What Are Some Dermatological Cures for Hives?
If you’re plagued by frequent hives and you don’t know what to do about them, it’s absolutely maddening. Fortunately, we have many dermatological solutions to this problem listed below.
A lot of these methods are home remedies that you can try yourself using over-the-counter products. We’ll also explain what a dermatologist can do to help with your hives.
Even those with chronic hives can experience relief through daily medication and other treatment options. Learn all about how to get rid of hives by reading this guide.
How to Treat Hives
Treatment for Occasional Hives
For most people, hives only happen once in a while. If you fall into this category, here’s what to do when hives show up.
Determine and Avoid Your Triggers
If you can find out what triggers your hives flare-ups, you can avoid breakouts. Common triggers include allergies, stress/anxiety, and overheating.
Unfortunately, there’s no guaranteed medical method for determining the cause of your hives. However, your doctor can try an allergy panel to test you for certain allergies. Aside from this, you’ll have to think about your past flare-ups and what factors they have in common.
Apply Anti-Itch Creams
Over-the-counter anti-itch creams can help immensely with symptomatic itching. Calamine lotion and hydrocortisone are usually effective for this purpose.
Take Antihistamines
Antihistamines should inhibit/reverse the reaction that causes hives. However, some of them, like diphenhydramine, can make you very sleepy and impair daily activities like driving. You’re better off taking an all-day antihistamine like loratadine (Claritin) or cetirizine (Zyrtec).
Cool the Skin
Heat might be causing your hives. Try cooling the affected skin with ice cubes to reverse the reaction.
Let Your Skin Breathe
Smothering your skin can also contribute to hives. If you feel hives coming on, try to air out your skin before the hives break out.
Treatment for Chronic Hives
People with chronic hives experience a flare-up almost every day. While the cause is unknown, there are many treatment options available.
Non-Drowsy Antihistamine Medication
If over-the-counter allergy medication isn’t sufficient, prescription options are available. Speak to your local dermatologist for more details.
Anti-Inflammatory Medication
Anti-inflammatory medication is only prescribed for severe breakouts of hives, and only as a short-term solution. These drugs are extremely effective at reducing the swelling and itching caused by hives.
Immunosuppressant Medication
Sometimes, even the most powerful antihistamine treatment isn’t enough to stop the overreactive immune response that’s causing your hives. In this case, your doctor may need to prescribe immunosuppressant medication to keep your immune system in check.
How Can a Dermatologist Help With Hives?
This guide is not an adequate alternative to the professional help of a licensed dermatologist. Each case of hives is unique and requires personalized care. Only a dermatologist can provide the ideal treatment plan for your hives.
Do You Need Help With Hives?
Use the tips above to make hives go away fast. Furthermore, if you need additional help with hives, we’re here for you.
We offer full-service, in-house care as well as telemedicine treatment options. Request an appointment now!