7 Ways to Get Rid of Hives Quickly

Hives, also called urticaria, show up as itchy, red bumps on the skin. Hives can happen due to an allergic reaction to food, medication, pollen, or pet dander. Or they can be triggered by insect bites, exposure to heat or cold, or an infection. In some cases, the trigger isn’t clear. 

Most of the time hives will go away on their own. But while you have them, hives can be very uncomfortable and itchy. Fortunately, there are things you can do at home to treat hives. Let’s review ways to get rid of hives quickly.

1. Cool compress

A cool compress is a quick way to relieve itching from hives. Lowering the temperature of the skin can help bring down swelling and reduce the itching sensation, at least temporarily. 

To make a cool compress, run a washcloth under cold water or wrap an ice pack in a towel. Apply the compress for 10 to 15 minutes at a time. But, if you think your hives are triggered by the cold, skip the cool compress, since this could aggravate your symptoms. 

If hives cover a large area of your body, try taking a cool shower instead. 

2. Aloe vera

Many people use aloe vera gel to help soothe sunburned skin. In addition to relieving itching from minor burns, there’s some evidence that aloe vera may help people with other skin conditions. That’s because aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties and helps hydrate the skin. 

To reduce itching from hives, try applying a thin layer of aloe vera gel. Be sure to test it out on a small area of skin first. Though it’s rare, people can have an allergic reaction to aloe vera.

3. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

Histamines are chemicals that make your skin become red and itchy when you have hives. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is an antihistamine. It works by blocking histamines. Benadryl usually comes as a pill or liquid taken by mouth. It’s also available as a cream that can be applied directly to the skin. But there isn’t much evidence that the cream helps reduce itching.

This medication can cause side effects, like drowsiness, dizziness, and blurred vision. It can also increase the risk of falls in older adults. That’s why it’s important to take the correct dose of Benadryl, and only use it when you have time to stay home and rest. 

4. Other types of antihistamines 

If you’re looking for an antihistamine for hives that won’t make you drowsy, try cetirizine (Zyrtec), loratadine (Claritin), or fexofenadine (Allegra). These are newer over-the-counter (OTC) medications, called second-generation antihistamines. They’re available as capsules and tablets, disintegrating tablets, and liquids.

Unlike Benadryl, second-generation antihistamines don’t cross from the bloodstream into the brain, so they’re less likely to cause side effects, like sleepiness and fatigue. And studies have shown they work as well as Benadryl for treating hives. That’s why experts often recommend them for treating hives. 

5. Hydrocortisone cream

Hydrocortisone is an OTC steroid cream that can be used on itchy skin. It decreases inflammation and has been shown to reduce itching for people with eczema and psoriasis. It’s not clear how effective it is at treating itching caused by other skin conditions, like hives. 

Hydrocortisone cream can be applied 1 to 4 times per day, for up to 2 weeks. Long-term use of steroid creams can lead to side effects, like redness or skin thinning. So, talk to your primary care provider if your hives aren’t improving with hydrocortisone cream.

6. Calamine lotion

This distinctive pink liquid is made of zinc oxide and iron oxide which soothes and protects skin. There’s not much research on using calamine lotion to treat hives, but it has been shown to reduce itching from insect bites or poison ivy. So, it’s a safe OTC anti-itch treatment to try at home. Calamine lotion can dry out the skin, but otherwise most people don’t have side effects. 

7. Oatmeal baths

Oatmeal baths have been used to treat skin conditions for centuries — and there’s scientific evidence that it works. Colloidal oatmeal has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. 

To make your own oatmeal bath at home, follow these steps:

• Grind 1 cup of oats in a blender or food processor. 

• Place the ground oats in a bathtub filled with lukewarm water.

• Soak in it for at least 10 to 15 minutes. 

When should you seek medical care for hives?

Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) is a life-threatening condition that needs emergency treatment. Get immediate medical care for hives if you have signs of anaphylaxis, including:

• Swollen lips

• Swollen tongue

• Throat tightness

• Difficulty breathing

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Feeling faint

If your hives aren’t getting better with home treatments — or if you’re unsure whether hives or something else caused your rash — talk to a healthcare professional. They may recommend a prescription medication or additional testing if the diagnosis is unclear. 

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Amy Walsh, MD, MDP

I have worked as an emergency physician for 15 years, including care at both rural hospitals and trauma centers. I am the former Global Emergency Medicine fellowship director at Health Partners.

Edited by:

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH, is a medical editor at GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified pediatrician with more than a decade of experience in academic medicine.

Reviewed by:

Christine Giordano, MD

Christine Giordano, MD, is board-certified in general internal medicine. She received her medical degree from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and completed residency at Thomas Jefferson University.

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