Symptoms

Hives, also known as nettle-rash or urticaria, are patches of white welts against a red surface. Hives usually develop quite suddenly, beginning small and spreading quickly. They can also disappear and recur somewhere else. While they tend to burn at first, later they itch tremendously. In more serious cases, the mucous membranes of the mouth, lips and tongue are affected. Hives become most problematic if they spread to the intestinal or respiratory tract, causing *cramps and *diarrhea, or breathing difficulties similar to an *asthma attack. Usually, hives eruptions are not serious. They typically resolve without treatment in a few hours or days. If they do not appear to improve within that time, a less-common chronic form of *rash is suspected and a medical doctor should be consulted. (see also Allergies)

Causes

A wide variety of *allergic substances is responsible for hives. They can appear locally as a reaction to an external cause, such as an *insect bite or sting, as well as to temperature extremes, emotional pressure and excessive scratching. More frequently, hives occur as a response to the ingestion of certain foods, especially shellfish and food additives, or medications, particularly penicillin and aspirin. Preservatives, flavorings, colorings and stabilizers in foods are often the source of these rashes, as are milk, strawberries, eggs and nuts, to name just a few. Even intense exercise, *stress or getting too hot can induce urticaria. It is important to look at overall health, especially digestion. Poor digestion from inadequate amounts of stomach acid, and excessive permeability of the intestinal walls are possible problems for people with allergies. Coffee, cigarettes and alcohol can aggravate hives.

If hives persist, a tooth *abscess or other hidden bacterial infection could be the cause.

Nutrition

Because hives are often caused by the release of histamine from mast cells as a result of eating certain foods, changes in diet can help. Likely allergens are milk, fish, meat, eggs, beans, nuts and peanuts. Eliminate these from the diet, then reintroduce them one by one. Also avoid food additives, as they increase the number of mast cells in the skin and are a likely cause for the chronic outbreak of hives in children. Avoid cured meats, alcoholic beverages, processed cheese, chocolate, citrus fruits and shellfish. These foods contain vasoactive amines which increase intestine permeability, allowing irritants into the body.
All kinds of skin conditions benefit from essential fatty acids in the diet. Flax seed oil is an excellent source of the omega-3 essential fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid and also contains the other essential fatty acid, omega-6 linoleic acid. To heal the skin, add one tablespoon of freshly ground flax seeds to cereals daily or add cold-pressed, unrefined flax seed oil to salad dressings or on baked potatoes.

Nutritional Supplements

Although overall health should be improved by supporting the immune system and avoiding the source of the problem wherever possible, internal supplements can help tame allergic symptoms and prevent recurrences. Vitamin C and B12 are the main vitamins for treating hives. Beta-carotene is particularly effective for hives caused by the sun. Vitamin B12 is best taken by dissolving it under the tongue. The essential fatty acids are required in long-term treatment, as they build prostaglandins which are needed throughout the body for overall immune system function, as well as for healthy skin. Evening primrose oil is an excellent source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid.

Daily Dosages

• Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 1,000 mg three to five times daily


• Vitamin B₁₂, sublingual tablet, 100 mcg


• Evening primrose oil, two 500 mg capsules three times daily


• Quercetin, 500 mg three times daily


• Pycnogenol, 300 mg


• Curcumin, 500 mg three times daily

Herbal Remedies

Herbal remedies can help reduce the symptoms of hives without producing side-effects.

• Juice of stinging nettle leaves will in most cases cure the rash in a short while. Take 1 tbsp. three times daily.


• Some biological preparations, such as arnica and camomile, could cause hives in sensitive people.


• Horsetail, valerian, birch leaves, St. John’s wort, lemon balm and peppermint reduce inflammation and pain. Combine as a tea and take 3 cups daily.

Homeopathy

Source: Encyclopedia of Natural Healing by Siegfried Gursche and Zoltan Rona