Many people with chronic hives are familiar with the concept of identifying their triggers—environmental and lifestyle factors that can worsen symptoms.
While some triggers are more obvious, such as exposure to certain substances or temperatures, others take more time to uncover and can be related to stress, diet choices, and even the seasons.
It is important for anyone who experiences chronic hives to be mindful of how different aspects of their environment affect them. Recognizing your own personal hives-inducing triggers can help you find better management strategies for dealing with hives flares and ultimately lead to a greater sense of control over the condition.
Table of Contents
Avoid your triggers; if you can’t avoid them, try to limit your exposure.
One of the most important things one can do to manage hives is to be mindful of potential triggers. While it’s often difficult to identify exactly what causes hive outbreaks, recognizing potential danger signs and developing a plan on how to minimize exposure, if not avoid it entirely, can help bring relief more quickly.
This may include maintaining records of hive outbreaks, making lifestyle changes like avoiding sun exposure and stressors, analyzing diet and allergies, and seeking professional help when necessary.
All said, everyone reacts differently to different triggers, so building a plan that works best for you is the way forward in hive management.
Take antihistamines—over-the-counter or prescribed by a doctor.
Taking antihistamines, either over-the-counter or prescribed by a medical professional, can help reduce hive outbreaks. Antihistamines work to block the action of histamine, a chemical released during an allergic reaction that causes symptoms like hives. In fact, antihistamines are often the first choice of treatment for hives, as they’re well-tolerated and widely available. Consult your doctor about the best antihistamine for you and whether this type of medication is appropriate for your hives outbreak.
Apply topical corticosteroids; these can help reduce inflammation and itching.
Topical corticosteroids are an effective way to treat hive outbreaks due to their anti-inflammatory and anti-itching properties. This type of medication is easy to apply and can provide quick relief from hives-related symptoms such as itching, redness, and discomfort.
It is important to speak with your healthcare provider before beginning any new medications, especially if you have existing health conditions that may be affected.
Use cold compresses; this can help soothe the skin and reduce swelling.
Cold compresses can be a particularly effective remedy for hive outbreaks. Applying a cold compress to hives on the skin helps to calm inflammation and provides relief from the itching and swelling associated with hives. This can, in turn, help to soothe the skin and reduce visible irritation. Additionally, hives may spread over time, but using cold compresses can prevent this from occurring by preventing hive flare-ups and treating existing hives more efficiently.
Drink plenty of fluids; this will help keep your skin hydrated.
Drinking plenty of fluids is essential for maintaining healthy, hydrated skin. Our bodies are comprised mostly of water, so staying well hydrated helps keep our skin in optimum condition, which is especially true when hives break out. Hives, which cause burning and itching sensations in the skin, can be exacerbated by dehydration. To ensure that hives don’t become a problem, making sure to drink enough fluids on a regular basis is key. Drinking at least 8 glasses of water per day as part of an overall healthy lifestyle can help ward off hive outbreaks and allow you to maintain beautiful, radiant-looking skin.
While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to managing hives, following these general tips should help you find some relief. If your hives are severe or persist for an extended period of time, be sure to consult with a doctor. In Salt Lake City, skin care companies specialize in providing high-quality skin care products and services. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and see how we can help you get your skin back to its healthy state.
