Is There A Non Drowsy Antihistamine For Hives
Yes, there are non drowsy antihistamines for treating hives! Allegra , Claritin , Xyzal , and Zyrtec are all considered newer antihistamines because they were designed to be safer than first generation antihistamines like Benadryl as they do not cause drowsiness, or have very limited drowsiness. These newer antihistamines are non drowsy and can provide ample symptomatic relief for as long as 24 hours.
If Hives Continue You May Need To See Your Dermatologist Heres How Doctors Treat Hives
If you have only one outbreak of hives and you dont have breathing difficulties, you probably dont need medical attention. Yet if you continue to get multiple bouts of hives that continue after a couple of weeks, you may want to call a doctor, Elmariah suggests. Most often, the hives will resolve during this time or youll figure out whats causing them.
But hives that continue for weeks warrant a trip to the dermatologist. If they continue for six weeks or longer theyre considered chronic hives, which tend to be caused by the same triggers as short-term or acute cases of hives. Because dermatologists are skilled at working with hives, theyre your best bet in getting the appropriate treatment, Dr. Rossi explains.
Can Hives Occur Anywhere Else
Hives can also cause deeper swellings in the skin and mucosa, this is called angioedema. These swellings are often bigger, last longer, may itch less, sometimes hurt or burn and respond less well to antihistamines. Large swellings over joints, for example, can cause pain that feels like arthritis, even if the joint is not involved. Angioedema most frequently affects the face and lips. Although hives and facial swelling can be uncomfortable and cosmetically embarrassing, they are not usually dangerous. Information on angioedema is available on the ASCIA website.
You May Like: Can You Get Hiv From Anal Sex
Best For Eczema: Aveeno Eczema Therapy Daily Moisturizing Cream
A daily moisturizing lotion is a must-have for anyone who suffers from chronically dry, itchy skin due to eczema, and Dr. Hayag recommends this one for everyday use. The fragrance-free cream contains colloidal oatmeal as its active ingredient and also contains petrolatum for an occlusive effect, which seals in moisture. Buying a three-pack saves money in the long run.
What About The Itching

Itching is an unpleasant sensation where the skin signals a reflex response to tearing of the skin. Modern research has shown that an itch has many similarities to pain, where both feelings are unpleasant, but the behavioral patterns differ. Pain creates a pain-reflex and itching creates a tearing of the skin reflex.
Itching can also come out from pain for example in case of excessive heat or electrical stimulation. Examples of causes may include insect stings, mosquito bites or allergies, that triggers the skins nerve system to send signals of irritation. Itching starts when there is a skin symptom, and applies to any kind of stimulation of the nerve terminals in the epidermis . Itching of the nose, eyes and ears can also occur and can be caused by allergic rhinitis.
An itch most common cause, is dehydration of the skin. Dry skin makes it susceptible for itching stress, excessive bathing/showering and cold weather can worsen it.
To help us understand what causes rashes were going to split into 2: Non-infectious rashes and infectious rashes. From there you can read more about a range of rashes that could potentially affect, or be affecting you.
You May Like: What Does Hiv Do To You
What Is The Best Way To Avoid An Allergic Skin Rash
The best thing you can do to prevent an allergic rash is to avoid contact with the allergen or irritant that causes the skin irritation. So if you think you will be exposed to something that will cause an allergic skin rash, wear protective clothing or gloves. If you do come into contact with the allergen or irritant, wash your skin immediately with warm water and mild, fragrance and dye-free soap. Pat the area dry and use a cool, wet compress to calm the area.
It is also best to avoid scratching the irritated, red skin as it can lead to a possible open wound that can get dirty and infected. You can use fragrance-free moisturizers or anti-itch creams like hydrocortisone or calamine to soothe your skin.
Most People With Hives Do Not Need Tests
Tests are sometimes done when hives go on for long periods, or when unusual symptoms are occurring around the same time. This is to exclude other diseases, which may appear as hives first, and other conditions later. If hives are associated with high fever, bruising, bleeding into the skin, purple lumps that last for several days, or sore joints, a doctors appointment should be arranged promptly.
Allergy testing is performed when the history suggests an allergic cause.
