What is hives?

Hives are red or inflamed bumps or welts that appear on the skin. The rash is usually itchy and sometimes feels like it's stinging or burning. Also known as urticaria, hives often appear due to a reaction to a substance that causes allergies (referred to as allergens). In terms of appearance, hives can appear anywhere on the body and can look like tiny little spots, blotches, or large connected bumps; 'wheals' are typically round or oval and can get bigger, spread, and join together to form larger areas of flat, raised skin. It can occur in both adults and children. People who are known to have allergies are more likely to get hives.

The usual treatment method is to take antihistamine tablets to calm the inflammation. However, in holistic medicine, it is believed skin ailments such as hives originate from a root cause. A holistic practitioner will often test or try various methods to ascertain what is causing an outbreak of symptoms. The good news is there are plenty of ways to improve or possibly eradicate symptoms altogether with natural medicine, including proper nutrition, supplementation and herbs. Please see a doctor if you experience any of the following additional symptoms:

• Wheezing

• Tightness in your chest or throat

• If your mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat start swelling

These indicate a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) and require immediate medical attention.

When triggered by an allergen, the body will release high levels of histamine and other chemicals to be released in your skin.

There are different types of hives:

Acute hives: acute hives account for most cases of hives and tend to not last beyond a few days to one week or two.

Chronic hives are welts that last for more than six weeks and return often over months or years.

Hives triggers:

Infections can cause hives in some people. Viral infections cause more than 80% of all cases of acute hives in children.

Common allergens include:

• Some food (especially peanuts, eggs, nuts and shellfish)
• Medications, such as antibiotics (especially penicillin), aspirin and ibuprofen
• Insect stings or bites
• Psychological stress
• Physical stimuli such as pressure, cold, heat, exercise or sun exposure
• Latex
• Pet dander
• Pollen
• Dust mites
• Leaky gut
• Histamine intolerance
• Mast Cell Disorders
• Acute or chronic infection

Chronic hives may be a symptom of an underlying health problem, such as:

• Celiac disease
• Lupus
• Type 1 diabetes
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Thyroid disease

Quercetin Nettle Complex – The main natural sources of quercetin are foods such as onions, and broccoli; fruits (apples, berries, and grapes); some herbs; tea; and wine. It has been seen to calm an over-reactive immune system via various different pathways [i]. Likewise nettle has been shown to have calming properties[ii].

Z Gel - All Purpose Healing Gel - Z-Gel all purpose soothing gel is an all-purpose soothing topical gel made from a synergistic blend of organic plant extracts. It is well known for its ability to soothe many ailments of the skin.

Cleanse Tea (20 sachets) – Made with organic aloe vera, dandelion, fennel, liquorice, nettle and peppermint, cleanse tea is a refreshing blend to help rejuvenate and support the liver. Good liver health supports healthy skin[iii] [iv].

Other home remedies and lifestyle suggestions include:

Aloe Vera - Try Aloe Vera Gel (200ml)

Try adopting stress management techniques such as breathwork, deep breathing, meditation or journalling[i].

Oatmeal can reduce inflammation when applied in creams or in a compress. Oats are naturally high salicylic acid[ii].

Acupuncture can reduce symptoms [iii].

Other supplement recommendations include vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin D and fish oil[iv].

• Smooth Synergy (50 caps)
• Vitamin C 500mg + Zinc
• Eskimo Extra (50 caps)
  

Testing options

Intestinal Permeability Profile - this is a great option to check the health of the gut lining. This test looks at zonulin. Zonulin is a protein that is synthesized in intestinal cells and liver cells, it is used as a marker for intestinal permeability. Increased intestinal permeability is a likely cause of various illnesses, such as allergies[v].

Food Sensitivity Test (Dietary Antigen Test) - Intolerances are very much a different immune marker response than allergies, which can develop and change over time. Both intolerances and allergies may be involved in a hives flare[vi].

As part of our nutrition consultations, we will aim to get to the root cause of symptoms. Gut health will be addressed; thyroid, inflammatory, and micronutrient markers may also be tested.

Dietary recommendations that you may explore with a practitioner include:

• Removal or avoidance of any identified environmental trigger (ie. Dust mites or pollen).

• Removal or avoidance of any identified food allergies or sensitivities

• Implementation of a therapeutic diet:

• Standard elimination diet

• Low-histamine diet

• Low-Salicylate/low-Tyramine diet

Hives and rashes are not the same. Hives are a type of rash, but not every rash is caused by hives. Hives present as red or flesh-toned bumps that can change in size, shape, and colour. Whereas rashes appear mainly red in appearance. However, differentiating these conditions can sometimes be difficult for the untrained eye. Other diseases which may be misdiagnosed as hives include:

• Contact dermatitis
• Allergic eczema
• Psoriasis
• Lupus
• Clusters of bug bites
• Viral and bacterial skin infections such as impetigo

If your symptoms are severe or chronic, or causing concern, please notify your GP.