Triggers do not cause the problem, but they can aggravate symptoms, so patients should try to identify and avoid them.
This may include:
- abstaining from or cutting down on alcohol
- avoiding certain medications
- avoiding stress, if possible, perhaps with meditation or relaxation techniques
- choosing some soaps, skin creams, and detergents that are mild.
- Avoiding certain foods may help. Foods known to trigger histamine production include spinach, fish, yogurt, fish, tomato, processed, meats, chocolate, and strawberries.
Tips to reduce the irritation caused by hives include:
Keeping a record of flareups can help identify a trigger.
- wearing loose, light clothing
- avoiding scratching
- use soaps for sensitive skin
- use a shower, fan, cold water, lotion, or cool compresses to cool the area
- take an oatmeal bath with tepid water
- avoid known triggers
- Some sources recommend supplements such as quercetin and evening primrose oil, and vitamin C, D and others. It is important to speak to a doctor before using supplements, as these can trigger adverse reactions.