How to prepare a baking soda bath for hives? What are the best-known benefits? How long should it be applied? How much to use? Can it be used on babies and young children? What are the other home remedies for hives? And finally what are the possible side effects of baking soda baths?
I. What Is Hives?
Hives are a very common skin condition and one of the most common causes of urgent dermatology consultations.
It can occur at any age and manifests as reddish or pinkish, slightly raised welts or papules that are very itchy and last for hours.
Depending on the duration of the recurrence of hives, a distinction is made between acute hives (which last less than 6 weeks) and chronic hives (if the hives recur for more than 6 weeks).
II. Baking Soda Bath for Hives
1. What Is a Baking Soda Bath?
As the name suggests, a baking soda bath is created by sprinkling a little baking soda into the bath water.
The result is a cheap and indulgent experience that revitalizes your senses while treating a variety of skin and health issues.
2. How to Make Bath with Baking Soda for Hives?
To make a baking soda bath, add ¼ to 2 cups of baking soda to hot bath water and stir to dissolve.
Once the baking soda has completely dissolved, soak in the tub for up to 40 minutes.
After bathing, dry the skin with a towel and use a natural oil or lotion to moisturize the skin.
3. How Much Baking Soda to Add to Bath for Hives
It is recommended that no more than two cups of baking soda should be added to a bathtub filled with warm water to get rid of hives.
4. How Long Should You Soak in a Baking Soda Bath for Hives?
Mix the baking soda well and soak in this bath for about 20-30 minutes.
This can be repeated every day until you get relief from pain, itching, and burning and your hives disappear.
5. Epsom Salt and Baking Soda Bath
Adding Epsom salt to your baking soda bath can help you relax and potentially improve circulatory health and blood pressure.
If you don’t have Epsom salt on hand, try pharmaceutical Epsom salts.
To make an Epsom salt and baking soda bath, you need ½ cup of baking soda and ½ cup of Epsom salt.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda Bath
Like baking soda, apple cider vinegar can potentially soothe irritated skin and fight itching. By using these two ingredients together, you can maximize the effect of your bath.
To prepare a soothing bath, mix ½ cup of baking soda and ½ cup of apple cider vinegar powder.
Follow the same instructions as for the basic baking soda bath.
7. Oatmeal and Baking Soda Bath for Hives
Baking soda and oats are superstar home remedies. They work well together to relieve itchy skin.
Oats, due to their anti-inflammatory properties, will effectively relieve the symptoms of hives, like itching, very quickly. It will also help the skin to heal.
You need to mix 1 cup of baking soda (200 g) with 2 cups of oat flour (250 g).
Add this mixture and mix until it dissolves after filling the bathtub with warm water. Take a bath for 20 minutes.
8. Can Baking Soda Bath Cause Allergic Reaction?
Baking soda baths are generally safe. However, dissolved baking soda can be absorbed through the skin, and certain groups of people should avoid baking soda baths, such as those who:
- Have high blood pressure
- Have serious infections or open wounds
- Tend to faint
- Have diabetes
- Are pregnant or nursing
- Are allergic to baking soda
- Use drugs or alcohol.
Some people may react badly to baking soda, so it is recommended that you get tested.
9. Can a Baking Soda Bath Be Made for Toddler Hives
Many people get yeast infections, and babies are no exception. A baking soda bath can relieve the discomfort of a baby’s diaper rash and yeast infection.
Baking soda can help soothe raw skin and promote faster healing. Be sure to pat the area dry completely before putting on a new clean diaper.
Use only 2 tablespoons of baking soda for babies and young children. Do not use too much, as baking soda can be absorbed by the body through the skin in a process called alkalosis.
III. Other Home Remedies for Hives
1. Ice
Cool the burning itch with an improvised ice pack: Place some ice in a soft cloth and hold it against your hives, gently stroking the irritated skin.
The cold compress will ease the itchy sensation and offer welcome (if temporary) relief.
2. Tea Tree Oil
You should not overlook this remedy when looking for natural home remedies for hives.
This oil is effective in treating hives due to the presence of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory characteristics.
These will also help to soothe the skin, prevent infections and reduce swelling.
You need to prepare a cotton ball or bandage with several drops of tea tree oil. Then apply the prepared oil to the affected area and use the bandage to cover the area.
For larger areas, mix the essential oil (15-20 drops) in a cup of water. Then, soak a washcloth in this mixture and place it on the affected area for several minutes.
This procedure can be repeated about 4-5 times a day.
3. Turmeric
Turmeric is on many lists of home treatments. It has been researched extensively and is known for its powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antihistamine properties, perfect for treating many skin conditions, including hives.
You can add a teaspoon of turmeric powder to a glass of warm milk and drink it twice a day, or add a healthy dose of powder to your meals.
You can also mix it with water to make a topical paste and apply it to the affected areas of your skin every day until you are healed.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is another good remedy for hives. Its antihistamine properties will help relieve inflammation quickly and regulate the body’s immune system response.
It also plays a key role in restoring the overall health of your skin.
Add 2 cups of apple cider vinegar to a bathtub filled with warm water. Soak in it for 15 to 20 minutes once a day.
You can also dilute the apple cider vinegar in an equal amount of water and use it to wash the affected skin 2 or 3 times a day.
