9 Ways to Get Rid of Hives Quickly

Hives, also called urticaria, show up as itchy, red bumps on the skin. Hives can be caused by many different things, including:

• An allergic reaction to food 

• Certain medications 

• Pollen 

• Pet dander

• Infections

• Extreme heat or cold  

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 different ways to get rid of hives quickly.

1. Cool compress or cold shower

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. 

This medication can cause side effects, like: 

• Drowsiness 

• Dizziness 

• Blurred vision 

• Increased risk of falls in older adults 

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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 OTC antihistamines

If you’re looking for an antihistamine for hives that won’t make you drowsy, you can try one of the newer over-the-counter (OTC) medications, called second-generation antihistamines. They’re available as capsules and tablets, disintegrating tablets, and liquids. Examples include:

• Cetirizine (Zyrtec) 

• Loratadine (Claritin) 

• Fexofenadine (Allegra) 

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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. Creams for hives (hydrocortisone and Benadryl cream)

Hydrocortisone is an OTC steroid cream that can be used on itchy skin. It lowers 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 with your primary care provider if your hives aren’t improving with hydrocortisone cream.

Benadryl cream is another option that can be applied directly to the skin. However, there isn’t much evidence that Benadryl cream helps reduce itching very much. Benadryl cream can usually be applied 3 to 4 times a day, but you should always follow the directions of the product you’re using.  

6. Calamine lotion

Made of zinc oxide and iron oxide, this distinctive pink liquid 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 and 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 any 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:

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

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

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

8. Prednisone

Prednisone is a type of steroid pill that requires a prescription. It helps lower inflammation and can improve hives quickly. However, some studies show that it may not be any more effective than using antihistamines. 

Prednisone is usually given as a short course, like for 5 to 7 days. Taking it for too long can increase some of its side effects, like osteoporosis and high blood pressure. 

9. Self-care tips

Here are some other tips you can do at home to help minimize symptoms from hives:

• Avoid scratching.

• Choose loose-fitting clothes made of cotton.

• Take warm (not hot) baths and showers.

• Use gentle, fragrance-free soap and other skin care products. 

When should you get 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 what’s causing your rash — talk with a healthcare professional. They may recommend a prescription medication or additional testing if the diagnosis is unclear. 

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Written by:

Amy Walsh, MD, MDP

Amy Walsh, MD, MDP, has worked as an emergency physician for 15 years, including care at both rural hospitals and trauma centers. She is the former Global Emergency Medicine fellowship director at Health Partners.

Edited by:

Karla Robinson, MD

Karla Robinson, MD, is a medical editor for GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified family physician with almost 20 years of experience in health through varied clinical, administrative, and educational roles.

Reviewed by:

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA, is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist who has practiced dermatology and dermatopathology for over 10 years across private practice, academic, and telehealth settings. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Dermatopathology.

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