Urticaria, or hives, is a condition in which red, itchy, and swollen areas appear on the skin - usually as an allergic reaction from eating certain foods or taking certain medications. Hives can vary in size from a half and inch to several inches in size. Hives can appear all over the body or limited to one part of the body.
The following are other possible causes of hives:
A diagnosis of hives is usually made based on a complete medical history and physical examination.
Avoidance of the allergen is the best treatment for hives. If the hives were caused by a medication, strict avoidance is necessary.
Specific treatment for hives will be determined by your child's physician based on:
Your child's physician may also prescribe the following medications:
If your child is having difficulty breathing, your child's physician might use an injection of epinephrine to help decrease the swelling and the itching. Your child's physician may instruct you on the use of an emergency kit that contains epinephrine to have near your child in case of future episodes. Discuss this with your child's physician.
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Online Resources of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology
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