Health Tip: Coping With Hives

Suggestions to soothe the itch

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(HealthDay News) -- Hives are the result of an allergic reaction. They typically go away without treatment, but can be an itchy nuisance.

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The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests how to deal with hives:

• Don't let bath or shower water get too hot.
• Don't wear tightly-fitting clothing, which can irritate the skin.
• Take an antihistamine to help reduce hives and their symptoms.
• Milder cases of hives may not need any treatment.
• Severe hives may need emergency treatment with epinephrine.

-- Diana Kohnle