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Urticaria, also called hives or ‘nettle rash’, refers to raised, elevated, itchy bumps (wheals, also called welts) on the surface of the skin that result from an allergic reaction to certain allergens. Hives can be accompanied by burning sensations and stinging pain.
There is a wonderful scope to treat urticaria in homeopathy with natural homeopathic medicines. Homeopathy is helpful for treating hives that have surfaced recently (acute) as well as the ones that have been there for a longer duration (chronic). Homeopathic medicines initially help to clear the acute outbreak of wheals. These medicines help to heal the welts. Also, it provides relief from itching, burning, and stinging sensations. Subsequently, these medicines reduce the recurrence and severity of urticaria gradually.
How Homeopathy Treats Urticaria?
1 .Homoeopathy addresses the root cause: To overcome urticaria, homeopathic remedies act on the root cause of the problem. Urticaria is a result of a hyperactive immune system and overproduction of histamine in response to an allergen, leading to welts on the skin. There are also accompanying symptoms like itching, burning, and a stinging sensation. So, for complete treatment and cure, homeopathy optimizes the immune system and lowers the overproduction of histamine naturally.
2 Individualized Prescription:In homeopathy, there is no particular medicine that can treat all the cases of urticaria. Therefore, the most suitable medicine has to be administered from among the list of different medicines for urticaria as listed in homeopathic therapeutics. The medicines are administered as per the characteristic symptoms the individual shows, i.e., the specific type of urticaria, its trigger factors, and the factors that worsen & provide relief from its symptoms. Urticaria should be evaluated by only a qualified homeopath so that he prescribes the medicines depending on a case-by-case basis. Self-medication should be avoided.
3 .Natural medicines with no side effects: Homeopathic medicines are safe and natural. They have no unwanted adverse effects. The medicines are prepared from naturally obtained and highly diluted substances, which are gentle on the human body. With homeopathic treatment, the dependence on use of antihistamines and other conventional medicines is also reduced.
Homeopathy is recommended for mild to moderate cases of urticaria. In severe cases and cases of anaphylaxis, urgent treatment through conventional medicines should be sought, as it is a life-threatening condition and homeopathy has its own limitations.
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Top 10 Homeopathic Medicines for Urticaria
The top 10 homeopathic medicines to treat urticaria are Apis Mellifica, Natrum Muriaticum, Urtica Urens, Rhus Toxicodendron, Dulcamara, Astacus, Sulphur, Chloralum, Elaterium Officinarum and Fagopyrum Esculentum.
1. Apis Mellifica – Top Grade Medicine For Urticaria
It is a leading medicine for the treatment of urticaria. The key symptom of using this medicine is red, inflamed wheals with marked burning and stinging sensations. Itching is intense during the night. The wheals may be painful and tender to the touch. They usually appear as a result of heat. The Hives, which trigger in warm weather, are also indicative of its use. Other than that, Urticaria from an insect bite is another characteristic to use this medicine.
When to use Apis Mellifica?
The characteristic feature of using this medicine is red welts on the skin accompanied by a burning and stinging sensation.
How to use Apis Mellifica?
This medicine can be administered in 30C potency twice or thrice daily as per the severity of the symptoms.
2. Natrum Muriaticum – For Urticaria From Exercise And Heat (Cholinergic Type)
It is a very effective medicine for the treatment of hives that are triggered by too much exercise and heat. Those who need it get wheals over the whole body accompanied by excessive itching. The wheals appear like large red blotches. Burning and smarting sensations also appear in them. In many cases stinging sensation is also felt in the rash.
When to use Natrum Muriaticum?
This medicine is administered in cases of hives that are triggered by heat and excessive exercise.
How to use Natrum Muriaticum?
It is advised to take Natrum Mur 6X three to four times daily as per the intensity of the symptoms.
3. Urtica Urens – For Hives that Appear in the Same Season Every Year
Use of Urtica Urens is administered when it surfaces in the same season every year. Wheals are red with itching and a burning sensation. The patient constantly scratches the skin to get relief. There is a stinging sensation felt on the welts. Swelling of the face may appear along with the above symptoms in some cases. Nettle rash from eating shellfish is also indicative of using this medicine.
When to use Urtica Urens?
Urtica Urens can be used if there is a tendency to have hives in the same season every year.
How to use Urtica Urens?
It is recommended in a 30 C potency two to three times a day.
