For mild hives, sometimes, doctors prescribe antihistamines because these small red welts on the skin can cause irritation and itching. Many doctors prefer to keep it natural and straightforward by just prescribing a warm oatmeal bath for hives.
For an oatmeal bath, doctors generally suggest using colloidal oatmeal, finely ground for easy mixing. The medicinal effects of oatmeal plus the warm water help you to keep other skin problems at bay.
Using oatmeal is not a big deal; you can use colloidal oatmeal. Grind it finely and add it into warm water, mix it well in a bathtub, immerse your body into the oatmeal mixed water and relax.
Oatmeal is a storehouse of nutrition. For example, the antioxidants present in the oatmeal help your skin relax by soothing the itchy hives.
Oatmeal is known for its anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe the red welts that are either caused due to some allergic reaction or due to some insect bite or any infection or even due to stress.
Colloidal oatmeal has moisturizing properties as well, which is why your skin gets a natural glow and remains smooth always. If you are looking for a natural emollient, then go for colloidal oatmeal(1).
Soaking in the colloidal oatmeal and warm water is pleasant and good for the skin, but at the same time, you will have to be extra cautious while making the bath mixture. For making perfect oatmeal bath follow the steps:
Make sure that the water isn’t extremely hot. Maintain the temperature as hot water can make your situation worse. The hives are susceptible to heat.
For making the bath, you have to take 1 cup of colloidal oatmeal and mix it with warm water. This procedure will ensure that your mixture is made well and smooth. If your bathtub is bigger, then use more colloidal oatmeal, and in case it is small, use less of the colloidal oatmeal.
Fill the tub according to your requirement then wait for 15 to 20 minutes, let the oatmeal settle in the water.
Before getting into the tub, ensure to stir the mixture once again. For a better understanding, the water will have a milky texture and will be slimy.
Once done with your bath, pat yourself dry but don’t dry yourself completely, to retain a bit of moisture that acts as a protective shield on your skin against infections and other atmospheric impurities. Use a medicated, fragrance-free moisturizer.
[Also Read: Essential Oils for Hives]
There are no such harmful side effects of the oatmeal bath. Oatmeal bath for hives is good for skin and overall health. This is a natural healer but in any case, if you feel a stinging sensation on your skin, irritation, or if your condition gets worse and the red welts don’t clear up, consult your dermatologist immediately.
According to a study(2), colloidal oatmeal is currently being used in many moisturizing creams, bathing soaps, shaving gels, etc. owing to its medicinal values and high anti-oxidant content. In various researches, it has been proven that colloidal oatmeal suspension helps to treat hives or any other skin disease. From time immemorial, people have been using an oatmeal bath to cure various skin conditions.
Specific changes in the lifestyle and low histamine diet can help you to get rid of hives. As stated earlier, hives can occur due to stress and anxiety as well, so, try to work out regularly. That way, you will be able to keep the hormones under control. Regular exercise sessions are proven stress-buster.
A Low histamine diet includes:
Have more fresh vegetables, fresh meat, whole wheat bread, pasta, rice, and certain kinds of fish (not all). Talk to your doctor and find out which food could cause allergic reactions.
[Also Read: How to Get Rid of Stress Hives]
In a nutshell, it can be said that oatmeal bath for hives is a natural home remedy to get rid of the hives. Oatmeal is known for its extraordinary medicinal values that can treat some severe skin diseases. Doctors also prescribe a colloidal oatmeal bath for hives and other skin problems. In case the problem aggravates, do consult your doctor.
Yes, you can take an oatmeal bath regularly. Still, if the hives persist, then you can see your dermatologist for further medication and diagnosis.
Whether it is 10 minutes or 20 minutes, let your doctor suggest you the time. Depending on your condition, the time could vary.