Natural Ways to Treat Hives Quickly

Written by Institute for Natural Medicine Staff

Medically Reviewed by Parris M. Kidd, PhD

Published June 24, 2025
Last Updated August 12, 2025

Most people will experience hives (also known as urticaria) at least once in their lifetime.¹ Raised pink or red welts appear after contact with a trigger, like an animal or a new medication. The swelling and itchiness that follow are a result of the immune system releasing histamine into the skin.

Hives can develop on their own or alongside other conditions, such as angioedema, where painful swelling affects the face, mouth, tongue, throat, or feet. Anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention, can also produce hives.¹

What causes hives?

Hives are often a response to contact with substances or stimuli. It’s one way the body reacts to allergens and other inflammatory triggers, such as pet dander, pollen, plants, sunlight, emotional stress, and certain foods. Hives can also be a symptom of infection or illness.¹

“Hives are a sign of increased histamine, usually as a combination of excess histamine intake, slow histamine metabolism, methylation defects, excessive intestinal histamine production, reduced antioxidant capacity, or mast cell activation,” says Astrid Boeckelmann, ND, a functional medicine doctor at Novomed Centers in Dubai. High-histamine diets, bacterial intestinal overgrowth, and exposure to environmental toxins (such as mold) may also be factors.

Acute or chronic hives

There are two kinds of urticaria: acute (temporary) and chronic (recurring).

Many urticaria cases are short-lived, resolving in 24 hours or less, especially if the trigger or allergen is eliminated. This is known as acute urticaria.

However, even in acute cases, new hives may appear on different parts of the body before the rash clears completely. Some episodes of acute urticaria can last up to six weeks before dissipating.¹^,²

Potential causes of acute urticaria include the following¹^,²^,³:

Medications: antibiotics and certain inflammation reducers, like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Medical treatments: radiation therapy or blood transfusions
Physical stimuli: exercise, tight clothing, or exposure to heat, cold, or sunlight
Viral infections: mononucleosis, COVID–19, and hepatitis
Bacterial infections: strep throat and urinary tract infections

Allergic reactions to latex, nickel, insect bites or stings, and certain foods can also produce acute hives.

When symptoms persist or recur over time and the trigger (or allergen) is unknown, lab testing may be necessary. “The issue is usually not one-time hives but hives that return without a known trigger,” Dr. Boeckelmann notes. This type of urticaria is called chronic or long-term hives.¹^,³

Although the culprit of chronic urticaria isn’t always known, recurring hives may be associated with these factors:

Medical conditions such as thyroid disease, hormone imbalances, or cancer¹
Ongoing exposure to allergens and environmental triggers
Anxiety, depression, or chronic psychological stress⁴
High levels of cortisol, a hormone that increases in response to psychological stress⁴
Underlying gastrointestinal inflammation⁵

What do hives look like?

person in red tee-shirt scratches red upper arm

Whether acute or chronic, urticaria often appears as raised bumps on the arms, legs, chest, abdomen, or back. Welts are red or pink on lighter skin tones and brown, purple, deep red, or skin-colored on darker skin tones. When pressed, the center of a hive may temporarily turn white, which is known as blanching.¹

Symptoms

Hives can appear anywhere on the body and may move around or change shape before disappearing completely.¹^,² Other symptoms include the following:

Mild to severe itching
Raised patches that run together
Skin that burns, stings, or feels warm
Swelling below the skin (angioedema)

When to see a doctor

Most hives are mild and can be treated with home remedies that relieve redness, itching, and swelling. However, some cases may be severe and even life-threatening, especially when accompanied by facial swelling or difficulty breathing.²

Anaphylaxis

Extreme hives may be a sign of anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Anaphylaxis can cause swelling of the lips or tongue, as well as trouble breathing, in response to certain foods, insect bites, and medications.¹ It’s crucial to seek emergency care if you think you are experiencing anaphylaxis.

Angioedema

Angioedema often requires urgent medical attention, as deep facial swelling can affect breathing and swallowing. A severe allergic reaction to a food, medication, or plant may be responsible.¹^,²^,³

Natural remedies for itching

If symptoms are mild with no signs of a severe allergic reaction, natural remedies may provide relief. These cases are typically treated at home using gentle solutions that soothe irritation, itchiness, and redness. To prevent further irritation, avoid scratching or rubbing the affected area. Scratching can trigger new hives, leading to even more itching and discomfort.¹

Cold water therapy

Cool water constricts blood vessels, curbing inflammation and helping to prevent further irritation.⁶^,⁷

A cool, wet compress is an easy at-home remedy for hives. There are two ways to make a cold compress:

Dampen a soft washcloth with cool water and gently drape it over the irritated area for 10 to 20 minutes.⁷
Wrap a cold pack or small bag of ice in a clean washcloth or towel. Place the cool compress over hives, and repeat as needed throughout the day.⁸

If itching and irritation are widespread, a cool shower or bath may be more effective than localized compresses. Water that feels comfortably cool is best, as very cold temperatures can sometimes trigger or worsen urticaria.¹^,⁷

Similarly, hot showers can irritate skin and trigger the release of adrenaline, which may induce urticaria.⁷^,⁸ Avoid showering or bathing in hot water until skin has healed.