You can also mix 1 or 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water. Add a little lemon juice and honey for taste. Drink this mixture 3 times a day.
5. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil contains antimicrobial characteristics that protect the skin from fungal or bacterial infections.
This oil also works as a good natural skin moisturizer. In addition, it eliminates the intense itching sensation caused by hives.
Therefore, this oil is also considered one of the most effective home remedies for hives.
Take some coconut oil and gently massage the affected area. Leave this application for a few hours.
You need to repeat this wonderful method twice a day to fight hives. Do not use refined coconut oil, as it may aggravate your hives.
IV. Other Benefits of Taking a Bathing Soda Bath
1. May Help Relieve Vulvar Vestibulitis
Similarly, baking soda can also help soothe the itching and burning associated with vulvar vestibulitis, a syndrome that causes discomfort when opening the vagina.
Since several soaks a day – up to three – may be necessary, a sitz bath may be the most effective method.
In this case, a few tablespoons of baking soda dissolved in warm water should do the trick.
2. May Decrease the Effects of Chickenpox
The constant itching and irritation caused by chickenpox can feel like torture for many people, especially children.
A baking soda bath can provide the relief they need. Adding 1 to 2 cups of baking soda to a warm bath and soaking for up to 20 minutes, three times a day can help provide relief.
Adding ingredients such as oatmeal or chamomile tea can also reduce symptoms.
3. Can Relieve Diaper Rash
The moisture and heat in a diaper make it an ideal place for germs to multiply.
This can cause a red rash on the skin called diaper rash. An infant’s skin can also become irritated from the constant friction of the diaper.
A baking soda bath can help gently remove irritating germs and soothe sensitive skin.
For babies and young children, it is essential to use only a minimal amount of baking soda, as the dissolved baking soda can be absorbed into the skin.
Simply use 1 to 2 tablespoons of baking soda in a small glass bowl.
4. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
A baking soda bath can help neutralize the acid in the urine, kill germs and promote healing. It can also relieve urinary pain.
Add 1/4 cup of baking soda to the bath.
Soak for up to 30 minutes, or 10 to 15 minutes for young children.
Do this twice a day.
5. Relieves Athlete’s Foot Pain
Because of its ability to kill bacteria and some fungi, baking soda can be a great addition to your baths to relieve fungal infections like athlete’s foot.
For practical reasons, it is not necessary to soak the entire body. Simply fill the tub with enough water to cover your feet, then perch on the rim. Or use a foot tub, if you have one.
6. May Relieve Poison Ivy Symptoms
If you’ve accidentally caught poison ivy or poison oak leaves, baking soda is a perfect natural remedy.
A few cups added to a warm bath will help relieve the itching. Or, for a more concentrated treatment, a paste of water and baking soda can be applied directly to the skin.
7. Can Help Treat Psoriasis
One of the first defenses against this painful skin condition is medicated baths – and baking soda is one such treatment that has been clinically studied.
Baking soda baths for psoriasis serve to reduce the often incessant itching and resulting irritation, experts explain.
8. Reduces Yeast Infections
Yeast infection is a condition caused by the uncontrolled growth of a yeast called candida in the vaginal area, which leads to infection.
This infection causes itching, burning, irritation, and swelling.
Research has shown that baking soda can kill Candida cells which lead to yeast infections.
A baking soda bath is beneficial in soothing itching, burning, and swelling during a yeast infection. It also has a positive effect on vaginal pH.
9. Fungal Skin and Nail Infections
Research suggests that baking soda may be a useful antifungal agent against many strains of fungi that commonly infect human skin and nails.
People with onychomycosis, a nail fungus that causes thick, discolored, or brittle nails, may find relief by regularly soaking their hands or feet in a baking soda bath.
However, anyone suffering from a fungal infection should ask their doctor if a baking soda bath could help relieve their symptoms.
10. Way to Reduce Body Odor
Because of its natural odor-fighting properties, baking soda is often used to keep laundry fresh and reduce strange odors in the refrigerator.
It can also be added to baths to help keep you smelling fresh, Green says.
11. Constipation and Hemorrhoids
A baking soda bath can help relieve itching and pain caused by constipation or hemorrhoids.
A ¼ cup of baking soda added to a warm bath can be enough to relieve symptoms.
12. Sunburn
Baking soda is wonderfully soothing for sunburns, bites, and other skin irritations.
Simply mix baking soda with a little water until it forms a paste, then dab it on the affected area.
For sunburn, add one to two cups of baking soda to your bath water for a soothing bath.
V. Risks and Side Effects of Baking Soda Bath
Baking soda bathing may not be suitable for many people due to various conditions that may result from its use for detoxification purposes.
It is important to consult with your physician about the use of baking soda and its various combinations with glycerin, Epsom salt, and essential oils.
Here are some other warnings you should keep in mind when using a baking soda bath.
- It is recommended that you do not use the baking soda bath in any of its combinations if you are using drugs or alcohol. These baths help you relax, you may experience a high level of drowsiness and increase the risk of drowning.
- It is also important to keep an eye on the water temperature when taking a baking soda bath. While too high a temperature can cause drowsiness or sleepiness, too cold a temperature can also make you quite uncomfortable.
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