Hives In Children
Where Do Hives In Children Come From?
Hives in children can perplex the adults who are charged with their care, and we often wonder what we can do to make them go away. The bad news is that hives in children are caused by foods or ingested allergens, and are an indication that something the body doesn’t like has brushed against or touched the skin in that area. They are usually localized, and this means that they rarely spread across the entire body. The fact they remain in one area is a great comfort to both the child and the parent, as the itch and discomfort are much easier to control and monitor. There are a few plants and other natural irritants that can cause this rash to show up, but there are also some very good relief remedies that you can learn about to quell them.
Hives in children are caused by so many factors that the actual allergen or irritant often goes undetected. Allergies to nuts and dairy are usually the easiest to detect, as these types of sensitivities tend to show up in other ways as well. Eggs, shellfish, strawberries, and tomatoes can also be the culprits, and you will want to watch your child’s diet more closely if he contracts hives often and no diagnosis has been made. You can identify hives in children by their very distinct appearance, as they are red and raised with a pale middle. They can be tiny or rather large, and don’t have to be round to classify as hives. If there are other symptoms present, such as shortness of breath, pain, nausea, or faintness, you will want to seek medical attention for him right away.
Viral infections and allergic reactions to medications will also cause hives in children, and aspirin will definitely cause hives as a side effect of Ryes Syndrome. Aspirin should never be given to anyone below the age of 20, so keep this type of pain reliever far away from your children. Non steroid anti-inflammatory drugs may also cause hives in children, as well as codeine, ibuprofen, and certain antibiotics such as those in the penicillin family. Hives caused by many medications can take days to show up, so don’t assume that your child is safe from allergies because the first few doses were successful.
Hives in children can also be the result of poisonous plant contact or insect bites. Treatment is usually local, but oral antihistamines can also help with the discomfort. Ice can be applied to particularly uncomfortable areas, and this should be alternated ten minutes on, ten minutes off. Calamine lotion can also help, as well as cooled, steeped black tea bags placed on the inflamed area.