You May Like: How Quickly Can You Contract Hiv
What Helps Hives Besides Antihistamines
Hives generally go away in a few hours, but some people may live with chronic hives or regular episodes. Here are a few proven home remedies that can help soothe your itchy skin:
- Use a cold compress:Apply an ice pack or washcloth soaked in cold water to your skin for 10 minutes to provide rapid relief from pain and itchiness. You may repeat it several times throughout the day until symptoms subside.
- Use anti-itch cream: Calamine lotion, menthol, capsaicin or hydrocortisone creams are the most effective in quickly relieving skin discomfort. Other topical anesthetics such as lidocaine cream can provide relief against long term itching or pain.
- Take a cool bath: Heat can make itching worse while cool water can soothe the skin.
- Avoid triggers: If you are repeatedly experiencing episodes of hives, keep a symptom diary to help you identify foods, allergens , chemicals, activities or medications that might be provoking allergic reactions. Avoid any triggers that you discover in your diary.
Lastly, to learn more about itchy skin and hives, read Curist team member Waverlyâs story about her experiences diagnosing chronic hives and treating itchy skin.
Why Do Hives Get Worse At Night
The body produces substances, called corticosteroids, which naturally reduce swelling, redness, and itchiness. Corticosteroids are the bodys natural defense against hives. When we sleep, however, the body dramatically dials back its production of corticosteroids, so inflammatory conditions such as hives tend to get worse.
You May Like: Does Magic Johnson Still Have Hiv
How Long Does It Take For Hives To Go Away How Do You Get Rid Of Hives Fast
Hives are often a temporary skin reaction that can go away in 2 to 3 hours without treatment. However, in some people, hives can persist for weeks or months.
Even though hives typically resolve in a couple of hours, over-the-counter antihistamines are recommended as treatment options because they provide the quickest route to symptom relief. Anti-itch lotions, creams as well as topical anesthetics can provide instant relief from the pain and itchiness of hives, but they will not relieve the swelling or redness. Thus, antihistamines are best recommended for quick overall symptom relief.
Best Antihistamines For Hives 2020
If you have allergies, its likely that you develop hives at the turn of the seasons. Thats because allergens like pollen increase in the environment when seasons shift. Among all allergic symptoms, hives has to be the most problematic. Covering your body in itchy, raised patches of skin, hives can even develop inside your throat and under your eyelids.
Fortunately, resolving hives can be as easy as taking in the right medicine for it. Although, you might find yourself asking what exactly is the best antihistamine for hives? With so many options, it can be tough to choose. Make sure to get the best relief for your hives and end those itchy spots fast by using this buying guide to land the right choice.
You May Like: How Long Should You Wait To Get Tested For Hiv
What Is The Difference Between Hives Vs Skin Rash
Hives are a particular type of skin rash. They are raised, itchy red bumps that can be large or small in size. Skin rash, on the other hand, can take many other forms often characterized by changes in color or texture of the skin. They can cause your skin to feel rough and look scaly or cracked. Unlike hives, rashes donât always itch. Sometimes, they hurt or make your skin feel irritated, scratchy or uncomfortable.
Consider Combination Therapies For Chronic Itchy Skin
![8 Best Home Remedies for Hives to Relieve Itching [Naturally]](https://www.hivtalk.net/wp-content/uploads/8-best-home-remedies-for-hives-to-relieve-itching-naturally.jpeg)
Depending on the cause of your itchy skin, you may benefit from using more than one treatment. This may be especially needed in cases of chronic itching.
For example, chronic itchiness related to skin conditions like eczema may benefit from colloidal oatmeal baths, topical emollients, and anti-itch creams.
Before using a combination of therapies, be sure to talk with your doctor.
Additionally, certain lifestyle changes can also help relieve itchy skin. Consider the following:
- Wear loose-fitting clothing to avoid trapping moisture in your skin.
- Wear natural fabrics, like cotton.
- Avoid extreme changes in temperatures, especially during the summer and winter months. Keep your house cool and humid, respectively.
- Use lukewarm water while bathing, and avoid hot tubs.
- Manage stress as much as possible. Stress can increase skin inflammation and itchiness.
- in addition to using fragrance-free lotions, make sure that your soaps and detergents are fragrance-free, too
Read Also: How Can You Get Hiv And Aids
Check If You Have Hives
DR P. MARAZZI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/694159/view
This image shows white skin with the hives rash. The rash is on a child’s leg and hand. Their groin, in the top left of the photo, is not affected by the rash.