4. Rhus Toxicodendron– For Water-Induced/Aquagenic Type Urticaria
Rhus Tox is helpful for those who suffer from water-induced hives. Here, the patient gets wheals due to contact of the skin with water. The wheals are accompanied by itching. After one scratches, a burning sensation follows. Stitching pain is also an accompanying factor.
When to use Rhus Toxicodendron?
Rhus Tox is a wonderful medicine to treat hives triggered by contact of the skin with water.
How to use Rhus Toxicodendron?
This medicine can be administered in 30C potency two to three times a day.
5. Dulcamara – For Hives from Cold Air Exposure (Cold-Induced Type)
Dulcamara is suitable for cases of urticaria that is cold-induced. Those who need it get hives due to exposure to the cold air. They get red wheals on the whole body. It is accompanied by excessive itching. Needle-like pricking sensation is also felt on the wheals.
When to use Dulcamara?
Dulcamara should be administered to treat urticaria triggered by exposure to cold air.
How to use Dulcamara?
Use Dulcamara in 30C potency once or twice a day for the best possible results.
6. Astacus – For Urticaria Accompanied By Liver Complaints
Astacus is administered if urticaria is accompanied by liver complaints. The wheals appear over the entire body. They result in itching and stinging pain. It is mainly indicated in long-standing (chronic) cases.
When to use Astacus?
This medicine is an ideal prescription for hives accompanied by some liver complaints.
How to use Astacus?
One may use Astacus 30C once a day.
7. Sulphur – To Manage Itching In Eruptions
Sulphur is prominently administered to manage itching in the wheals on the skin. Most of the time itching gets better by scratching. The wheals may appear over the entire body. This is accompanied by an intense burning sensation, besides itching. In addition to this, stitching like prickling sensation on the skin is also felt. Formication sensation, as if an insect is crawling on the skin, is another accompanying symptom.
When to use Sulphur?
Sulphur can be considered to manage itching in the welts in cases of hives.
How to use Sulphur?
It is advised to limit the use of Sulphur 30C to just once a day.
8. Chloralum – For Urticaria From Scratching Skin (Dermatographic Type)
Chloralum is mainly recommended for dermatographic type of urticaria. Those who need it get welts on the skin if the skin is scratched. The patient complains of severe irritation, itching, and a stinging feeling. This medicine also helps those cases of hives that appear at night and get better during the day. In such cases, wheals are large and red, and sometimes accompanied by swelling of the face and the eyelid. The wheals have itching that compels a person to scratch until it bleeds. Apart from this, this medicine is also indicated when a complaint appears due to alcohol intake.
When to use Chloralum?
Use this medicine for urticaria if the disease is a result of scratching of the skin.
How to use Chloralum?
Chloralum 30 C can be taken once or twice a day.
9. Elaterium Officinarum – For Sudden Oedematous Urticaria with Violent Burning
Elaterium is indicated for very severe urticaria associated with sudden oedematous swellings, especially when the skin eruptions are accompanied by marked swelling of the face, eyelids, or lips. The wheals are large, raised, and may be associated with burning and stinging sensations. This medicine is useful when urticaria appears suddenly and spreads rapidly. The eruptions are often large, puffy, and accompanied by marked burning and stinging. It is especially useful when hives appear after exposure to damp weather or suppressed discharges.
When to Use Elaterium officinarum?
It can be used when urticaria is acute, and there is rapid swelling of skin or mucous membranes, especially after cold, damp exposure or gastric disturbance.
How to use Elaterium officinarum?
It is commonly prescribed in 30C potency, 2–3 times daily in acute cases.
10. Fagopyrum Esculentum- For Sun-Aggravated Itching with Erythema
Fagopyrum is one of the best remedies administered when there is marked itching of the skin, especially after exposure to sunlight. Skin becomes intensely itchy, red, and excoriated from scratching. It is often associated with gastrointestinal disturbances. The skin becomes hypersensitive, and there may be marked redness. It is especially useful when one suffers from urticaria due to exposure to sunlight or certain food items.
When to use Fagopyrum Esculentum?
It is administered in urticaria triggered by sunlight or heat, and when itching is a prominent complaint and there is nervous irritability.
How to use Fagopyrum Esculentum?
It is usually administered in 30C potency, one to two times daily, depending on the intensity of the problem. In recurrent cases, weekly dosing may be prescribed but under supervision.
