The moment the mercury starts climbing, our skin begins to feel the heat — quite literally. During the summer months, a few small, unthinking habits are often enough to invite skin trouble. One of the most common of these complaints is hives, which can leave a person thoroughly miserable, even if only for a short while.
What Hives Actually Are
If red welts suddenly erupt on your body soon after travelling in the sun or returning from work, accompanied by sharp itching and a burning sensation, that is what people commonly describe as a flare-up of hives. The reassuring part is that this is not a serious disease at all — it is simply a type of skin allergy. The old saying 'देखन में छोट लागे, घाव करे गंभीर' (looks small, but wounds deep) fits it perfectly. While it may do no major harm to your health, it can certainly torment you for an hour or two. A little care, however, is usually enough to keep it at bay.
The 'Hot-and-Cold' Clash Is the Real Culprit
Senior physician Dr. Nand Kumar Mandal explains that as the heat rises, many people start complaining of red patches, intense itching and burning on the skin. The root of it lies in a 'hot-and-cold' condition. When the body is hit by cold and warm air, or by clashing temperatures, all at once, the skin reacts and this allergy surfaces in the form of hives.
Mistakes to Avoid
The habit of gulping down cold water the instant you return from harsh sun or work can cost you dearly, so let your body temperature settle to normal first and only then drink. Pay close attention to how your clothes are washed, too — people often dry and wear laundered clothes without rinsing them properly, leaving traces of detergent or soap behind. The moment you sweat, these chemicals cling to the skin and become a cause of antibacterial or fungal infection, which is why washing clothes thoroughly in clean water is essential.
Excessive sweating also worsens hives. In the heat, polyester or synthetic fabrics fail to absorb sweat, so opt for cotton clothing instead, allowing your skin to keep breathing.
Home Remedies That Bring Relief
According to Dr. Mandal, rather than rushing straight to a doctor the moment hives appear, you can try a few effective remedies right at home.
- Coconut oil and sulphur: Mixing a little sulphur into coconut oil and applying it to the affected area brings instant relief from hives and itching.
- Aloe vera gel: Break off a fresh aloe vera leaf and apply its gel directly onto the red welts. It gives the skin a natural cooling effect, healing the itching, burning and red patches quickly.