The skin on most of their thigh is pink, raised and bumpy. At the side of their thigh are deep creases in the skin.
Their hand is pink with some red patches between their thumb and finger and at their fingertips.
Elizabeth Nunn / Alamy Stock Photo https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-an-urticarial-rash-caused-by-an-allergic-reaction-to-penicillin-111762116.html?pv=1& stamp=2& imageid=261CE1C1-DA64-4EAE-8D55-1794DA842BD3& p=278658& n=0& orientation=0& pn=1& searchtype=0& IsFromSearch=1& srch=foo%3dbar%26st%3d0%26pn%3d1%26ps%3d100%26sortby%3d2%26resultview%3dsortbyPopular%26npgs%3d0%26qt%3dGDR5M4%26qt_raw%3dGDR5M4%26lic%3d3%26mr%3d0%26pr%3d0%26ot%3d0%26creative%3d%26ag%3d0%26hc%3d0%26pc%3d%26blackwhite%3d%26cutout%3d%26tbar%3d1%26et%3d0x000000000000000000000%26vp%3d0%26loc%3d0%26imgt%3d0%26dtfr%3d%26dtto%3d%26size%3d0xFF%26archive%3d1%26groupid%3d%26pseudoid%3d%26a%3d%26cdid%3d%26cdsrt%3d%26name%3d%26qn%3d%26apalib%3d%26apalic%3d%26lightbox%3d%26gname%3d%26gtype%3d%26xstx%3d0%26simid%3d%26saveQry%3d%26editorial%3d1%26nu%3d%26t%3d%26edoptin%3d%26customgeoip%3d%26cap%3d1%26cbstore%3d1%26vd%3d0%26lb%3d%26fi%3d2%26edrf%3d0%26ispremium%3d1%26flip%3d0%26pl%3d
This image shows light brown skin with the hives rash.
Why Should I Buy A Ointments For Itchy Face
You can tell if you need or want a ointments for itchy face by looking at your existing inventory. You probably dont need it and should reconsider buying it. If you cant get go of the old one, you could sell it and use the proceeds to buy the new one.This is a fun and easy approach to finish your task.
Final Thoughts
Lets face it, we all want to feel good about our purchases. But there are so many! How can you know which is best? You need not be concerned because Aids Quilt has your back. Our trained staff is here to help you find what works for you. Before making a final decision, you can take advantage of our free consultations.
Also Check: How Long Does Hiv Test Take
Graphites And Natrum Mur One Of The Best Homeopathic Medicines For Itching From Eczema
Graphites and Natrum Mur are very popular Homeopathic medicines for itching linked with eczema. Homeopathic medicine Graphites is used in cases of eczema with skin eruptions along with sticky, glutinous discharge attended with intense itching. For use of Homeopathic medicine Natrum Mur, the person must show eczema with dry eruptions or rawness of skin due to violent itching. The dry eruptions are mainly located in the bends of limbs, margin of the scalp and behind the ears. A person in need of Homeopathic medicine Natrum Mur may complain of worsening of skin itching with heat, sun exposure or even from taking too much salt.
What Is The Best Medication For Hives
While antihistamines are the first-line treatment, there is no best medication for hives. Patients may need to try more than one antihistamine to discover the most effective medication with the fewest side effects.
Best medications for hives | |
---|---|
Dose depends on weight | Kidney dysfunction, high blood pressure, unwanted hair growth |
Many of the standard dosages above are from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Health . Dosage is determined by your doctor based on your medical condition, response to treatment, age, and weight. Other possible side effects exist. This is not a complete list.
Also Check: Can You Give Someone Hiv If Your Undetectable
What Do Hives Look Like
Hives may start as a general red rash, but they soon form into raised patches on the skin that are pink, red, or the color of your skin. These are known as welts. The welts can be any shape or size, but they generally have a well-defined edge. The welts will frequently change location, size, and shape, disappearing in one spot only to reappear somewhere else within a matter of hours.
Your case of hives should resolve on its own within a day or two but will be intensely itchy and uncomfortable in the meantime. Some people experience chronic hives that last for six weeks or longer.