What Are Its Causes?
The reason behind hives is usually an allergic reaction due to an overactive immune system. This reaction may occur from the consumption of certain food items or touching something to which a person is allergic. Hives are a result of the release of histamine (a chemical produced by the immune system during an allergic reaction to get rid of an allergen) from mast cells and basophils under the skin’s surface. This results in dilatation of blood vessels under the skin and inflammation. Following this, these vessels become leaky and cause fluid to accumulate under the skin, causing wheal formation and swelling. People who have allergic tendencies are at risk of hives. Other than allergies, hives may also result from other non-allergic conditions like stress, tight clothes and infections. Many a time, in over half of the cases, the exact causes and trigger factors cannot be ascertained.
What Triggers Urticaria?
The main triggers include consumption of foods such as eggs, nuts, and shellfish. Also, certain medications like some antibiotics, NSAIDs, even exercises, scratching, alcohol, and insect bites may also trigger it. Other triggers include sun exposure, stress, extremes of heat or cold, some intestinal parasites, animal dander, pressure on skin, dust mites, water application, and certain plants, such as poison ivy. In some cases, viral infections (like common cold, mononucleosis, hepatitis), and bacterial infections (urinary tract-infection, strep throat) may trigger it. Sometimes it can arise in patients who have thyroid and Celiac’s disease (a gastric disorder in which an immune response in the small intestine is triggered from eating gluten that damages the small intestine).
What Are The Signs And Symptoms?
1. Wheals: It is the major sign of urticaria.It refers to raised, elevated, smooth-surfaced, itchy bumps on the skin with clearly defined edges. They are itchy. Also, burning and stinging sensations may be felt.
2. Location of wheals: They may appear on the surface of the skin on any of the body parts. They may be localized, confined to one body part, or many, or may be present on the entire body.
3. Color of wheals: It may be pink, red, pale or skin-colored. On being pressed, they may turn white (blanching).
4. Size of wheals: They can be small, like a pinpoint or may be several inches big. They may also join and form larger ones known as plaques.
5. Shape of wheals:They may be round, oval or ring-shaped.
6. Duration: They usually disappear within a few hours and will not remain present beyond one full day.
7. Angiodema:In some cases, angioedema arises. This means swelling appears under the skin, mainly around the eyes, lips, mouth, and sometimes around the genitals, hands, and feet.
8. Anaphylaxis:Very rarely, hives may appear from a severe allergic reaction, and lead to anaphylaxis in which intense swelling of lips, tongue, and throat arises along with troubled breathing, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, and sometimes it may lead to fainting. Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening condition and thus it should be treated urgently.
What are the Various Types Of Urticaria?
There are two classifications of urticaria, based on the duration and based on the cause that induces it.
1. Based on Duration:
(a). Acute Urticaria – It lasts less than 6 weeks and its common causes include food allergies, drugs like NSAIDs and antibiotics.
(b). Chronic Urticaria – It may occur intermittently or even daily and it lasts more than 6 weeks.
2. Based on Cause (Inducible Types):
(a). Dermatographic – Urticaria arising after scratching the skin
(b). Cold Induced – Wheals triggered by exposure to cold air
(c). Heat-induced – Urticaria due to exposure to heat
(d). Cholinergic – Urticaria triggered by exercise, stress or hot bath
(e). Solar – Eruptions after exposure to sunlight
(f). Pressure Induced – Urticaria that is induced by pressure
(g). Aquagenic- Wheals triggered by water contact
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is urticaria contagious?
No, urticaria is not contagious. It does not spread from one person to another.
2. How long does urticaria last?
Acute urticaria lasts for a few days to weeks (less than 6 weeks). Chronic urticaria persists for more than 6 weeks and may continue for months or even years with recurrent episodes.
3. What are the common symptoms of urticaria?
The main symptoms include intense itching, red or skin-colored raised patches (wheals), burning sensation, and sometimes swelling of lips, eyelids, or face (angioedema).
4. Can stress cause urticaria?
Yes, emotional stress can trigger or worsen urticaria in some people. Managing stress can help reduce flare-ups.
5. What should I avoid if I have urticaria?
It is advisable to avoid known triggers such as spicy food, seafood, packaged food with preservatives, extreme temperatures, tight clothing, alcohol, and unnecessary medications without medical advice.
