Understanding Hives in Children: What Parents Need to Realize
Hives are a common skin condition affecting both children and adults. In fact, “many, if not most, children will experience hives at least once in their life,” says Ashanti Woods, MD, a pediatrician at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore.
What Do Hives Appear Like in Kids?
Hives in children appear much like those in adults: red, raised blotches or welts that can appear singly, in connected patches, or in groups. These welts typically disappear within 24 hours. They are not contagious.
Common Triggers for Childhood Hives
Hives occur in response to a trigger or allergen, often within two hours of exposure. Common culprits include foods, spices, fragrances, soaps, lotions, pet dander, medications (like antibiotics), and insect bites. Infections like strep throat or common childhood viruses, illnesses, stress, physical pressure, temperature changes, exercise, and scratching can also cause hives. Food allergies are a more frequent trigger in children than in adults, potentially requiring allergy testing.
Common food allergens include milk, egg, peanut, wheat, and soy. Fortunately, children often outgrow food allergies and the associated hives.
When Are Hives an Emergency?
While often harmless, hives can sometimes signal a serious allergic reaction. Be vigilant for symptoms of anaphylaxis, a potentially deadly condition, including difficulty breathing, dizziness, fainting, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, rapid heartbeat, throat tightness, and a hoarse voice. A swelling of the eyes, lips, hands, feet, and genitals (angioedema) can also cause breathing issues.
“If your child is wheezing or having trouble breathing, you need to seek immediate medical care,” advises Anthony M. Rossi, MD.
Treating Hives at Home
If hives aren’t accompanied by emergency symptoms, you can usually manage them at home. The primary goal is to relieve the intense itching. Over-the-counter antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or cetirizine and pseudoephedrine (Zyrtec-D) can help block histamine, the chemical responsible for hives and itching. Always follow dosage instructions based on your child’s weight and age.
Preventing scratching is crucial, as it can break the skin and lead to infection. Dress your child in protective clothing and consider cold therapy – a cool washcloth or cold pack can provide relief (unless cold triggers the hives). Lukewarm oatmeal baths, limiting bath time to the package recommendations, can also soothe itching. Avoid bubble baths and scented lotions, and moisturize the skin afterward. Adjusting the home temperature can also help, as heat and cold can sometimes aggravate hives.
Pro Tip: Maintain a detailed log of when hives appear, your child’s activities, and recent meals. This can help identify potential triggers.
When to See a Pediatrician
If your child experiences recurring hives, schedule an appointment with their pediatrician. Be prepared to discuss medications tried, potential triggers identified, and the frequency of outbreaks. If a single hive lasts longer than 24 hours without changing, consult a doctor. Your pediatrician may refer you to an allergist for testing or prescribe antihistamines or, in more severe cases, oral steroids.
“Most hives aren’t dangerous and will resolve on their own,” assures Dr. Woods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are hives contagious?
A: No, hives are not contagious.
Q: What’s the difference between hives and a rash?
A: Hives are typically raised welts that arrive and go quickly, while rashes are often flat and can last longer.
Q: Can stress cause hives in children?
A: Yes, stress can be a trigger for hives in some children.
Q: When should I worry about hives?
A: Seek immediate medical attention if your child has difficulty breathing, dizziness, or any other symptoms of a severe allergic reaction.
Did you know? Pediatric allergists can help identify specific allergens triggering your child’s hives through testing.
Learn more about managing allergies and skin conditions in children by exploring our allergy resources and pediatric dermatology articles.
Have questions about your child’s hives? Share your experiences and concerns in the comments below!
