Did you just give birth, and now your postpartum hives are worrying you? Do you wonder what causes postpartum hives? Well, your worry ends here because, in this blog, we bring to you all the answers to your postpartum-related queries.
Postpartum hives are itchy, red, and raised rashes that appear on a lady’s skin after childbirth. Though doctors have not found the exact causes for postpartum hives, hormonal changes are supposed to be a probable cause. Pregnant women face a lot of hormonal imbalances and sudden shifts leading to these hives.
Hives can be treated at home and are temporary. Also, it does not threaten the nursing mother or the newborn. New moms with hives can seek medical help and get it evaluated too.
So, if you are eager to learn about what causes postpartum hives, its remedies, and more, keep reading!
What are Postpartum Hives?
Postpartum hives are raised, itchy and bumpy rashes found on the skin of pregnant ladies after childbirth. The medical term for postpartum hives is urticaria. They could be pink or red and small or big, as these rashes can blister. People who’ve had rashes earlier can develop postpartum hives easily.
The psychological, hormonal, and immune systems are responsible for developing postpartum hives. These are not contagious, so postpartum hives breastfeeding is completely safe. People can treat hives with topical treatments or home remedies.
What Causes Postpartum Hives?
If you are seeking an answer for what causes postpartum hives? You must know that most of the causes relate to childbirth. Identifying these causes will help you find the right remedies. Here are some of the causes which can lead to postpartum hives:
Certain Allergies
The most common cause of postpartum hives is allergies. Studies have shown that pregnant women are more allergic than normal. As a result, the chances of developing rashes increases. The hormonal changes tend to trigger the immune system, thus leading to rashes.
During pregnancy, the body is sensitive, and adapting back to the post-pregnancy body can also cause allergies, especially if you have general allergies to allergens like dust, latex, animal fur, chemicals, medications, and more.
Liver Stress
During pregnancy, women’s bodies are overworked, especially their livers. This, in turn, can slow down the liver’s processes, like filtering out toxins from the blood. As a result, wastes remain in the body and could also collect in your blood.
Therefore, your liver stress could cause rashes and other symptoms such as fever, swelling, itches, fatigue, and even high blood pressure. You can seek medical help for diagnosing your liver functions.
Infections
Viruses and bacteria are known to cause various infections, and chances increase further when you are pregnant. For instance, you can easily catch a cold when you’re pregnant, and germs can stay in your system even after childbirth. They can later come out in the form of hives.
Other infections that could result in hives are influenza virus, hepatitis virus, common cold virus, and more. You can take the help of a medical professional to diagnose any infections.
Stress
Did you know that excessive stress produces the stress hormone cortisol? Lack of sleep could also be a reason for hives. New parents often deal with a lot of stress. Doing light exercises or having someone help you with the baby can help reduce your stress.
Other Causes
Various mental, physical, and emotional aspects can mess up the immune system. Pregnancy and childbirth are a lot to deal with, and postpartum recovery takes time. Thus, some of the other causes of postpartum hives could be:
- Feeling depressed or anxious
- Feeling cold or hot
- Excessive sun exposure
- Exercising and other physical activity
- Blood transfusions
- Sleeping at odd hours
Now that we know about the causes, let’s dive into some remedies for hives.
What are the Home Remedies for Postpartum Hives?
A lot of women don’t want to take medications right after childbirth. Hence, home remedies come in handy as hives are curable on their own. Here are some effective postpartum hives home remedies:
Cold Compress
A cold compress helps give relief from inflammation, itching, and swelling. It also shrinks the blood vessels, which prevents the increase of histamine release. You can wrap some ice cubes using a towel and place them on the affected area. One could also try a cold shower to remove the pain from the hives.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a great option to relieve inflammation as it has anti-histamine properties. You can mix the vinegar and water in equal parts and then apply the solution with a cotton pad over the affected areas of your skin.
Cumin
Cumin has immense medical benefits, making it a viable choice for treating hives. You need to add a teaspoon of dried cumin in hot water and then strain the water. Add some honey to the water and consume it to relieve the rashes.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a fantastic spice that comes with anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also got antioxidants. You can add a teaspoon of turmeric powder in hot water and consume it twice daily.
Aloe Vera Gel
The aloe vera plant has soothing properties. People use aloe vera gel for treating Many skin diseases. You can use it on your hives too. You must use fresh aloe vera gel and then rinse it off with cold water afterward.
Conclusion
As discussed above, postpartum hives are a result of various hormonal imbalances. But on the brighter side are easily curable with simple home remedies. Also, professional medical help is always available for those who feel the need.
So, if you have been wondering what causes postpartum hives? Now you know why. Moreover, nursing mothers must take care of themselves. They should avoid doing what could trigger hives and also ensure hydration. Mothers-to-be need to be extra careful during such crucial times. The overall well-being will affect both, the mother and the child. Good health and overall well-being speed up postpartum recovery. Therefore, pay extra attention and cure your hives today with the tips mentioned above.