Warm bath with colloidal oatmeal

Although hot showers can irritate the skin and exacerbate urticaria, a warm oatmeal bath may help relieve discomfort.¹^,⁷ Oats contain skin-soothing phenolic compounds called avenanthramides, which can reduce itchiness when used topically.⁹^,¹⁰

To prepare an oatmeal bath, add colloidal oatmeal (finely ground oats) to a tub of warm water. You can make your own with a food processor, grinding whole oats into a powder.

Anti-inflammatory treatments

In many cases, natural remedies such as cool compresses and oatmeal baths can provide temporary relief from itchiness and swelling. Over-the-counter creams and topical herbal formulas also calm irritated skin.

Calamine lotion

Calamine lotion is a commonly used topical treatment for hives, bug bites, and other dermatological conditions, like sunburn and eczema. It contains zinc and ferric oxide, which help soothe itchy skin and provide temporary, short-term relief.¹¹

Start by cleaning the affected area with a fragrance-free product. It’s essential to use gentle cleansers, as scented soaps can exacerbate urticaria.⁷

After carefully patting skin dry, shake the bottle of calamine to mix the solution thoroughly. Perform a patch test by using a small amount of lotion on your forearm. If no reaction occurs, apply the cream to the affected area using a cotton ball.

Witch hazel

yellow flowering Hamamelis virginiana tree

Witch hazel is an anti-inflammatory astringent derived from the Hamamelis virginiana shrub. The plant’s leaves and bark are rich in tannins, a type of polyphenol that may reduce inflammation and irritation when applied topically.¹²^,¹³

Fragrance-free witch hazel is available over the counter, or you can make your own with witch hazel bark. Be sure to perform a small patch test before applying the solution to a larger area of skin, as Hamamelis virginiana can occasionally trigger hives.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) is a succulent encasing a clear, polysaccharide-rich gel. It’s one of the most common home remedies for sunburn.

Acemannan, the primary polysaccharide in aloe gel, soothes and moisturizes skin.¹³^,¹⁴ Aloe vera’s other compounds (salicylic acid, flavonoids, vitamin C) also have anti-inflammatory properties.

Although more research is needed on aloe’s ability to treat hives, the gel is widely used to relieve pruritus (i.e., itching). It can be safely applied to the skin up to three times daily.¹⁴

To minimize the risk of irritation, especially with sensitive skin, apply a small amount of aloe to the inside of your elbow or forearm using a cotton pad. If no reaction occurs, it’s safe to apply the gel directly to hives.

Other promising natural treatments

A naturopathic treatment plan for chronic urticaria may include additional therapies depending on the underlying cause(s) and whether laboratory tests reveal abnormalities. In these situations, Dr. Boeckelmann treats accordingly with methylation cofactors, zinc, DAO (diamine oxidase) supplements, and glutathione. Other options for people experiencing hives may include binders and allergen avoidance.

“[When treating hives],” says Dr. Boeckelmann, “I usually start with a combination of stinging nettle, quercetin, vitamin C, and N–acetyl cysteine. [I may recommend] these as single-ingredient supplements or a formula, depending on individual needs and availability. Every situation is different.”

Four lifestyle changes to control flare-ups

Dietary and lifestyle changes may help naturally relieve hives and keep them from recurring:

Keep track of what you eat to identify potential reactions.¹
Eliminate poorly tolerated foods (e.g., high-histamine foods and additives) for four weeks.¹⁵
Avoid or minimize triggers such as stress, tight clothing, NSAIDs, and high heat and humidity.¹⁵
Supplement with low doses of micronutrients (vitamin D, vitamin B12, or iron, if deficient).¹⁶^,¹⁷

Eating foods with antihistamine properties may also provide relief. Experimental and early studies suggest that quercetin, a flavonoid in various fruits, vegetables, and other plant foods, inhibits the release of histamine and reduces allergic responses to triggers.¹⁸

Prescription and OTC medicines

If swelling, redness, and other allergy symptoms persist, stronger treatments may be recommended. Anti-itch creams and oral antihistamines are widely available. A doctor may also prescribe medications, such as oral corticosteroids and topical steroids.¹^,¹⁴

When used to treat urticaria, second-generation H1 antihistamines are usually preferred over first-generation agents. Other antihistamines (e.g., H2 antihistamines) may be added for a combined approach.¹⁵

Oral antihistamines can be used with corticosteroids for resistant hives. However, steroids are only a short-term solution. Longer use can cause weight gain, skin thinning, and other adverse effects.¹⁹

“I use cortisone cream only as the very last resort and if nothing else has worked,” Dr. Boeckelmann says. “It’s a temporary fix [for hives]. Not a solution.”

