Hives (Urticaria) – causes, symptoms and natural remedies

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Hives

Hives (also known as urticarial and Nettle Rash) is composed of reddish itchy weals or swellings in the skin similar to those resulting from contact with stinging nettle. Urtica is the Latin word for nettle. The rash can vary in shape and size. It can be very itchy and usually goes away within 24 hours. Nettle rash may occur repeatedly or as a single episode.

symptoms

  • Nettle rash usually starts out as an itchy spot on the skin
  • After a few minutes, the weals develop into areas of reddish blisters of varying sizes
  • The rash usually lasts for about two to three hours and can then disappear only to return in a different place.

Causes

In about 90 percent of cases, there’s no apparent cause. Sometimes, however, it’s possible to identify the cause of nettle rash. It most commonly appears to be because of an allergic reaction.

Any of the following may trigger symptoms

  • A particular kind of food that triggers an allergic response. Eggs, nuts, strawberries and seafood are some of the common culprits.
  •  Contact with pollen or fungal spores
  • Medicines, most commonly, non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, Insect Bites
  • Infections, which may be caused by viruses, parasites or bacteria
  • Contact with plants such as stinging nettles
  • Contact with animals or creatures, such as stinging jellyfish
  • Physical stimuli, such as feeling cold or warm, sunlight, water, sweating or pressure
  • Substances, such as perfumes, preservatives, colourings, nickel or tar

Supplements that may help

  • Aloe Vera Gel applied to help soothe and heal – particularly helps with the itching
  • Nelsons Aconite when the attack is severe
  • Vitamin C (3 x 500mg per day) – to flush out toxins
  • Echinacea  may act as a blood purifier, clearing the bloodstream of toxins
  • Nettle Tea to flush out toxins in the system