HIVES

HIVES, A COMMON NAME for urticaria, are raised patches of skin
somewhat circular in shape. You might see only one, or a whole crop that breaks out and lasts one to three days. They can be white, pink or red, as small as a shirt button or as large as a Frisbee. And they itch. Oh, how they itch! They may also burn or sting.

Hives are basically an allergic skin reaction, during which certain cells release histamine and other inflammatory chemicals. These chemicals make the small blood vessels in the area leak, thereby producing localised swelling called a weal. As the small arteries dilate, the skin reddens. If your allergic reaction involves other body systems, you might also appear flushed, wheeze and have swollen lips and eyelids.

Things that produce hives include certain medications, foods, insect bites and exposure to cold. Less often, inhaling animal dander, moulds and pollens can lead to hives as well as to respiratory symptoms. Rarer still, parasitic infestations, other infectious illnesses and cancer can produce hives.

WHEN HIVES ARE AN EMERGENCY
Call for emergency medical transport if you experience wheezing or difficulty breathing, along with swelling of your lips, tongue and throat. If you suspect a new medication has produced the hives, call your doctor. No matter what the trigger, bear in mind that, the next time you are exposed to that substance, you may have a much more severe reaction. To prevent this, you must identify and eliminate the cause of the reaction.

DRUG TREATMENT
Non-Sedating Antihistamines
Cetirizine (Zirtek), loratadine (Clarityn), acrivastine (Semprex), mizolastine (Mistamine, Mizollen), terfenadine (Triludan). Function: relieve itching without producing drowsiness. Side effects: dry mouth, nose and throat. Astemizole side effects: may cause disturbances in heart rhythm.

Sedating Antihistamines
Diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine maleate (Piriton), brompheniramine maleate(Dimotane), clemastine (Tavegil). Function: relieve itch and assist sleep. Side effects: drowsiness, dryness of mouth, nose and throat.

Other Drugs
Hydroxyzine hydrochloride (Atarax, Ucerax). Function: relieves allergic itching. Side effects: drowsiness, nausea, dryness of mouth, nose and throat.
Adrenaline by injection. Function: restores normal breathing when allergic reaction has impeded it. Side effects: jitteriness, trembling, rapid heartbeat.

Topical corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone (Cobadex, others), triamcinolone acetonide (Adcortyl), dexametasone (Decadron), desoximetasone (Stiedex), and others. Function: decrease inflammation. Side effects: uncommon when used short-term on a small area of skin.

HERBAL REMEDIES

Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
With its anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy properties, liquorice acts in a way that's similar to cortisol, the body's own anti-inflammatory hormone. Use whole liquorice, not the DGL, or deglycyrrhizinated, form. Typical dosage: up to six 400- to 500-milligram capsules per day; or 20 to 30 drops of tincture three times per day; or 2 cups of tea per day (simmer 1 teaspoon of dried chopped root in 1/4 litre of water for 10 minutes). You can also cool the tea and apply it to the affected skin with a clean cloth three or four times a day. Caution: limit internal use to six weeks. Do not use if you are pregnant or if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or a disease of the thyroid, kidney, liver or heart. If you are already taking corticosteroid allergy medications, consult a doctor before using liquorice.

Camomile (Matricaria recutita)
This effective anti-inflammatory herb also helps you sleep - a welcome attribute if the burning and itching of hives keeps you awake. Typical dosage: 3 to 4 cups of tea per day (steep 1 teaspoon of dried flowers in 1/4 litre of hot water for 10 minutes). You can also cool a cup in the refrigerator, moisten a clean cloth and apply it to your hives three to four times a day. Or brew about 4 litres of tea and pour it into a lukewarm bath (hot water usually aggravates itching). Caution: if you're allergic to other daisy family plants, you might be allergic to camomile. Apply the tea to a small patch of skin that doesn't have hives and wait 24 to 48 hours. If the camomile produces inflammation, don't use it.

Yarrow (Artemesia millefolium)
This flower is in the same botanical tribe as camomile and is also anti­inflammatory. Typical dosage: 3 to 4 cups of tea per day (steep 1 teaspoon of dried flowers in 1/4 litre of hot water for 10 minutes). You can use it externally in the same way as camomile, and the same cautions apply. Caution: do not use internally if you are pregnant.

Burdock (Arctium lappa)
This plant is a traditional treatment for skin conditions. The roots, seeds and leaves can all be used. Typical dosage: up to 3 cups of tea per day (steep 1 teaspoon of dried root in 1/4 litre of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes); or up to six 400- to 500-milligram capsules per day; or 20 to 30 drops of tincture three times per day.

Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)
Nettles may seem an odd choice to heal hives, because a serious case of them can result if you merely brush against the fresh plant. Taken internally, however, this plant somehow has an anti-allergy effect. If stinging nettles grow near your home, wear thick gloves, long sleeves and trousers. Pick a couple of handfuls, steam them and eat as a vegetable. Typical dosage: 1 to 2 cups of tea per day (steep 1 teaspoon of dried leaves in 1/4 litre of hot water for 10 minutes); or up to six 400-milligram capsules per day.

Aloe (Aloe vera)
If you grow this plant, slice a leaf lengthways, scoop out the inner gel and apply as needed to your hives. It will reduce inflammation and feel cool and soothing on irritated skin. You can also use a commercial preparation of pure aloe vera gel, preferably one without artificial colourings or preservatives.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
This spice's strong anti-inflammatory powers come with a helping of heat, so you might not want to use it if your skin already feels hot. Typical dosage: up to 2 cups of tea per day (simmer 1 teaspoon of fresh grated root or 1/2 teaspoon of dried root in '/4 litre of hot water for 10 minutes). You can also cool a batch to sponge on to your skin.