
• Cold compresses are also very effective in treating urticaria. The sufferer can apply a damp and cool cloth on the area that has been affected. This will offer relief from itching and even reduce swelling.
• Avoiding products that can cause skin irritation can also help in getting rid of hives. There are certain soaps that can dry out the skin and result in itching. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the sufferer uses a soap that is available for sensitive skin. Stay away from products that contain chemicals that can irritate your skin. Lotions and moisturizers that tend to irritate your skin should also be avoided.

What are the natural remedies for urticaria?
If the home remedies for the condition do not provide relief, then try different natural remedies given below:

• Prepare a mixture of witch hazel by using an astringent for maximizing the tannins found in this herb. The tannins in this herb are effective in relieving irritation.
• Aloe vera can also be used for healing skin irritation and inflammation.