About 15-20% of people will get hives at some point in their lives. Hives come in various forms, ranging from small, round, red bumps to larger swellings with different shapes.
Hives are uncomfortable for anyone, especially children. Typically, hives are quite itchy, and the swelling and inflammation can be unbearable, leading to fussiness and discomfort.
Dr. Margaret Lubega here at First Pediatric Care Center in Gastonia, North Carolina, can help you find effective solutions to ease your child’s hives so they feel better. Here are five solutions she recommends if your child is suffering from chronic hives.
Hives often result from allergic reactions. The first step in managing chronic hives is to identify triggers that may be causing these allergic reactions and try to avoid them. Keep a detailed diary of your child's activities, meals, and environment to pinpoint potential triggers.
Dr. Lubega finds that common allergens include certain foods, insect bites, medications, and environmental factors, like laundry detergents or perfume. Once you discover the suspects, we can work with you to develop a plan to minimize exposure to these triggers and reduce the frequency and severity of hives.
Dr. Lubega commonly recommends antihistamines to relieve the itching and discomfort associated with hives. Over-the-counter options like cetirizine, loratadine, and fexofenadine can be effective in managing mild to moderate cases of chronic hives.
Be sure to consult with us before starting any medication to ensure the proper dosage and to talk about any potential side effects.
For more severe cases of chronic hives, Dr. Lubega may recommend prescription medications such as corticosteroids, leukotriene modifiers, or immunosuppressants. These medications suppress the immune response and reduce inflammation, providing your child relief from persistent hives.
Stress can be a trigger for hives. It can cause your body to release chemicals that result in hives or other skin reactions.
Lifestyle may go a long way in managing stress and chronic hives in children. Encourage your child to eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Adequate sleep, regular exercise, and stress management techniques, including deep breathing and developing a routine, can also contribute to overall well-being and help reduce the likelihood of stress-related hive outbreaks.
Remind your child to stay well-hydrated to promote healthy skin and minimize the severity of hive symptoms.
When your child has an outbreak of hives, applying cool compresses or ice packs to the affected areas can provide relief from itching and help reduce inflammation. Always wrap cold compresses in a thin cloth to prevent direct contact with the skin and keep application to just 15-20 minutes at a time.
Soothing oatmeal baths can help calm your child’s irritated skin and alleviate itching. Adding colloidal oatmeal to a lukewarm bath and allowing your child to soak for 15-20 minutes may offer relief.
If your child frequently develops hives, these five strategies can help reduce the frequency and intensity of your child's symptoms and improve their overall quality of life. If you need help identifying allergies through allergy testing or you need recommendations for gentle products or medications, please reach out to our office.
Call First Pediatric Care Center or use this website to schedule an appointment.
