I Hate Hives!

Acute hives can develop very quickly and disappear very quickly, while chronic hives are more persistent, lasting for weeks or even months. While the outward symptoms of hives can be far more than aggravating and even painful, hives can also develop on the inside, affecting the heart, lungs, nasal cavity, larynx, throat and esophagus. You should definitely contact your doctor right away if you break out in hives. If you develop any of the symptoms below, go to the emergency room immediately:

While hives may seem like they are outwardly very itchy, if they develop inside, they can stop your breathing quickly. They are nothing to mess around with, even if you have experienced them before, because all cases of hives are not the same. Hives are basically a rash of raised, whitish-yellow spots on the skin surrounded by a red inflammation that is caused by too many histamines being released into the skin tissue.

That is why hives are treated with antihistamines such as Benadryl. Along with the antihistamine, you might also be prescribed a steroid such as Prednisone. These are very important. Especially with the steroid, you must take the prescribed dosage exactly like your doctor tells you to. It can be dangerous to suddenly stop taking a steroid. As we cover the list of natural complementary remedies, remember that these DO NOT replace what your doctor has prescribed for you to treat hives and/or allergic reactions.

ALOE VERA ~ I firmly believe that my aloe vera plant has saved my life this week! The aloe vera plant produces a gel that is very soothing, cooling, and comforting to the skin. You can take one leaf of the plant, slice it lengthwise down the middle, and smooth the gel over your skin in the affected areas. Along with topical treatment, I also found that drinking aloe vera juice that is sold over-the-counter is helpful in detoxing your body.