Hives (Child)
Hives, often called urticaria, are pink or red bumps on the skin. These bumps are also known as wheals. The bumps can itch, burn, or sting. Hives can occur anywhere on the body. They vary in size and shape and can form in clusters. Individual hives can appear and go away quickly. Allergens are proteins that are harmless to many people but can cause an allergic reaction in sensitive people. These reactions often show as hives. New hives may develop as old hives fade. Hives are common and usually harmless. They aren't contagious. This means they can't be spread from person to person. Sometimes hives are a sign of a serious allergy.
Hives may be caused by an allergic reaction. They may occur from:
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Certain foods, such as shellfish, nuts, tomatoes, or berries.
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Contact with something in the environment, such as pollen, animals, or mold.
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Certain medicines.
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Sun or cold air.
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Viral infections, such as a cold or the flu.
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Bacterial infection, such as strep throat.
If the hives continue to come and go over many weeks without any other symptoms (chronic hives), the cause can be hard to figure out.
There are 4 types of hives:
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Acute urticaria: hives that don’t last very long (less than 6 weeks).
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Chronic urticaria: hives that happen at least twice a week for more than 6 weeks.
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Chronic, spontaneous urticaria: chronic hives that don’t have an obvious cause.
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Physical urticaria: also called inducible urticaria, these hives might pop up when you’re in the cold, heat, or sun. Some people react to vibrations or pressure, exercising, or sweating. Physical hives usually appear within an hour after exposure. This type of hives can also be chronic.
Home care
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Your child’s doctor may prescribe medicines to relieve swelling and itching. Follow all instructions when using these medicines.
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Try to find the cause of the hives and eliminate it. Discuss possible causes with your child’s doctor. The doctor may ask you to keep track of the foods your child eats and their lifestyle to help find the cause of the hives.
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Try to prevent your child from scratching the hives. Scratching will delay healing. To reduce itching, apply cool, wet compresses to the skin or have your child take a cool 10-minute shower. Cutting nails short and using soft antiscratch mittens may help a young child not scratch.
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Dress your child in soft, loose cotton clothing.
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Don’t bathe your child in hot water. This can make the itching worse.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your child’s doctor, or as advised.
Special note to parents
If your child has a severe reaction or the hives come back and you don’t know the cause, talk with your child’s doctor about allergy testing. Allergy skin testing or a blood test may help figure out what your child is allergic to. But often the cause of hives can't be found.
When to contact your child's doctor
Contact your child's doctor right away if:
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Your child has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as advised by the doctor.
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Your child has chills.
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Your child has redness, swelling, or pain.
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Bad-smelling fluid is coming from the rash.
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Your child has had hives for more than 1 week.
Call 911
Call 911 right away if:
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Your child has swelling of the face, throat, and tongue.
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Your child has trouble breathing or swallowing.
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Your child has dizziness, weakness, or fainting.
Online Medical Reviewer:
Amy Finke RN BSN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Marianne Fraser MSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Rajadurai Samnishanth Researcher
Date Last Reviewed:
6/1/2025
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