What are hives?
Hives are a very itchy rash caused by an allergic reaction.
Hives look like raised pink spots with pale centers on the skin. The spots
range from 1/2 inch to several inches wide (hives often look like mosquito
bites). The spots may be different shapes. The spots rapidly and repeatedly
change in location, size, and shape.
What is the cause?
Widespread hives are an allergic reaction to a food, medicine,
viral infection, insect bite, and other substances. Often the cause is not
found. Hives on just one part of the body (localized) are usually due to skin
contact with plants, pollen, food, or pet saliva. Localized hives are not
caused by drugs, infections, or swallowed foods. Hives are not contagious.
How long do they last?
More than 10% of children get hives. Most children who develop
hives have them only once. The hives come and go for 3 or 4 days and then
mysteriously disappear.
Large swellings are common around the eyes, lips, and genitals
if hives occur there.
Some young children become sensitized to mosquito or flea
bites. They develop big hives (called papular urticaria) at the sites of old
and new bites. These hives may last for months.
How can I take care of my
child?
- Antihistamine medicine
The best drug for hives is an antihistamine. An
antihistamine won't cure the hives, but it will reduce their number and
relieve itching.
Benadryl, one of the most commonly used drugs for hives, is
available without a prescription. The main side effect of this drug is
drowsiness. If you have another antihistamine (for example, any drug for hay
fever) at home, use it until you can get some Benadryl. When you give
Benadryl, give it 4 times a day in the following dosages:
Child's weight (lbs.) 20 25 38 50 100
-------------------------------------------------------
Total amount (mg) 10 12.5 19 25 50
--------------------------------------------------------
Liquid 12.5mg/5ml (tsp) 3/4 1 1 1/2 2 -
Chewable 12.5mg (tablets) - 1 1 1/2 2 4
Capsules 25 mg (capsules) - - - 1 2
-------------------------------------------------------
- Itching
Give a cool bath to relieve itching. Put a cold washcloth or
ice cube on itchy areas for 10 minutes. Avoid heat or rubbing.
- Avoidance and showers
Avoid anything you think might have caused the hives. For
hives triggered by pollen or animal contact, take a cool shower or bath. For
localized hives, wash the allergic substance of the skin with soap and
water. Localized hives usually disappear in a few hours and don't need
Benadryl.
- Common mistakes in the treatment
of hives
Many parents wait to give the antihistamine until new hives
have appeared. This means your child will become itchy again. The purpose of
the medicine is to keep your child comfortable until the hives go away.
Therefore, give the medicine regularly until you are sure the hives are
completely gone.
Hives are not contagious and your child can be with other
children.
When should I call my child's
health care provider?
Call IMMEDIATELY if:
- Breathing or swallowing becomes difficult.
- Your child starts acting very sick.
Call during office hours if:
- Most of the itch is not relieved after your child has been
taking an antihistamine for 24 hours.
- Most of the itch is not relieved after 24 hours on
continuous Benadryl.
- The hives last more than 1 week.
- You have other concerns or questions.
