What is anurticaria?
Urticaria is usually caused by an allergic reaction. It is described as a skin rash that can appear on any part of the body. It can be localized or generalized. It is usually a raised, red, wheal oftentimes extremely itchy.
What causesurticaria?
There are several things that can trigger than urticarial attack. Among them are the following:
- Food - the most common cause of hives. Usually lasts less than 6 months and most of the causative factor can easily be pinpointed.
- Physical - this is often caused by an inflammatory reaction due to extreme cold or heat. It can be caused by direct skin contact too like jewelleries, watches and even fabrics.
- Drugs - most common medicines that cause hives are some antibiotics and anticonvulsants.
- Stress - one's emotional well being is also very important to prevent hives. It is believed that stress causes release of histamine which is the chemical mediator basically responsible for the onset of urticarial attack.
Can it be prevented or treated without drugs?
Certainly, it can be basically prevented and relieved without using medications. Mild to moderate cases can be easily remedied at home. Localized attacks in particular can be controlled to relieve itch and discomfort.
The most important and the easiest way to prevent and treat it, is to relieve stress. Deep breathing and meditations can help a great deal because nothing is more relaxing than a sound mind. When you are relaxing and enjoying yourself, your body comes into more balance and hormonal imbalances that often causes stress will be relieved.
There are a number of natural treatments that are much preferred because it is less likely to have side effects. One of the most effective home remedy is taking an oatmeal bath. It can ease itching and calm down the inflammation. Oatmeal can be mixed with the water for bathing or it can be placed in a nylon stocking and added to the water for bathing.
Adding baking soda and a little cornstarch also does wonders and is also very effective in easing itch. Another common home remedy is the application of ice or ice cold water to relieve the pruritus.
Calamine lotion works to some extent too and is one of the best remedy at home. Another technique is to dab milk of magnesia on the affected part. The milk of magnesia is an alkaline which is much known for its itch relieving property.
Drinking of chamomile or valerian tea soothes the nerves. Drinking it every day may help prevent stress thus prevent urticarial attacks caused by stress. Application of aloe vera and daily Vitamin E, Vitamin C and Zinc intake will also lessen attacks.
If the urticaria is severe or generalized, it is always advisable to seek the help of medical practitioners who are experts in the treatment complicated cases. Relying on home remedy is not sensible and may cause danger to the patient who is suffering from the hives.
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