Urticaria is a skin condition characterized by the sudden appearance of wheals (cutaneous swelling of variable size) on body associated with itching and a burning sensation. The lesions typically appear over the course of minutes, enlarge and then disappear within hours. Up to twenty percent of the population experience urticaria at some point in their lives.
This condition is nothing but an allergic manifestation on the skin. It is a hypersensitivity reaction which is manifested because of exposure to some allergens.
This condition can be acute or chronic. Acute urticaria is a condition, where an itchy rash suddenly develops. The rash may be triggered by an allergy, or by another factor such as heat or exercise. In most cases the rash lasts 24-48 hours and is not serious. Chronic urticaria is defined as urticaria that persists for longer than 6 weeks and can be symptom of an underlying health problem, such as thyroid disease or lupus.
In Ayurveda, this condition is known as Sheet Pitta (cold bile disease). It can be caused due to disturbed Pitta and aggravated Vata and Kapha.
Other common names
English: Hives, Nettle rash;Ayurvedic: Sheet pitta;Hindi: Pitti, Julputti, Chakatta
Reasons and Symptoms of Urticaria
There are few possible reasons for urticaria. These include temperature difference, parasites, allergen, etc. Usually this occur in cold season after an attack of cold. Few such reasons are listed below.
- Drinking cold water after exercise
- Taking bath after coming from outside
- Exposing body to cold when it is hot
- Outside temperature variation during season change
- Exposure to dirty water
- Mental excitement, stress
- Food allergies
- Intestinal parasites
- Digestive disorders
- Some viral, bacterial (e. g. with Helicobacter pylori) or parasitic infection
Symptoms of Urticaria
The visible symptom on skin are red pale patches. The other associated symptoms are:
- Burning Sensation and increases thirst
- Tastelessness of mouth
- Heaviness in the body
- Redness in the eye
- Mild fever
Natural Treatment of Hives
There are few herbal remedies that can be done at home. These are simple and easy to do.
- Turmeric is useful remedy for urticaria. Half to one teaspoon of turmeric can be added to glass of milk or water. This should be taken twice or thrice a day.
- Take 3 grams of turmeric powder twice a day. This detoxifies the body and calms excessive body heat.
- A tea prepared from Tulsi leaves is also helpful as it purifies blood and removes body toxins.
- Another Ayurvedic remedy is to take one teaspoonful of Gairika or Red ochre with honey, three times a day.
- Take tender leaves of Cluster fig (Gular in Hindi) and extract juice. Drink 15 ml juice for a few days.
- Extract juice of 5-6 Night flowering Jasmine (Parijaat) leaves. Drink this for a few days, twice daily.
- Drinking mint leaves tea gives relief in itching.
- Add 5 drops of castor oil in milk or water and take empty stomach.
- Intestinal worms can be reason for urticaria. Therefore it is important to deworm first using appropriate medicines.
Apply following on itchy spots
- Apply calamine lotion on the affected area.
- Apply aloe vera (gel part).
- Mix mustard oil and salt. Apply this all over body.
- Apply Divya Kayakalp Taila or oil is an Ayurvedic proprietary medicine from Swami Ramdev’s Divya Pharmacy.
- Mix turmeric in Til/Sesame oil and apply.
- Rub Neem oil on affcted parts.
- Local application of Tulsi swarasa (juice) is an excellent remedy.
Following is also helpful
- To get relief from itching apply rose water by mixing vinegar.
- Try to take balance diet, increase liquid intake and increase fresh fruits. Avoid oily, spicy food and caffeinated drinks such as tea, coffee.
- Get exposure of sunlight.
- Use hot water for bathing.
Ayurvedic medicines for Urticaria
- Sutsekhara Rasa (classical Ayurvedic medicine)
- Kamdudha Rasa (classical Ayurvedic medicine)
- Khadirarishta (classical Ayurvedic medicine)
- Nimbadi Churna (classical Ayurvedic medicine)
- Haridra khanda (classical Ayurvedic medicine)
- Sheet Pitta Bhanjan Ras (classical Ayurvedic medicine)
- Urtiplex (Charak Pharma)
- In case a person is constipated, take triphala churna or Haritaki churna with lukewarm water.
Any one of the above can be taken as per condition and direction for uses can be found on product label.
What to eat and not-to-eat
- Don’t take salt. Salt free diet is recommended in this condition. Also avoid sour food items such as curd.
- Basically salty, sour and pungent food should not be taken in this condition. Eat Pitta or bile reducing diet.
- Eat bitter vegetables such as bitter gourd, drumsticks. Drink Aloe vera juice. Take onions and garlic. For drinking purpose use hot water.