6. Is urticaria dangerous?
Most cases are mild and manageable. However, if there is difficulty in breathing, swelling of the throat, dizziness, or fainting, it may be a medical emergency and requires immediate medical attention.
7. Can urticaria be treated with homeopathy?
Homeopathy aims to treat urticaria by addressing the underlying cause and individual symptoms. Remedies are selected based on the patient’s constitution, triggers, and nature of eruptions.
8. Can urticaria come back again?
Yes, especially in chronic cases, urticaria can recur. Proper treatment, trigger avoidance, and lifestyle management can help reduce recurrence.
9. What lifestyle changes can help manage urticaria?
Drinking enough water, avoiding trigger foods, maintaining a stress-free routine, regular sleep, wearing loose cotton clothes, and keeping the skin cool can help manage symptoms.
10. What is the role of Vitamin D in managing urticaria?
Vitamin D helps regulate the immune system. Low levels of Vitamin D are commonly seen in patients with chronic urticaria and may increase the frequency or severity of hives. Removing the deficiency may help reduce symptoms in some cases. However, supplements should be taken only after proper medical advice.
yes i think i am suffering from uricaria. i suddenly feel acute pinch on any part of my back or arms or breast or any other part of the body. it is so acute at the time that i scratch the area only to know that it has aggrivated and red lines with my nails appear on the skin with burning sensation. It last for five to ten min. The whole area becomes red. after a while it fades and i am fine. I am 63 years old and female. I take citrizen and for two days i am comfortable. But from the third day it starts again. I have noticed that some frictions on the skin aggrevates the itching. For example the belt area or on the breast. But other places also. I was taking homopathic medicen from a doctor , White golies name not known for a year but from starting winters it has started again. Now from the last four days i have been taking formula d two tablets and echinacea two tablets. Please advise. thanks
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Dr
I am suffering from cholinergic urticariasince last 15 years which is heat induced and by physical work stress and labor during winter season . I cannot even move in sun light . I have used many antialergics and Homeopathic treatment with drus like urtica urens from last 3 years but no relief
Moving to cold place or in shade will bring normalcy
Please advise if any cure or treatment for those problem
Hello Dr,
This is the first time I have come across any writeup for Urticaria.
I am suffering from chronic Urticaria since Aug 2013.since then I am taking Livosys 5mg every alternate day.
It started while I was travelling to my office when I realized severe itching under my foot which was follwed by red bumps.
Couple of days ago first time I realized itching on my face. So I went to a physician and he have recomended few tests which includes Allergy profile comprehensive test. I would be getting the reports by Monday.
Now I would like to know if this is curable in homeo and the duration it will take.
Sir …mere ko pitti ki prblm h approx 1year s ..bar bar ho jati hai khujali aur jalan padti hai face pe jayda nikalti hai .
Sir help me plz I am very tired for this.help me sr
I have urticaria that occurs only at night and i have no idea what is triggering it, the red itchy-burning bumps mainly appear on the back of my legs, butt, and arms. Also, i was given a variety of blood tests which came back negative for any allergies.
Which homeopathy treatment would you recommend.
Sir
My problem Winter is very typical 10year old
Blood hot in body but region sun and runig
Hot blood .
Body hot and skin allergy
PLEASE treatment
Fast relief
Sir,
Its been 6 years that i suffering from sun allergy.Whenever i go out to direct sunlight or near to sunlight,after 10-15 min my exposed body part specially my face,arms,neck get itching sensation then its become red and swells.Then i need to give some cold compression like wet cloth on the affected area.After half an hour when the affected area got cool down all sign of allergy got vanish.No alopathy doctor give me any good result.Now about 10 days i am feeling my skin gets redness,swelling and itching as well as when i get any mild scratch on my skin.After few minutes its get normal.
I have searched on internet then i found my problem is similar to solar urtcaria and dermatograph urticaria.Please give me solution and treatment. Its all affected my professional life as well as my personal life.I am getting mentally down.please help me.
Hi sir, actually from last October I am suffering from pitti which started from lips swelling ,face swelling.i started taking avil initially and cetrazine later on.but it repeats itself after seven to eight days.
