Virtual Children's Hospital: CQQA: Hives (Urticaria)

Pediatrics Common Questions, Quick Answers

Hives (Urticaria)

Donna D'Alessandro, M.D.
Lindsay Huth, B.A.
Peer Review Status: Internally Reviewed
Creation Date: April 2002
Last Revision Date: April 2002

Common Questions, Quick Answers

What are hives?

What causes hives?

Hives can be caused by different things. Sometimes the cause is not known.
Hives can be caused by allergic reactions.
Medication, such as antibiotics, vitamins, and laxatives can cause hives.
An allergic reaction to food can cause hives. The most common foods that cause hives are chocolate, nuts, tomatoes, fish, fresh berries, eggs, and milk.
Cooked foods are less likely to cause hives than fresh foods.
Food additives and preservatives also can cause them.
Hives can be caused by infections, such as a cold.
They can be caused by disease, insect bites, or insect stings.
Hives can be caused by pressure, heat, cold, sunlight, vibration, exercise, sweating, or stress.
It is often easier to find the cause of acute urticaria than it is chronic urticaria.

Who can get hives?

What are the signs and symptoms?

Hives appear on the skin in groups of swollen spots.
The spots are usually red but they may be white or skin-colored.
They can be different sizes. They can be smaller than a dime or as big as a dinner plate.
Hives can join together to form a larger swollen area.
Hives usually itch. They can also burn or sting.
Hives can appear anywhere on the body. They are most often found on the trunk of the body and on the arms and legs.
If hives form around the eyes, lips, or genitals, they can cause extreme swelling. It usually goes down within 24 hours.
Hives can sometimes cause vomiting, diarrhea, and aching muscles.
If hives are caused by an allergic reaction to a food, they usually form within minutes or up to two hours after eating.

Are hives contagious?

How are hives treated?

The best treatment is to find out what is causing the hives and avoid it.
This is not always possible. Sometimes the cause is not known.
The doctor may take a blood test to try to find out what is causing the hives.
Seeing special doctors, such as a dermatologist or allergist, may help.
Antihistamines are often prescribed for relief. They can also be bought at the store, such as Tavist or Benadryl.
Calamine lotion may help ease itching. (Do not use Caladryl for young children.)
Sometimes, the doctor uses a shot to clear up the hives.

How long do hives last?

Can hives be prevented?

When should I call the doctor?

Go to the emergency room if your child has trouble breathing or swallowing.
Call the doctor immediately if your child has any of the following symptoms: swelling of the tongue, lips or face; wheezing; dizziness; or chest feels tight. These could be signs that his whole body is having an allergic reaction. If not treated immediately, it could lead to death.
Call the doctor if your child is having trouble sleeping or taking part in his usual activities because of hives.
Call the doctor if you have questions or concerns about your child's condition or treatment.

Quick Answers

Hives are a common skin condition.
Hives can be caused by different things. Sometimes the cause is not known.
Anyone can get hives.
Hives appear on the skin in groups of swollen spots. They are usually red.
Hives are not contagious.
Antihistamines and calamine lotion can be used to bring down swelling and ease itching.
Each hive usually lasts for a few hours before fading.
If you know what is causing the hives, help your child avoid it.
Go to the emergency room if your child has trouble breathing or swallowing.

References

American Academy of Dermatology. Urticaria- Hives. 2001 (cited 2002 March 13). URL: http://www.aad.org/pamphlets/Urticaria.html
Havard Medical School. Hives (Urticaria). Intelihealth. 2001 May 23 (cited 2002 March 13). URL: http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH?t=6849&p=~br,IHW|~st,6024|~r,WSIHW000|~b,*|
MedicineNet. Hives (Urticaria) & Angioedema. 1999 November 20 (cited 2002 March 13). URL: http://www.focusonallergies-asthma.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=511&rd=1

http://www.vh.org/pediatric/patient/pediatrics/cqqa/hives.html