Hives Treatments for Children

Hives, also known as urticaria, are a common condition that affect 10 to 25 percent of people at some point during their lives. They are often harmless, but in rare situations may be a severe allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention. Hives in children are usually treated successfully with over-the-counter antihistamines such as Benadryl, but again, severe reactions may require medical attention. Children who suffer from consistent bouts of hives may need to see an allergist for an allergy therapy plan that may include regular allergy shots.

What are Hives and What Causes Them?

• Hives can appear as red, pink or white bumps and/or raised welts or patches of skin that may have a pale center. Hives generally cause itching, but they can also sting and burn. Hives in children most commonly appear on the stomach, chest and back. The size of hives in children can vary greatly, from as small as an insect bite to as large as a dinner plate. They also can appear in the shape of a ring or groups of rings that are joined together. Hives can even change location. For example, they may begin on a child's face and then later appear on the child's arms. Hives can last anywhere from a few minutes to a couple hours, but in extreme cases they can come and go for days.

  Hives appear when a child is exposed to allergens that trigger hives. As a result, cells in the child's body begin releasing histamines and other substances which begin leaking out of the small blood vessels under the skin. The fluid collects, creates blotches and develops into hives.

  Hives can result from allergic reactions to foods such as shellfish, milk products, nuts and berries, or allergic reactions to medications such as antibiotics. Insect bites and stings may also trigger breakouts of hives. Other causes of hives may include sun exposure, viral infections, exercise, exposure to cold, and stress or nervousness.

How to Treat Hives

• Over-the-counter antihistamines are often the best way for parents to treat hives in children. As soon as hives appear, parents should treat their child with an antihistamine to minimize the reaction. Antihistamines are usually administered every six hours until the reaction has cleared. Parents can also use topical calamine lotion on children's hives to minimize itching, burning and stinging sensations.

  Hives are not usually a reason to take your child to the pediatrician or emergency room. Because hives are an allergic reaction, you should always monitor your child for severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, wheezing, appearing pale, weakness, light-headedness and/or persistent vomiting, which will require immediate medical treatment. If your child does not show severe signs of an allergic reaction but experiences swelling of the hands and feet in addition to hives that do not improve within two hours of taking an antihistamine, you should seek immediate medical attention.

  If your child begins experiencing consistent bouts of hives, your pediatrician may recommend you visit an allergist for testing. An allergist will be able to identify allergens that are triggering the reactions, and can prescribe medications and possible allergy shots to treat breakouts and allergic reactions.