Hives for the most part are more annoying than they are dangerous. They affect about 20% of the population, most frequently people who already experience other allergic reactions. They appear as batches of itchy red bumps, with clearly defined edges and flat tops. The bumps quickly join together to form large flat areas of raised lesions. They will rapidly change in shape and size, which is unique to hives. Hives are usually caused by an allergic reaction, but can also be brought on by stress. They are the result of the body releasing histamines into the bloodstream in response to either a medication (frequently penicillin or aspirin), food (often nuts or shellfish), heat, insect bite, animal dander (usually cat), or emotional stress.

"Chronic hives" are hives that occur in episodes, daily or nearly every day, for more than six weeks. For a benign condition, hives certainly cause a lot of suffering for those that have them. As your doctor has probably mentioned, there is no identifiable allergy or underlying medical condition to explain chronic hives in about 85 percent of those who suffer from them.

Quercetin is a plant pigment that is found in leafy green vegetables, onions, apples, and other natural foods. Quercetin acts as a natural antihistamine, which can help reduce or even completely eliminate hives in many people. Herbalists recommend taking 500 milligrams of this natural remedy for hives twice a day.

Vitamin C is required for the formation of connective tissue and plays an important role in maintaining proper immune function central to the treatment of Hives. Several studies have suggested that Vitamin B12 may help reduce the frequency and severity of hives. Quercetin is a bioflavonoid which possesses beneficial antioxidant qualities which is useful in the treatment of Hives.

The essential oil of chamomile is an excellent first choice to treat hives, but if it's too expensive or you don't have any on hand, you can turn to an essential oil that decreases inflammation, such as lavender. The fragrance of either lavender or chamomile oil can also be very calming to someone who feels that they are going to go mad from the itching.

A person with hives shouldn't take hot baths or showers, this aggravates the skin, she should try cold water compresses instead, or a cold shower. Tight clothing or underwear, any skin irritation, will trigger more outbreaks. The symptoms will only be intensified if a woman gets hot or sweaty; for this reason it is advisable to avoid exercise.

The Benadryl will stop the sypmtoms, though. Follow the directions on the box. Some hives are caused by allergies to such things as foods and medications, but the large majority of cases are not allergic, and no specific cause for them is ever found. The most commonly used oral treatments are antihistamines, which help oppose the effects of the histamine leaked by mast cells. Topical therapies for hives include creams and lotions which help numb nerve endings and reduce itching. Some ingredients which can accomplish this are camphor, menthol, diphenhydramine (Benadryl), and pramoxine.

Sandalwood essential oil is especially used in Native American medicine wherein it is believed that hives are a fiery condition. This essential oil is well known for its calming and cooling effects. As such, many herbalists refer to Sandalwood as a sedative for the skin.