Tips to Soothe Hives in Children

Childhood allergies are fairly common, but when you see your loved one developing red, itchy and raised skin from hives, you want to know how to ease their discomfort immediately. 

Our board-certified allergists with Advanced Allergy and Asthma promptly diagnose and treat children with allergies. We investigate the reason why your child has hives so that we can prevent them from reoccurring. 

When hives are an emergency and you need to call 911

If your child is allergic and has come into contact with an allergen, they may show any symptoms that characterize a severe reaction called anaphylaxis. The allergen could be anything from a bee sting to medication to tree pollen or peanuts. Anaphylaxis shock is a life-threatening allergic reaction, and you need to call 911. 

• Difficulty breathing
• Hives –swelling/ raised red welts of the lips, tongue, throat, eyes, or other area of the body 
• Wheezing
• Dizziness
• Slurred speech 
• Nausea

Treatment for mild cases of hives 

Following is our guidance for treating a mild case of hives at home. Many cases of hives disappear in 24 hours. 

Give your child an antihistamine if your doctor approves it 

Once your child is elementary school age, you should be able to give your loved one a children’s antihistamine to calm itching and swelling from hives. Follow the directions for your child’s weight and age. If your child is a toddler, call your pediatrician first. Side effects can be outsized and cause neurological damage to your child. 

Eliminate the allergen 

The allergen may be something outside or inside that came into contact with your child’s skin. Have your child sit in a cool bath to help calm the irritation. Wash your child gently with mild, hypoallergenic soap and water. Add colloidal oatmeal if you have it, and have your child soak in the tub for the time recommended on the package. Put your child’s clothes in the wash. 

Calm itching 

We advise parents to keep calamine lotion or 1% hydrocortisone cream on hand. Use either on the hives. If you don’t have them, make a paste of baking soda and water. You can also use a cold compress or ice pack on your child’s itchy skin. 

Trim your child’s nails

Your child wants to scratch their itchy skin, which inflames the irritation. Trim their nails so they won’t cut through the skin’s outer layer. 

Use loose clothing

Avoid tight clothing. Dress your child in breathable cotton. 

Search for the trigger for your child’s hives 

Make notes on what your child was doing, where they were, and substances they came into contact with in the immediate past and the past 24 hours. Note foods they ate just before the hives appeared. 

Watch your child to ensure the hives are receding 

Keep a close watch on your loved one to ensure the hives aren’t worsening. Call the doctor or 911 if you see any escalation. 

If your child’s hives recur

One is more than enough to see your child’s skin with raised red welts on it. We provide state-of-the-art allergy testing to determine which allergen causes hives in your child. Then, we develop a treatment plan depending on the severity of your child’s allergic reaction. 

If your child has allergies, call Advanced Allergy and Asthma at either of our two convenient offices or request an appointment through our online portal today.