Hives can make for miserable, uncomfortable kids. Hives are red raised bumps, usually caused by an allergic reaction. Although they are harmless most of the time, hives can be itchy, causing serious discomfort. The common medical treatments for hives are antihistamines. However, some natural treatments can ease your child's discomfort and help hives heal faster.
Home Remedies
Applying cold compresses can help soothe the itching and help prevent scratching, which can make hives spread. Bathing children in a cool bath or a shower can also help by reducing swelling. According to MayoClinic.com, add baking soda, uncooked oatmeal or colloidal oatmeal to the bath water to to ease itching and swelling. It also recommends dressing children in loose-fitting clothing made of cotton to avoid irritating the skin.
Causes of Hives
Hives are usually part of an allergic reaction, and it is often difficult to determine their exact cause. Common causes of allergic reactions include food, medication, animal hair, insect stings, soaps, plants and latex. According to MayoClinic.com, environmental factors such as the sun, the wind, stress and exercise might also cause hives. Furthermore, hives might also be a symptom of some diseases and conditions such as lupus, some cancers, thyroid conditions and viral or bacterial infections.
Preventing Hives
The main way to prevent hives in children is to figure out what triggers them. According to Healthychildren.org, if the hives are confined to a small area on the body, they are probably caused by a reaction to something the child touched. If the hives cover the entire body, they are either caused by something the child ate or an infection. It sometimes helps if parents keep a diary, noting when the hives appear and what the child ate or touched before the hives appeared. Over time, this could give clues as to what is causing the hives.
When to See a Doctor
Hives are usually harmless and go away on their own after a few days. However, if the hives persist and affect the mouth, or the child develops difficulty breathing, or experiences a loss of consciousness, he must be seen by a doctor immediately. These could be signs of a severe allergic reaction that can potentially be fatal if not treated early.
