Hives
Definition
- An itchy rash made up of raised pink bumps with pale centers
- Most often, rash is very itchy
Symptoms
- Raised pink bumps with pale centers (welts)
- Hives look like mosquito bites
- Sizes of hives vary from ½ inch (12 mm) to several inches (cm) across
- Shapes and location of hives can be different. They can also change frequently.
- Itchy rash
Causes
- Hives all over the body are most often caused by a viral infection. Can also be an allergic reaction to a food, drug, or insect bite. Often, the cause is not found. Hives from foods usually resolve in 6 hours.
- Hives just in one spot are usually due to skin contact with an irritant. Examples are plants, pollen, food or pet saliva. Localized hives are not caused by drugs, infections or swallowed foods.
First Aid Advice for Anaphylaxis - Epinephrine
- Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction.
- If you have epinephrine (such as Epi-pen), give it now.
- Do this while calling 911.
- Over 66 pounds (30 kg): Give 0.3 mg. Epi-Pen.
- 33-66 pound (15-30 kg): Give 0.15 mg. Epi-Pen Jr.
- Less than 33 pounds (15 kg): Give dose advised by your doctor.
- Give the shot into the upper outer thigh in the leg straight down.
- Can be given through clothing if needed.
- Benadryl: After giving the Epi-pen, give Benadryl by mouth. Do this if your child is able to swallow.
When to Call Us for Hives
Call 911 Now (your child may need an ambulance) If
Call Us Now (night or day) If
| Call Us During Weekday Office Hours If
| Parent Care at Home If
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CARE ADVICE FOR HIVES
Hives Only on One Part of the Body - What You Should Know:- Wash the allergic substance off the skin with soap and water.
- If itchy, use a cold pack for 20 minutes. You can also rub the hives with an ice cube for 10 minutes.
- Hives just on one part of the body should go away on their own. They don't need Benadryl.
- They should go away in a few hours.
- Over 10% of children get hives 1 or more times.
- Often the cause is not found.
- Most hives don't turn into a severe allergic reaction.
- Here is some care advice that should help.
- Give Benadryl 4 times per day for hives all over that itch. No prescription is needed. See Dose Table.
- If you only have another allergy medicine at home (but not Benadryl), use that.
- Continue the Benadryl 4 times per day until the hives are gone for 12 hours.
- Caution: Do not use if age is under 1 year. Reason: Benadryl is a sedative. Give your doctor a call for advice.