You know you're not supposed to scratch that itch, but what can you do about hives? Here are some tips regarding home remedies:Take an antihistamine. The most recommended remedy is over-the-counter (OTC) Benadryl (available generically as diphenhydramine). But be forewarned: It may cause drowsiness. However, since hives tend to be worse at night, a medication that makes you sleepy may help you ignore the itching. For a list of precautions to take when using over-the-counter analgesics, click here.
Try to ferret out the cause. But don't get frustrated, since doctors are only able to identify a specific cause in 20 to 30 percent of patients.
