Can Celtic salt stop urticaria (hives) and inflammation?

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Last updated: June 27, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

There is no scientific evidence that Celtic salt can stop urticaria (hives) or inflammation. For treating hives, medical approaches are recommended instead, including antihistamines like cetirizine (10mg daily), fexofenadine (180mg daily), or loratadine (10mg daily) as first-line treatments, as supported by studies such as 1 and 1. For severe cases, your doctor might prescribe stronger medications such as corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory drugs, or biologics like omalizumab, as discussed in 1. While some people claim that natural remedies like Celtic salt help their symptoms, these claims aren't supported by medical research, and it's crucial to rely on evidence-based treatments. Hives are typically caused by an immune system reaction that releases histamine, causing itchy welts on the skin, and salt, regardless of type, doesn't directly affect this histamine response, as explained in 1 and 1. If you're experiencing hives, it's essential to:

  • Identify and avoid triggers
  • Keep your skin cool
  • Wear loose clothing
  • Consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment rather than relying on unproven remedies like Celtic salt, as advised in 1 and 1. Given the potential severity of urticaria and the importance of effective management, it's critical to follow guidelines and recommendations from recent, high-quality studies, such as 1, to ensure the best outcomes in terms of morbidity, mortality, and quality of life.

From the Research

Celtic Salt and Urticaria (Hives) Treatment

  • There is no direct evidence to suggest that Celtic salt can stop hives and inflammation in the context of urticaria 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
  • The provided studies focus on the treatment of urticaria using various medications such as antihistamines, corticosteroids, and immunomodulatory drugs, but do not mention the use of Celtic salt as a treatment option.
  • One study mentions the use of salt therapy, specifically halotherapy, which involves inhaling sodium chloride (NaCl) aerosol particles, as a complementary method for treating respiratory tract diseases, including those related to mold exposure 5.
  • However, this study does not specifically address the use of Celtic salt or its potential effects on urticaria or inflammation.

Inflammation and Urticaria Treatment

  • The studies suggest that various medications, such as antihistamines, corticosteroids, and immunomodulatory drugs, can be effective in treating urticaria and reducing inflammation 2, 3, 4, 6.
  • For example, a study found that a combination of ranitidine and diphenhydramine was more effective at improving the resolution of urticaria than diphenhydramine alone 4.
  • Another study found that cetirizine, desloratadine, and levocetirizine were effective in completely suppressing urticaria in some patients 6.

Limitations and Future Research

  • The current evidence is limited, and more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and risks of using Celtic salt as a treatment for urticaria and inflammation.
  • Further studies should investigate the effects of Celtic salt on urticaria and inflammation, as well as its potential interactions with other medications and treatments.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Chronic urticaria: a role for newer immunomodulatory drugs?

American journal of clinical dermatology, 2003

Research

Cimetidine treatment of recalcitrant acute allergic urticaria.

Annals of emergency medicine, 1986

Research

Histamine H2-receptor antagonists for urticaria.

The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 2012

Research

H1-antihistamines for chronic spontaneous urticaria.

The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 2014

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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