What causes hives and how to get instant relief

Big, red itchy welts on your body… sounds terrible, right? Some people will get a one-off bout of hives but for some, it may re-occur continuously causing extreme discomfort. Pharmaceutical antihistamines may provide some relief but often the cause is not clear. 

We’re taking a look at what potentially causes hives and the natural therapies that may be used for instant relief. Read on to find out more.

What are hives?

The medical term for hives is urticaria. They are red patches of slightly raised skin called wheals occurring on any part of the body, often in groups. Hives are usually very itchy and sometimes sting. Each wheal lasts only a few hours before fading to normal skin tone. However, new areas may develop as others dissipate. The affected areas can range from being quite small to as big as a dinner plate.  Hives are common in both children and adults –  one out of every six people will experience hives at some time in their lives.

Due to the allergic nature of hives, people showing signs of severe reactions or anaphylaxis require immediate medical assistance from a healthcare professional.

What causes hives?

Allergic triggers

Hives are considered an allergic reaction with the immune system responding inappropriately to a chemical that should be considered harmless. There are many different causes of hives, the main involving an allergic reaction. 

Common food allergens that cause urticaria include shellfish, eggs, nuts, spices, bananas, apples, oranges, potatoes, parsley, carrots, beans and food additives. Other allergic causes include insect bites and stings, and a reaction to medications. In all cases, these factors trigger the release of histamine, allowing the capillaries to dilate and blood plasma to leak into surrounding tissues.

Non-allergic triggers

Other triggers may include emotional stress, heat, extreme cold, sweating, exercise, sunlight, water, pressure and friction. Autoimmune progesterone dermatitis (APD) is a rare condition where some women have allergic reactions to progesterone, a hormone their bodies produce during the second half of their menstrual cycle. These reactions can vary and may include skin problems including red patches, eczema, hives, swelling, and in severe cases, an allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.

How to get relief from hives… quick!

Identifying triggers

Sometimes this is easier said than done as the identification process may be a bit tricky. Think about what you were in contact with before the hives began i.e. grass, trees, insects or sunshine. Were you stressed, exercising or experiencing an extreme ambient temperature? If food allergens are suspected a skin prick test through an immunologist may provide immediate answers.

An elimination diet or keeping a food/lifestyle diary may help to draw connections.

Other treatments

For those unable to identify or avoid a known trigger, other treatments may include:

• Avoiding things that can worsen the condition, like aspirin, codeine, exposure to the sun, heat, and hot showers.
• Taking antihistamines, which are available over the counter. Depending on the severity, some people may need to take two to four tablets a day to control their hives. Be aware that some antihistamines may make you drowsy.

For chronic hives, your healthcare professional may prescribe other types of medication.

Supplements for the best relief from hives

Vitamin D

Vitamin D plays an important role in the immune system. Research suggests that it may also be linked to chronic hives. One study found that vitamin D supplementation has the potential to improve hives symptoms in people experiencing chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). 

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is another vitamin that is essential for skin health. Although not specifically tested on patients with hives, it's a common component in many skincare products, known for its anti-inflammatory properties and protecting skin from damage caused by sun exposure by acting as a free-radical scavenger.

Vitamin C

Although no studies have been performed on vitamin C in urticaria specifically, research has found it to play a role in skin health and other skin diseases. A diet rich in vitamin C may act as a preventative tool for those experiencing skin conditions but more research is required in this area

Quercetin

Naturally found in leafy greens, broccoli, berries, apples, raw red onion, wholegrains, beans/legumes and cocoa. It has been found to reduce allergic reactions by blocking the production of histamine and other inflammation-causing substances. While not specifically tested in cases of hives, the anti-inflammatory effect of quercetin has been shown in several studies.

Anti-allergy herbs

Although no herbs have been specifically tested on subjects with urticaria, there are some that have the proven ability to reduce histamine levels, reduce itch and skin inflammation. Aloe vera, licorice, chamomile and calendula have anti-inflammatory and soothing qualities which may be applied topically as a cream or taken internally.

It's important to note that while these natural substances may be helpful, they are not replacements for medical treatment and should be used in consultation with a healthcare professional, especially in cases of severe allergies or chronic cases of urticaria. 

Related reads:

• What is probiotic skincare? And what are its benefits?
• What is MSM? 4 health benefits of MSM supplements
• Can gut health affect your skin?

References

1. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/hives#about-hives  
2. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/anaphylaxis 
3. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/hives#causes-of-hives 
4. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hives  
5. Huang, Y., Ye, S., Bao, X., Yang, R., & Huang, J. (2022). Whole course of treatment of autoimmune progesterone dermatitis that had spontaneously resolved during pregnancy: A case report and review of the literature. Frontiers in Immunology, 13, 939083. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2022.939083 
6. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/allergy-testing  
7. Boonpiyathad, T., Pradubpongsa, P., & Sangasapaviriya, A. (2014). Vitamin D supplements improve urticaria symptoms and quality of life in chronic spontaneous urticaria patients: A prospective case-control study. Dermato-Endocrinology, 8(1), e983685. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4203568/
8. Keen, M. A., & Hassan, I. (2016). Vitamin E in dermatology. Indian Dermatology Online Journal, 7(4), 311. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4976416/ 
9. Wang, K., Jiang, H., Li, W., Qiang, M., Dong, T., & Li, H. (2018). Role of Vitamin C in Skin Diseases. Frontiers in Physiology, 9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6040229/
10. Dawid-Pać, R. (2013). Medicinal plants used in treatment of inflammatory skin diseases. Advances in Dermatology and Allergology, 3, 170–177. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3834722/