A 24-hour over-the-counter antihistamine like Claritin, Zyrtec, or diphenhydramine (the generic form of Benadryl), can help relieve itching and discomfort, says Sarina Elmariah, MD, PhD, a board-certified dermatologist at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.
Which Benadryl is best for hives?
Use an over-the-counter anti-itch drug.
A nonprescription oral antihistamine, such as loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec Allergy) or diphenhydramine (Benadryl Allergy, others), may help relieve itching. Consider whether you might prefer a type that doesn’t cause drowsiness.
Is Zyrtec or Benadryl better for hives?
Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) is great for allergies, but curl up on the couch after taking it and get ready for a nap. Zyrtec (cetirizine) works to treat sneezing and runny nose, and causes less sedation compared to Benadryl. Works well to also treat hives and itchy skin.
Is Benadryl good for hives?
Antihistamines relieve itching from hives and prevent allergic reactions. Some antihistamines react fast, like diphenhydramine (Benadryl®). Depending how severe the hives are, your healthcare provider may recommend daily over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription allergy medications, like loratadine (Claritin®).
How much benadryl do I take for hives?
2 to 4 chewable tablets (25 mg to 50 mg) every 4 to 6 hours or as directed by a doctor. 1 to 2 chewable tablets (12.5 mg to 25 mg) every 4 to 6 hours or as directed by a doctor.
Why am I breaking out in hives every night?
They’re often caused by an allergic reaction to a food or drug. Usually, they go away quickly. For a small number of people, though, hives come back again and again, with no known cause. When new outbreaks happen almost every day for 6 weeks or more, it’s called chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU).
How long does it take for hives to disappear?
Although hives can be highly uncomfortable to have, they are relatively harmless. Hives usually appear suddenly and go away on their own in a matter of days, hours, or even minutes. Chronic hives, however, can last for six weeks or more.
How do you calm down hives?
Wear loose-fitting, cotton clothes. Apply a cold compress, such as ice cubes wrapped in a washcloth, to the itchy skin several times a day—unless cold triggers your hives. Use anti-itch medication that you can buy without a prescription, such as an antihistamine or calamine lotion.
Is Zyrtec the same as Benadryl?
Zyrtec and Benadryl are both antihistamines that help relieve allergy symptoms. Benadryl is a first-generation antihistamine and tends to cause more side effects. Zyrtec is a second-generation antihistamine and causes fewer side effects.
Can hives be a sign of something serious?
Hives appear as a rapidly spreading, red, raised and itchy rash in splotches or all over the body. Caused by an allergic reaction to medications or food, hives can be a sign of a life-threatening problem when accompanied by difficulty breathing and a drop in blood pressure.
What does stress hives look like?
What do stress rashes look like? Stress rashes often appear as raised red bumps called hives. They can affect any part of the body, but often a stress rash is on the face, neck, chest or arms. Hives may range from tiny dots to large welts and may form in clusters.
What is the best cream for hives?
Not only can OTC options relieve itching and irritation, they can target your body’s histamine response, which is what causes hives to appear.
- Calamine lotion. …
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) …
- Fexofenadine (Allegra), loratadine (Claritin), and cetirizine (Zyrtec)
What is the best medicine for hives?
Doctors usually prescribe antihistamines as a first course of treatment for hives. Acute cases can generally be treated with over-the-counter antihistamines like Benadryl, Claritin (loratadine), Allegra (fexofenadine), and Zyrtec (cetirizine).
How do I get rid of hives without Benadryl?
Home remedies
- Bathing in an anti-itch solution. Oatmeal and baking soda baths can soothe skin and reduce irritation. …
- Applying aloe vera. The healing properties of aloe vera may soothe and reduce hives. …
- Avoiding irritants. This includes perfumes, fragranced soaps or moisturizers, and staying out of the sun.
What are the negative effects of Benadryl?
Common side effects may include:
- dizziness, drowsiness, loss of coordination;
- dry mouth, nose, or throat;
- constipation, upset stomach;
- dry eyes, blurred vision; or.
- day-time drowsiness or “hangover” feeling after night-time use.
How long does it take for Benadryl to get rid of hives?
Benadryl for Hives All Over the Body:
If you only have another allergy medicine at home (but not Benadryl), use that. Continue the Benadryl 4 times per day until the hives are gone for 12 hours.