Hives (urticaria)

What are hives?

Hives are raised, itchy, red bumps (swellings) on the skin. They can be different sizes and can appear anywhere on your child's body.

Signs and symptoms of hives

Hives can either be acute or chronic. Acute hives are very common and appear suddenly, usually lasting for only a few hours or days. Chronic hives last for at least six weeks. In some cases, chronic hives last for several months or even years at a time.

Hives may look like:

• red, raised swellings or welts of various sizes (they can range from a few millimeters to a few centimeters long)
• one single swelling or welt covering a large area of the skin
• a group of welts that disappear and appear again

A child with hives may also have:

• severe itching
• burning, stinging or prickliness

What causes hives?

Hives are caused by inflammation in the skin. In most cases, acute hives are often associated with a virus or an allergic reaction to certain foods or medications. The most common allergies that trigger hives are:

• medications
• food such as tree nuts, peanuts, eggs, milk and fish
• other allergens such as animal dander, insect stings or pollen

Hives can be a sign of anaphylaxis, which is a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction.

In some cases, you may not be able to tell what caused your child’s hives.

What you can do to help your child with hives

If your child is experiencing hives, you can give your child an oral antihistamine, which may relieve the symptoms. There are many over-the-counter non-sedation (non-drowsy) antihistamines, such as cetirizine, desloratadine and fexofenadine. Your child's health-care provider or pharmacist can suggest a product. These medications are usually given once or twice a day until the hives no longer appear.

If your child keeps getting hives, try to see if the episodes have a common factor, such as a particular food, medication or place. If you have an idea of what might be triggering the hives, tell your child's health-care provider during your next visit.

What your child's health-care provider can do for your child with hives

If your child’s hives have lasted for more than six weeks, make an appointment to see their health-care provider. They may refer your child to an allergist. The allergist may help identify the source of the hives or prescribe other medications to help with symptoms. 

When to seek medical assistance

Take your child to the nearest Emergency Department, or call 911, if you have had to give your child epinephrine for anaphylaxis or if your child has any of the following signs or symptoms that can be a sign of anaphylaxis:

• Trouble breathing
• Swelling, particularly of the face, throat, lips and tongue
  
• Fainting or loss of consciousness
• Tightness of the throat
• Hoarse voice (sudden onset)
• Light-headedness