Will An Antihistamine Treat Both Itching And Rash
The good news is that an oral antihistamine tablet like levocetirizine can help relieve the itchiness and discomfort from a rash however, you will need to let your body heal the rash with time. In addition to an oral antihistamine, an anti-itch cream or moisturizer on your skin can help soothe any red, irritated skin and help you avoid the urge to itch. Scratching the rash could open the wound, allow it to get dirty, and lead to an infection, which will take additional time to heal and possibly require additional medications.
If you think you will be exposed to something that will cause an allergic skin rash and it cannot be avoided, you can take antihistamines beforehand to help prevent symptoms. For instance, taking antihistamines before visiting your friend who has a cat or dog, can reduce the itching and rash from hives produced from contact with the pets dander.
Read Also: Can You Get Hiv From Blood Transfusion
Sulphur One Of The Top Grade Homeopathic Medicines For Skin Rash And Itching
Sulphur is one of the top grade Homeopathic medicines for skin rash and itching. I have successfully treated a large number of cases of skin rash and itching with the use of Sulphur. Along with itching, the person may feel a burning sensation on the skin. This burning sensation worsens with further scratching. People often complain that the itching gets worse in the evening and at night or even from lying on the bed. Sulphur is one of the best Homeopathic medicines for skin rash and itching where such symptoms are noticed. In fact, cases of skin rash that have not found a cure inspite of local medication for a long time also respond well to this safe and natural Homeopathic medicine, Sulphur.
Treatments Doctors Use For Hives

Doctors usually prescribe antihistamines as a first course of treatment for hives. Acute cases can generally be treated with over-the-counter antihistamines like Benadryl, Claritin , Allegra , and Zyrtec .
If your hives are persisting , your doctor may move to another class of antihistamines called H2 antihistamines, including Tagamet , Pepcid , and Zantac up the dose of antihistamines or combine several antihistamines, Friedman says.
In some cases, your doctor may prescribe an oral steroid, such as prednisone, if your hives still arent responding. Oral steroids are stronger, but can cause more significant side effects than antihistamines.
If youre still not seeing results, your doctor may recommend even stronger medications, like an injectable prescription medication called omalizumab . Theres also evidence that some off-label drugs like cyclosporine , light therapies like narrowband UVB phototherapy, and vitamin D supplementation can help. Some studies, including one published in the April 2014 issue of the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, have shown that 4,000 international units of vitamin D a day is effective, Friedman says.
Its important to note that you shouldnt try taking high doses of vitamin D or any other off-label medication on your own without instruction from your doctor. No one treatment works for everyone, Friedman says. And for some, such therapies may not be safe.
Recommended Reading: When Did Hiv First Infect Humans
Homeopathic Treatment For Skin Rash And Itching
Homeopathy is a most beneficial mode of treating skin diseases. Homeopathic medicines for skin rash and itching treat both the conditions in a very mild and effective manner. In fact, Homeopathic medicines promise complete cure of skin rash and itching by eradicating the root cause. The Homeopathic approach to skin rash and itching is curative and not suppressive in nature. The most effective Homeopathic medicines for skin rash and itching in my experience are Sulphur, Psorinum, Apis Mellifica, Graphites and Petroleum.
Chronic Urticaria And Chronic Angioedema
Chronic urticaria and chronic angioedema last for more than 6 weeks .
In these conditions, a person will typically experience daily, or almost daily, symptoms without an allergic, infectious, or drug-related cause.
Chronic urticaria and chronic angioedema more commonly result from underlying medical causes, such as thyroid disease, cancer, or hepatitis.
Don’t Miss: What Is Hiv 2 Antibody
Hives Treatment: 9 Natural Home Remedies
Have you ever had red, raised, itchy bumps that came out of nowhere? If the answer is yes, then you likely have already experienced hives at some point in your life. Hives can really startle you when they suddenly appear on your skin. Most often they are due to some type of allergic reaction. Thankfully, theyre typically not long lasting and relatively harmless. But, sometimes hives can indicate a life-threatening allergic reaction, or they can become chronic.
How do you get hives? Hives are not something you can catch from anyone. Rather, they are your bodys response to something it ingests or experiences. The cause of hives can be a certain food, drug, infection or stress. You might be surprised to learn that stress is one of the most common causes of acute hives, along with allergies and infectious causes. Hives can literally occur at any age and appear anywhere on the body. It is estimated that one in every five people will be affected by a hives outbreak at some point in his or her life.