Millions of people each year suffer from these types of allergic reactions. It is estimated that everyone will experience hives at least once in his or her lifetime. Welts from hives do not last more than one day.

Hives can be caused by anything that can be ingested, including medications such as antibiotics, penicillin, Phenobarbital, codeine and even aspirin. They can also be caused by insect bites such as bee stings or any other insect that has a stinger. Believe it or not, wearing clothing that is too tight can even cause hives.

Foods such as chocolate, strawberries, shellfish and nuts are the most common triggers.

There are medications that your doctor can prescribe for hives.

Antihistamines can stop the itch, allowing the itchy area to heal.

If the attack of hives is severe, corticosteroids can be used.

Cortisone creams and calamine lotion work well to eliminate the itch of hives, as does witch hazel and zinc oxide. Medical research has found that alkaline works well to take the itch away too.

There are also herbal remedies that can be used for the treatment of hives. It has been suggested that Red Alder tea can reduce the itching because the main ingredient is Astringent tannin. Anything that has an astringent in it can take the itch away.

Jewelweed is another herbal remedy that is excellent in taking the itch away when you have an outbreak of hives. Its healing properties take the itch away and bring relief quickly.

Studies have shown that the juice of papaya can inhibit the histamines that the body produces. By drinking this juice, you are helping your body to heal naturally.

One scientific study has shown that papaya inhibits the secretion of histamine. If you have hives, try juicing some papaya and adding it to some other vegetable juice, such as carrot or tomato, to make it more palatable.

If the hives are brought on by a life-threatening allergy, epinephrine can be injected directly into the body.

There are measures that you can take to reduce the risk of an outbreak of hives.

Try to keep your skin as cool as possible. Heat tends aggravate the skin.

Do not scratch. Resist all temptation to scratch, no matter where the hives are. This could aggravate them even more and could lead to infection. Wear loose clothing to give your skin a chance to breathe and heal.

There are many medications on the market today that can assist in relieving your symptoms. Whether it is conventional or herbal, there is a remedy for everyone.

Disclaimer: The information presented here should not be interpreted as or substituted for medical advice. Please talk to a qualified professional for more information about hives.