Natural treatments for hives, sunburns and blisters

Hives, sunburns and blisters can be irritating and downright uncomfortable. Soothe your sore skin with the following natural treatments, which may help to ease the symptoms and allow you to recuperate more comfortably.

Hives are irritating, itchy lumps that can be caused by stress, emotional upset or an allergic reaction. The following methods may allow you to relieve the itch and swelling from hives without taking antihistamines.

• Rub ice cubes over the lumps to shrink the blood vessels and reduce the swelling caused by the cells' release of histamine.
• Use calamine lotion, an old-fashioned astringent famous for its ability to soothe rashes. Witch hazel and milk of magnesia may also help, especially when chilled.
• If you suspect emotional upsets bring on your hives, try some nerve-calming teas, such as passionflower, chamomile and catnip.

• Before spending a day at the beach, take antioxidant supplements such as vitamins A, C and E. Although vitamins won't protect you from becoming sunburned, research has found that they may slow the sun's aging effects.
• If you are badly sunburned, you may also be dehydrated. Until the symptoms of sunburn ease, drink 2 litres (8 cups) of water a day and avoid alcohol.
• Add 10 drops each of chamomile and lavender essential oil to a cool bath and soak in it for 15 minutes. Alternatively, try adding 250 millilitres (1 cup) of either dissolved baking soda or apple cider vinegar to the water, or fill a sock or cut-off stocking with oatmeal and swish that through the bathwater.
• Use a lip balm to soothe burned lips. Remember to re-apply it after eating or drinking.

• If you have blisters, dust your feet with corn flour to help socks or stockings glide over your feet more easily.

Aloe vera is one of nature's most useful remedies and is an important ingredient in a wide range of soothing lotions and gels. As a general rule, the more aloe vera concentrate these products contain, the more expensive they are. Save money by keeping an aloe vera plant in your home so that you can simply snap off a leaf tip whenever you need it.

Don't let hives, sunburns or blisters get you down. Try these natural treatments and you may find yourself feeling better before long!