What are Hives?
In children, hives are red, itchy bumps on the skin. They can be different in size and shape; it looks like mosquito bites. The release of histamine by the body causes these areas. Hives in children often occur due to food allergies, insect bites, infections, and even stress. Parents should be aware of what are hives, what causes hives, and how to cure hives fast.
Symptoms of Hives in children:
- Raised Welts:
- Itching:
- Transient Nature:
- Variable Presentation:
- Swelling:
- No Lasting Skin Changes:
The welts or wheals are raised, red or pink, and typically surrounded by a pale halo.
Hives are often accompanied by intense itching, which can be a source of discomfort for children.
Hives can come and go rapidly. Individual spots may last for a few minutes to several hours before being released and being replaced by new ones.
The appearance of hives can change quickly. It can appear, vanish, and come back in various parts of the body.
Swelling happens to some people, particularly around the eyes, lips, and throat. A more serious symptom is angioedema or severe swelling.
Once the hives resolve, they usually do not leave any lasting changes to the skin, such as scarring.
What Causes Hives?
Here are the reasons why hives occur in children and how they occur.
Allergic Reactions:
Foods: Some foods like nuts, seafood, eggs, and fruits, may cause allergic reactions that result in itchy skin.
Insect Bites:
In children who are allergic to insect venom, insect bites can cause hives.
Medicine:
Some medicines, specifically antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, can be a reason for an allergic reaction.
Infections:
Viral or bacterial infections, including common illnesses like colds or the flu, can sometimes lead to hives in children.
Environmental Factors for Why Hives occurs
Pollen and Plants:
Exposure to specific plants or pollen can trigger an allergic response in susceptible children.
Temperature Changes:
Extreme temperatures, particularly heat or cold, can cause hives in some children.
Stress:
The cause of stressful hives is undefined, but it is thought to involve the release of stress hormones.
Autoimmune Disorders:
Why do hives occur in children? Hives in children may be associated with autoimmune conditions in which the immune system wrongly targets healthy tissues in some cases.
Genetics:
A family history of hives or other allergic reactions could lead a child to develop hives.
Physical Factors:
Certain physical factors, such as pressure on the skin (dermatographia), exposure to sunlight (solar urticaria), or friction, can lead to hives in sensitive individuals.
Health Conditions:
Certain underlying health conditions, such as thyroid disorders or autoimmune diseases, may be associated with chronic or recurrent hives in children.
How to cure Hives fast:
Curing hives quickly involves alleviating symptoms and addressing the underlying cause when possible. While hives often resolve on their own, here are some important points about how to treat hives fast in the home.
- Identify and Avoid Triggers:
- Antihistamines:
- Consult a Paediatrician:
- Cool Compresses:
- Oatmeal Baths:
- Avoid Scratching:
- Loose Clothing
- Hydration:
- Calamine Lotion:
- Avoid Triggers in Diet:
- Keep a Symptom Diary:
- Honey:
- Avoid Harsh Soaps:
- Chamomile Tea:
- Topical Hydrocortisone:
- Aloe Vera Gel:
- Prescription Medications:
- Eliminate Stressors:
- Consult an Allergist:
- Emergency Action Plan:
The step for how to treat hives is to determine and eliminate the trigger-causing hives. Common triggers include certain foods, insect stings, or environmental factors.
Administer age-appropriate antihistamines to reduce itching and help control the release of histamine.
Seek advice from a pediatrician for appropriate over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines suitable for children.
Applying a cold compress in affected areas can help reduce irritation and dull the skin, providing relief from itching right away. Place ice cubes in a clean cloth soaked in cold water.
Oats is an effective treatment for itchy skin due to its calming characteristics. Allow your child to soak in a watery tub with finely ground oatmeal for 15-20 minutes. This can help relieve hive itching and swelling.
Discourage the child from scratching the affected areas to prevent further irritation and potential infection.
Dress the child in loose-fitting, breathable clothing to minimize friction on the skin.
Ensure that your child should drink a lot of water. Hydration is important for overall skin health and may help in the removal of toxins that can be the reason for hives.
Apply calamine lotion to the affected areas to provide relief from itching and cool the skin.
If food allergies are suspected, consider an elimination diet under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Maintain a diary to track activities, foods, and environmental exposures to identify potential triggers.
Pure honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities. Apply a thin layer of honey to the hives for 20 to 30 minutes and gently wash with warm water.
Use mild, fragrance-free soaps and detergents to avoid further skin irritation.
Chamomile tea can be used topically or added to bathwater. Brew chamomile tea, let it cool, and then apply it to the hives with a cotton ball or add it to the bath for a soothing effect.
Use over-the-counter topical hydrocortisone cream under the guidance of a healthcare professional to reduce inflammation.
Aloe Vera is well known for its anti-inflammatory and cooling properties. To relax the skin and reduce itching, apply fresh aloe vera gel directly to the hives.
In severe cases, a doctor may prescribe stronger medications, such as corticosteroids, to manage hives.
Identify and manage stressors that may be contributing to hives. Encourage relaxation techniques and stress reduction activities.
If allergies are suspected, consult with an allergist for testing and further guidance.
If hives are severe or accompanied by difficulty breathing or swelling, have an emergency action plan in place, including the use of epinephrine if prescribed.
At Eurokids, a nurturing environment is provided for kids, fostering not only their intellectual development but also their emotional and social well-being. hives in children are a common and often benign skin condition that can result from various triggers, including allergies, infections, physical factors, and stress. Identifying the specific cause, implementing preventive measures, and using appropriate medications to alleviate symptoms are the keys to effective management.
The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice. EuroKids encourages you to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns you may have. The information on this website is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
