Cornstarch Home Remedy for Hives Itching

Hives are a blotchy, itchy skin condition that can feel as bad as it looks. The welts, rings and patches can disappear and reappear on different parts of the body in minutes. Contact with an allergen, heredity, insect bites, exposure to extreme weather, medication or simply nerves can cause hives. Until you isolate the cause, there are things you can do to treat the hives. One of those things is using cornstarch.

Take a Soothing Bath

You can relieve the itch and some stress with a nice, long soothing cornstarch bath, according to the Argo Starch website, argostarch.com 3. Fill your bathtub with warm water. Mix together ½ cup baking soda and ½ cup cornstarch. Pour the powder mixture into the water while it is running. Soak in the medicated bath for 15 minutes or so. Repeat each day until your hives are history. Between baths, apply a cool-water compress to the hives for additional relief.

Homemade Paste

Make a cornstarch paste by mixing 2 cups warm, cooked oatmeal with 3 tablespoons cornstarch. Test a small area of the skin before covering all of your rash. After applying, allow the paste to remain on the skin for about half an hour. The hives will dry up. You can use the paste several times a day if needed. You can also make a paste of cornstarch and water. Mix about ¼ cup cornstarch with warm water until a paste forms. It should be thick. Apply the paste to the affected areas with a light touch. Allow it to remain on your skin for about 30 minutes before gently rinsing. Another way to use cornstarch is directly from the container. Pat lightly onto the affected areas of your skin when you don't have time to take a bath or make the paste. Cornstarch has long been used to treat diaper rash. It is just as effective in treating your hives.