Hives

What are hives?

Hives are a sudden outbreak of red, itchy skin that often results in irritated bumps. They can develop all over the body or in a specific area. This uncomfortable rash often varies in size from half-inch bumps to several inches of pink, swollen skin.

What causes hives?

Children can get hives for many reasons, but they are often caused by an allergic reaction. There are several commons hives triggers, including:

• Eggs
• Milk
• Peanuts
• Shellfish
• Penicillin
• Extreme cold weather
• Repetitive scratching
• Certain medications
• Sunlight exposure
• Exercise
• Stress
• Certain infections and viruses

In some cases, hives have no known cause and can last anywhere from several minutes to several hours, even a few days. While anybody can get hives, children are especially at risk.

What are the symptoms of hives?

While hives are characterized by itchy bumps, they don’t always look the same. The most common hives symptoms are:

• Itchy rashes
• Bumps that look like mosquito bites
• Raised bumps with a pale center
• Large pink bumps

For many children, hives can closely resemble welts. If your child is complaining of pink, irritated, itchy skin, call the experts at Katy Pediatric Associates right away.

How are hives treated?

The first step in treating hives are alleviating their discomfort and ruling out a systemic reaction. If the team suspects your child has an allergy, they may order an allergy test or refer to a specialist to determine the cause. In many cases, hives can be prevented by simply avoiding certain allergens.

Your child’s hives treatment typically depends on several factors, including their age, overall health, and severity of the condition. The best way to prevent hives is to avoid certain triggers, especially if your child’s reaction is caused by allergies.

Some of the most common ways the Katy Pediatric Associates team treats hives in children include:

• Oral antihistamines
• Topical corticosteroids
• Oral corticosteroids

If your child suffers from chronic hives and needs immediate relief, a cool bath can help reduce itchiness and discomfort at home.

The team at Katy Pediatric Associates has the skill and experience to diagnose and treat hives in children. To learn more, call the office or request an appointment online.