PRINT
the Information Sheet
|
|
PRINT
the Information Sheet
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
important
points
|
|
•
|
The majority of cases of hives have no obvious cause |
|
•
|
The most common trigger is thought to be viral |
|
•
|
Hives may be caused by an allergy to some foods |
|
•
|
Avoid heat during an attack and try to cool the skin as much as possible |
|
•
|
Antihistamine syrups prescribed by a doctor will control most severe attacks of hives if they are given quickly |
|
•
|
Lotions and creams on the skin make little difference |
|
what
are they?
|
Hives
(urticaria) are very common in children. They appear as very itchy red weals
(lumps) that develop within minutes, last an hour or so, and then clear completely
leaving normal skin again. On
occasion in children hives may even have a bruise-like appearance. Once
a child has developed hives, heat will make them worse or itchier.
|
where
do they occur?
|
They
can occur anywhere on the body including the face, trunk and limbs. Most attacks
last only a few days during which time the spots come and go. Occasionally,
hives can keep appearing on and off for months.
|
what
causes them?
|
In
the majority of cases of hives there is not an obvious cause. It is thought
that viral illnesses may be the most common trigger in children although the
children are often otherwise well. In such cases the hives tend to settle in
less than one week although they may reappear with other illnesses. Bacterial
infections can also trigger hives and may require antibiotics. Hives can also
be caused by an allergy to something that has been eaten, such as strawberries
or seafood. Occasionally medicine, such as penicillin, can cause hives.
|
how
are they treated?
|
The itchy red weals in the skin are due to release of histamine, which is a response in the skin due to an allergic reaction. Therefore, the treatment is with antihistamine syrups, usually prescribed by a doctor. They will generally control most attacks of hives. Heat should be avoided during an attack of hives as it makes it worse. Cooling down the child with a fan or a cold wet cloth on the itchy areas will reduce the itch and may shorten the attack. Lotions and creams on the skin make little, if any, difference.
Most attacks
of hives related to food occur within 12 hours of eating it. Try to identify
which particular food your child has eaten within 12 hours before each attack
of hives. You may be able to work out which food caused the condition and avoid
them eating it in the future.
|
further
information
|
Your
family doctor.
Your Maternal and Child Health nurse.
Your pharmacist.
A dermatologist or allergist for persistent hives.
© 2002, Department of Dermatology, St. Vincent’s Hospital
Melbourne, Victoria Parade, Fitzroy, Victoria 3065 Australia.