I have severe skin rashes and frequent swelling in my leg joints, feet and hands. I have taken allopathy medicines for a year and ayurvedic for 3 months and homeopathy for some time.
i have this problem for last three years.
allopathy medicines has lot of side effects. hence i have stopped the same.
i myself found some resons, but the list is very high. please find below:-
Wheat, maida, lemon, orange, sweet lime, basmati rice, biscuits, brinjal, capsicum, avarai(Flat Beans), Bottle guard cauliflower, yam, cabbage, yam, mango, moong dal, green moon dal, channal dal, corn, cashew, Badam, Pista, soya, ground nut, tomato, potato, plantain.
can this many items be allergic for a person.
if i still avoid i am getting rashes. if i take any of the above the rashes are very worse. i am getting swelling instantly if i take potato and plantain.
Hello, my 6 year old came up in hives and swollen lips. I don’t know WHAT caused it, what is the best solution in case of another attack? Thank you.
Sir.I have urticaria for the last three years.it is caused everytime when I go to school or market in the sun.also when I do some physical work which warms my body,my arms,back and legs form small red patches which cause immense itching and discomfort and when I go in shade,the patches gradually disappears in 4-5 min.I have used allopathy medicine ,then patanjali medicine for one month and now I’m using homeopathy medicines like apis mellifica and chelidonium majus for 15 days but it is not benefiting me.please suggest a permanent cure..I am in a state of complete discomfort due to this.
I am in the same problem… did u get any solution?
Same here….and its very very depressing….cant describe in words…..
My prostate Glands Are enlarged I have problem empty my bladder,I have yo go for urinate about six times at night,Please Advice.
Thank you Dr. Sharna for your information and treatment of urticaria. Dr. Sugathan Krishnan
Hi I was hospitalized with bleeding on my brain two years back. I was released after a month and found a 40mm circle had been cut into the left side of my head and patched. Whilst recovering at home I noticed my arms were swollen from all the drips being inserted. My arms were very itchy and had many small itchy bumps, The arms over time seemed to recover mostly but the rash went to my feet and the back of my thighs and legs. My skin where there was no rash is a bit like sandpaper. The rash feels like the itch from millions of mosquitos. I am unemployed and therefore cannot afford all the expensive cream treatment. I have today started treatment with my concoction of Flowers of Sulphur and Ingrams moisture plus. This has stopped the itch in one hour..
I have urticaria since 2012. I think i have urticaria due to foods like tometo, idli, dhosa, bread, etc. My serum IgE level is 650 (As per December 2016 report).In 2014 i have taken histaglobe injection and at that time i thought i cured it for 6 months. But after 6 months it came back.
I am taking ORIEL-M which contains
Montelukast Sodium IP eq. to Montelukast 10 mg
Levocetrizine Hydrochloride IP 5 mg
as a temparary relief.
Please suggest me a best suitable homeopathic medicine for my urticaria.
Thank you sir.
suffring from ulticaria
in night i am suffering from ieatching in whole body
Sir,
I am suffering from a very unique case of urticarial, which is trigerred after 7 pm and is particularly seen when I eat PAPAD.
Other details:
my skin is extremely dry .
it itches but no burning sensation
Doctor I am suffering from urticaria from last 3 years.
I’m using citrizine tablet for past years for relief.
I have consulted many doctors but got only acute relief not permanent.
Actually my skin gets red during evening and Clives are
formed so please suggest me some medicine for the treatment of same problem.
I am writing about my granddaughter who has had chronic hives for more than 5 months. She has been to the doctor several times and they have tried prednisone and also three different allergy medications. Each has been effective for a few days but the conditions returns within a week even when she is still taking the medicine. It began with whelps appearing on her arms, legs, back. Now she gets them on her face as well and in the past 6 weeks she has had 3 times that all of a sudden her upper lip swells and remains swollen for 12- 24 hours even if she takes immediately takes an allergy pill. The doctor has no idea what is causing her condition and we have been unable to determine any consistent triggers. She is very active- I would say that she tends to get them more when she is exposed to warmer conditions rather than to cold but putting ice on her lips or going to a cooler location does not relieve the condition once she has broken out.
Hi.. my mom is also suffering from angioedema from past three years. Suggest good doc to visit and medication. Home remedies? Please help me out
My number 9886969678
Sir I am having chronic urticaria since 1 years it aggrivates by evening around 6-10 PM and exp to cold which med and what power and reputation med sites me
Dr. Sharma, my teenager son gets really itchy after intense physical activity. He doesn’t get any bumps but he feels really hot and has to stop the activity. Which remedy would be helpful?