Urtacaria  (Hives or Prickly heat)

What you need to know:

Obviously, if you’re with someone who gets a severe attack of this condition affecting their breathing, the only thing to do is call an ambulance immediately.

If you’re the parent or carer of someone known to have these allergies, it’s important to know that they have their medication with them at all times and know how to use it. In the case of children, their teachers need to know of their condition and be given specific instructions on what to do if the child does have an attack. Brothers, sisters and best friends need to know, too - they’re often the first to see when something is going wrong, and they can often be lifesavers.

Typical triggers for this disorder include:

  • Alcohol
  • Aspirin
  • Allergies
  • Food sensitivities
  • Antibiotics
  • Extremes of heat and cold


In most cases, however, urticaria is just an irritating rash and there are natural remedies and preventative measures you can take to soothe inflammation.

The most useful Supplements:

  • Quercetin

400mg to 500mg 3 times a day
  • Vitamin B12

1,000mcg per day
  • Vitamin C

1gm 3 times a day
  • Lutein

10mg to 20mg per day

The most useful Herbs:

  • chamomile cream

As a skin preparation
  • Borage Juice

As a skin preparation
  • chamomile, Agrimony, Heartsease and Stinging Nettle

Tea made with two parts of Chamomile and Agrimony, and one part each of Heartsease and stinging nettles.
  • Nettle

Tinctures made from leaf not root.

Homoeopathy

The homoeopathic remedies Urtica urens and Apis can bring relief and the properly diluted Aromatherapy oils lavender and Melissa will also soothe the skin.

Other useful advice:

Ice packs can relieve the pain - unless it is caused by cold temperatures!

If your skin rash is caused by the sun, you need a diet rich in Beta-Carotene - which means all the bright orange, red and dark green fruits and vegetables.

In some cases urticaria can be triggered by aspirin and its derivatives - notably non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It’s worth asking your doctor or pharmacist if you suddenly develop this condition after taking these pills. If your reaction is severe, it’s best also to avoid berries, dried and fresh fruit and some nuts and seeds, which contain natural aspirin. A naturopath will advise you on how to replace the essential nutrients in these foods.

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The information provided by WIS is for guidance only. Whilst it is based upon the expert advice of leading professionals, and extensive research, it is not a substitute for diagnosis by a qualified professional. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist or qualified practitioner before making any changes or additions to prescribed medication.