Hives are red, pink or white raised itchy bumps that appear suddenly and can disappear within minutes or hours. Caused by an allergic reaction to food, medicine, illness or external irritants, hives in children usually appear on the chest, back, stomach and limbs. Usually parents can treat hives at home, but it is important to recognize hives symptoms that require medical expertise.
Diphenhydramine
Diphenhydramine, an over-the-counter antihistamine marketed under the name Benadryl, is the first line of defense for hives treatment in children. Parents should give one dose at the first signs of hives rather than wait to see if hives disappear without intervention. The sooner the Benadryl is given, says AskDrSears.com, the less severe the reaction will be. Caretakers can continue to give Benadryl every six hours as needed, and this medication is safe if used on an intermittent basis for several weeks. It is important to know that diphenhydramine can cause drowsiness in children.
Antihistamines
While diphenhydramine is the first treatment choice, if this medication is not readily available caretakers can use other over-the-counter antihistamines to treat hives. The Children's Hospital in Aurora, Colorado, advises parents to use any allergy or cold medicine that contains an antihistamine like chlorpheniramine, marketed under brand names like Chlortrimeton or Chlor-tripolon. If diphenhydramine's sedation effects are too powerful, parents can try a non-sedating antihistamine loratadine, sold in stores as Claritin or Alavert.
Epinephrine
Although rare, there are instances where "internal hives" can appear and cause airway passages along with mouth and throat linings to swell. Treatment for internal hives requires the use of injectable epinephrine or an EpiPen, available only by prescription. According to ABCNews.com, if a child appears to have trouble breathing, parents should follow pediatrician instructions for using the EpiPen and proceed immediately to an emergency room for more follow-up.
