How to alleviate the itching of chronic spontaneous hives

ahsan65@gmail.comAugust 12, 2025

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How to alleviate the itching of chronic spontaneous hives

One of the most frustrating symptoms of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is undoubtedly the hives that itch that seem to come out of nowhere.

“This is called spontaneous because you do nothing to make the hives appear,” explains Allen Kaplan, MD, professor of clinical medicine at the South Carolina Medical University in Charleston. “You can go to bed, feeling good, without rash, and wake up covered with hives.”

CSU hives usually last 12 to 24 hours at a time. In the meantime, there are ways to relieve itching. Continue to read to learn how.

What to do when you can’t stop scratching

With an appropriate treatment of an allergist, a dermatologist or an immunologist, as well as advice below, itching often dissipates.

1. Tell medication to your doctor

Treatment at the first choice of CSU is a daily dose of a second -generation over -the -counter or prescription antihistamine. First generation antihistamines are not recommended because they can cause drowsiness and easily interact with other drugs, explains Dr. Kaplan.

Antihistamines, commonly used for allergies, reduce the activity of histamine receptors which would otherwise increase to produce red itching on your skin.

Almost half of the people with CSU who take antihistamines note an improvement, often in just two or three days, explains Kaplan. They work better when taken regularly. Talk to your doctor best medications and doses for you. You can consider reducing the medication once you have spent three to six months without exploding in hives.

If the antihistamines do not itch the itching, explains Kaplan, other options include omalizumab, an anti-inflammatory drug that is issued by injection every four weeks, and Dupillumab, a biological that helps stop inflammation.

Sometimes an immunosuppressant medication called cyclosporin is prescribed out of the label for the CSU, but it is only used when other treatments have failed, explains Kaplan. (This medication is used to help people with organ transplantation to avoid organ rejection.) This is no higher choice, as it can increase blood pressure levels and interfere with kidney function.

2. Apply a cool compress to your skin

Run a clean toilet glove under cold water, by stirring excess water and place the fabric on your itching skin. Leave it in place for about 10 to 20 minutes. This should help reduce inflammation in the region, attenuating itching. (But don’t do this if the cold seems to trigger hives for you.)

3. Don’t scratch your skin

As tempting as it is, try not to scratch the itching area. This can only cause more irritation, which can worsen the epidemic. Some doctors also recommend cutting your nails regularly, as short nails are less likely to feed bacteria causing infections.

4. Rethink the use of pain relievers

Yes, itching can hurt, but pain relievers can cause more harm than good. Indeed

Perhaps because the drug inhibits cycloxygenase-1, an enzyme involved in inflammation.

This starts a chain reaction of immune system events that can cause hives for some people.

“Generally, it is preferable to avoid NSAIDs, but if you know that taking it does not affect hives, it is normal to use,” explains Kaplan. If you have seen another condition that causes chronic or occasional pain, ask your doctor the best pain options for you. For example, acetaminophen should not worsen hives, explains Kaplan.

5. Consider food triggers

The CSU is generally not caused by the diet. But if you get hives after eating specific foods, tell your doctor about the possibility of food allergies.

While some small studies suggest that following a low mood diet – the one that restricts foods rich in histamine, such as cheese, chicken, fermented foods and tuna – can help reduce chronic hives, research is not conclusive.

Discuss all the concerns you have with your doctor. They could recommend testing a new food strategy for three to four weeks to see if it helps.

6. Try to reduce stress

About 1 in 3 people with CSU say that stress is worsening the disease.

Additional research is necessary, but some scientific evidence suggest that stress triggers the release of chemicals from the immune system that induce itching.

That said, Kaplan says it often goes the opposite: hives often cause stress. “Nothing relieves stress better than controlling hives,” he says. If stress on hives interferes with your ability to work or sleep, consider mental health advice.

The point to take away

Chronic spontaneous hives can trigger an intense itching that interferes with your quality of life.

Taking medication both over -the -counter and prescription can help keep hives remotely.

Other strategies, such as avoiding NSAIDs and reducing stress levels, can also help alleviate itching.