Hives appears as welts or red swollen bumps on the surface of the skin. A hive outbreak occurs when the body is exposed to substances that the immune system considers to be a threat to the body. Most hives last for a short period of time, however, chronic hives can last for several weeks if infants continue to be exposed to what is causing the outbreak. Hives can be itchy and uncomfortable for infants and can occur on any part of a baby's body.
Food
According to KidsHealth.org, nearly 6 percent of children under the age of three have food allergeis that can result in a hives outbreak. The most common food allergens include eggs, berries, peanuts and fish. These foods can trigger an allergic reaction in infants, which can lead to a hives outbreak. When these foods enter the system, the body experiences hypersensitivity and localized swelling. In order to eliminate this internal threat, the immune system produces antibodies and releases histamines, which can result in hives. Egg allergies in young children are believed to be caused by an immature immune system. It is important to monitor and recognize which foods are triggering hives.
Antibiotics
KidHealth.org also states that medications containing antibiotics are the most common medicines that result in allergic reactions. Antibiotics are commonly prescribed to children with ear infections, strep throat, and other bacterial infections. Allergic reactions from medications can cause an outbreak of hives that lasts longer than normal. With continued use of the medication, a hive outbreak can become chronic. Doctors recommend reading all the ingredients in a medication to help determine what antibiotic agent may be causing the allergic reaction that leads to the hives outbreak.
Insect Bites
Insect bites such as those from bees, wasps, fleas, ticks, ants, spiders, and mites can cause an allergic reaction in some infants. According to Hershel Medical Center, the venom from some stinging insects can result in an outbreak of hives. It is the insect venom that the body's immune system sees as a threat. This threat can cause the antibodies to release histamines into the body and as a result, may cause injury to surrounding cells. This can affects the skin and form hives. Depending on the amount of exposure to insect bites, the hives can become chronic. A doctor can perform a skin test to determine what insect is causing the chronic hive outbreak.