Allergy testing

Specialized testing may be necessary to identify hive triggers and causes. “I usually start with allergy scratch testing or blood testing for IgE–mediated inhalants, foods, and contact allergens,” says Dr. Boeckelmann, who also assesses bodily levels of homocysteine (for methylation capacity), DAO, whole blood histamine, copper, and zinc. “Copper and zinc [are] needed for histamine degradation,” she notes.

Footnotes

1
Hives. American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Updated June 11, 2018. Accessed May 14, 2025. https://acaai.org/allergies/allergic-conditions/skin-allergy/hives
2
Hives: Signs and Symptoms. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Updated May 30, 2024. Accessed May 14, 2025. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/hives-symptoms
3
Hives: Causes. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Reviewed May 30, 2024. Accessed May 14, 2025. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/hives-causes
4
Zhang H, Wang M, Zhao X, Wang Y, Chen X, Su J. Role of stress in skin diseases: a neuroendocrine-immune interaction view. Brain Behav Immun. 2024;116:286-302. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbi.2023.12.005
5
Zheleznov S, Urzhumtseva G, Petrova N, et al. Gastritis can cause and trigger chronic spontaneous urticaria independent of the presence of Helicobacter pylori. Int Arch Allergy Immunol. 2018;175(4):246-251. https://doi.org/10.1159/000487669
6
Esperland D, de Weerd L, Mercer JB. Health effects of voluntary exposure to cold water—a continuing subject of debate. Int J Circumpolar Health. 2022;81(1):2111789. https://doi.org/10.1080/22423982.2022.2111789
7
Hives: How to Get Relief at Home. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Updated May 30, 2024. Accessed May 23, 2025. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/hives-self-care
8
10 Ways to Get Relief from Chronic Hives. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Updated December 18, 2024. Accessed May 23, 2025. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/hives-chronic-relief
9
Perrelli A, Goitre L, Salzano AM, Moglia A, Scaloni A, Retta SF. Biological activities, health benefits, and therapeutic properties of avenanthramides: from skin protection to prevention and treatment of cerebrovascular diseases. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2018;2018:6015351. Published 2018 Aug 23. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/6015351
10
Allais B, Friedman A. Colloidal oatmeal part I: history, basic science, mechanism of action, and clinical efficacy in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. J Drugs Dermatol. 2020;19(10):s4-s7. https://jddonline.com/articles/article-colloidal-oatmeal-part-i-history-basic-science-mechanism-of-action-and-clinical-efficacy-in-S1545961620S00s4X
11
Joy N. Calamine lotion. J Skin Sex Transm Dis. 2022;4:83-6. https://jsstd.org/calamine-lotion
12
Piazza S, Martinelli G, Vrhovsek U, et al. Anti-inflammatory and anti-acne effects of Hamamelis virginiana bark in human keratinocytes. Antioxidants (Basel). 2022;11(6):1119. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11061119
13
Shenefelt PD. Herbal treatment for dermatologic disorders. In: Benzie IFF, Wachtel-Galor S, eds. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd ed. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press/Taylor & Francis; 2011. https://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92761
14
Gonçalves S, Fernandes L, Caramelo A, Martins M, Rodrigues T, Matos RS. Soothing the itch: the role of medicinal plants in alleviating pruritus in palliative care. Plants. 2024; 13(24):3515. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13243515
15
Kayiran MA, Akdeniz N. Diagnosis and treatment of urticaria in primary care. North Clin Istanb. 2019;6(1):93-99. https://doi.org/10.14744/nci.2018.75010
16
Mohamed AA, Hussein MS, Salah EM, et al. Efficacy and safety of active vitamin D supplementation in chronic spontaneous urticaria patients. J Dermatolog Treat. 2022;33(1):427-432. https://doi.org/10.1080/09546634.2020.1762838
17
Wu CH, Eren E, Ardern-Jones MR, Venter C. Association between micronutrient levels and chronic spontaneous urticaria. Biomed Res Int. 2015;2015:926167. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/926167
18
Aghababaei F, Hadidi M. Recent advances in potential health benefits of quercetin. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2023;16(7):1020. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph16071020
19
Liu D, Ahmet A, Ward L, et al. A practical guide to the monitoring and management of the complications of systemic corticosteroid therapy. Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. 2013;9(1):30. https://doi.org/10.1186/1710-1492-9-30

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Natural Ways to Treat Hives Quickly

In this article:

What causes hives?

Acute or chronic hives

What do hives look like?

Symptoms