Hives are red or white raised welts that are swollen from histamine being released under the skin during an allergic reaction. Depending on the age of your toddler, you may be able to treat her with antihistamines, but read the label carefully. Most medications that help with hives may not be appropriate for children under 4. Check with your child's pediatrician to confirm dosing for her age and weight if you have any doubts.
Identifying Hives
Hives appear rapidly without warning and can spread fast. They are common on the chest, stomach and back but also may appear on the arms, legs or face. Welts may be small or large, round or misshapen, but they usually have a lighter center with a well-defined red border. Another distinguishing feature is that they disappear as rapidly as they appear, fading over the course of 10 minutes to two or three hours. Welts often are itchy but not always.
Causes
Many causes lead to a breakout of hives on your toddler's skin. Common culprits include insect bites and food, such as milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soybeans, wheat fish and shellfish. Other possibilities include illnesses, medications, cold temperatures and external irritants such as shampoo or fabric softener.
Home Treatments
The most effective treatment for hives is diphenhydramine, an over-the-counter antihistamine. The Food and Drug Administration cautions against medicating children under 4 with diphenhydramine when it is combined with cough and cold products. When using diphenhydramine alone, check the package label carefully and measure dosage with the spoon or cup provided in the packaging, not a household spoon. If your child is under 4, talk to her doctor about whether this medication is appropriate. Other treatments include a lukewarm bath, cold compresses, calamine lotion and dressing your toddler in loose-fitting clothes.
When to Worry
If hives spread internally, you will notice your toddler's face or tongue swelling. Go immediately to the closest emergency room or dial 911. Wheezing, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing are signs of respiratory distress and also require immediate medical attention. Hives that continue longer than a week, even if they are not causing discomfort, should be looked at by your child's pediatrician. Swelling of the hands, feet or face that does not improve within two hours of diphenhydramine or in children too young for medication should be looked at right away, as well.
