Hives, or urticaria, is a rash characterized by large areas of raised, slightly reddened swelling (welts), which frequently occurs as a result of an allergic reaction. Common causes include: medications (both prescribed by your physician and purchased over-the-counter), foods (especially shellfish such as shrimp, nuts, eggs, strawberries, tomatoes), plants, pollens, animal dander, chemicals (including cosmetics and those used at home and work), insect bites or stings, infections (especially viruses), and occasionally, causes such as heat, cold, sunlight, stress or certain rare diseases.
Treatment includes: cold compresses, bathing in a baking soda bath (mixing one half box of baking soda in several inches of lukewarm water) or Aveeno Oatmeal bath and oral medicines, such as Benadryl. For children over the age of 1 year, Benadryl should be given in doses of approximately one teaspoon per 25 lbs of body weight and can be given in doses every six hours, four times in 24hrs.
Contact us immediately if, in association with the hives, your child has any trouble breathing, wheezing, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing or swelling of the face or tongue.
Call the office if hives persist longer than 48 hrs or your child's symptoms worsen.