Hives are a common skin problem in young children, according to the BabyCenter website. Hives are an allergic reaction that leads to histamine release in your infant's body and the appearance of a specific type of skin reaction typical to hives. If hives are the result of a severe viral illness or allergic reaction, it can be a reason for concern. Call your doctor if your child has a skin reaction, especially if you do not know what type it is or what caused it.
Causes
Hives in children commonly result from a viral illness, such as the flu or cold, or from an allergic reaction to foods, airborne allergens, chemicals or medicines. In addition, insect bites and stings can cause hives, especially if your baby is sensitive to these. Heat and overheating is another cause for hives. If you are unsure what causes hives in your infant, record all the foods she eats; the medications or chemicals, such as shampoo or soap, that come in contact with her; and any new toys or clothes she touched just before the reaction began.
Symptoms
Hives are welts that appear as raised, swollen white or red areas of the skin. They can appear suddenly and spread very quickly. They are most commonly present on the tummy, the chest, the back and the extremities. Hives rarely surface on the face, according to Dr. William Sears, an associate clinical professor of pediatrics at the University of California Irvine. A distinctive trait of hives is their inconsistency -- welts can come and go every 10 to 15 minutes, or every few hours.
Medications
Hives usually heal on their own in just a few hours or days. But if the welts are swollen and itchy, your pediatrician may prescribe antihistamine medications to provide relief and to reduce the inflammation. Corticosteroid tablets may also be administered for bad cases of hives. You can also give your infant over-the-counter diphenhydramine antihistamine medication every six hours or as recommended by your doctor.
Remedies
Apply calamine lotion on the areas of your infant's skin that are affected to relieve itching. If your child is trying to scratch the skin, put mittens on her hands and trim and clean her nails to lower the risk of irritation. You can help reduce skin irritation by dressing your infant in light, comfortable clothes made with natural fabrics such as cotton. If you have determined that your laundry products or toiletries are contributing to your child's skin irritation, look for alternatives. There are mild soaps and nonbiological powders you can safely use on your child's skin.
Complications
Although hives are usually harmless, the allergic reaction causing them can lead to a serious condition called anaphylactic shock. Anaphylaxis can occur very suddenly and be fatal unless treated with an injection of epinephrine. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include wheezing, difficulty breathing, a swelling of the tongue and mouth, rapid pulse, nausea and vomiting, and loss of consciousness. If you notice these symptoms, immediately take your infant to the emergency room.
