Urticaria (Hives)
What is urticaria?Urticaria, or hives, is a condition in which red, itchy, and
swollen areas appear on the skin - usually as an allergic reaction from
eating certain foods or taking certain medications. Hives can vary in size
from a half and inch to several inches in size. Hives can appear all over
the body or limited to one part of the body.
What foods commonly cause hives?
What medications commonly cause hives?
- penicillin
- sulfa
- anticonvulsant drugs
- phenobarbital
- aspirin
Other causes of hives:The following are other possible causes of hives:
- dermatographism - hives caused by scratching the skin,
continual stroking of the skin, or wearing tight-fitting clothes that
rub the skin.
- cold-induced hives - hives caused by exposure to cold air or
water.
- solar hives - hives caused by exposure to sunlight or
light-bulb light.
- chronic urticaria - recurrent hives with no known cause.
How are hives diagnosed?A diagnosis of hives is usually made based on a complete
medical history and physical examination.
Treatment for hives:Avoidance of the allergen is the best treatment for hives. If
the hives were caused by a medication, strict avoidance is necessary.
Specific treatment for hives will be determined by your child's
physician based on:
- your child's age, overall health, and medical history
- extent of the reaction
- your child's tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or
therapies
- expectations for the course of the reaction
- your opinion or preference
Your child's physician may also prescribe the following medications:
- antihistamines - these help to decrease histamine release
which may help to decrease the symptoms of urticaria. Some examples are
diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) or hydroxyzine (Atarax®). These medications
may make your child drowsy.
- nonsedating antihistamines - work similar to antihistamines
but without the side effect of making your child drowsy. These might
include cetirizine (Zyrtec®) or loratidine (Claritin®).
If your child is having difficulty breathing, your child's physician
might use an injection of epinephrine to help decrease the swelling
and the itching. Your child's physician may instruct you on the
use of an emergency kit that contains epinephrine to have near your
child in case of future episodes. Discuss this with your child's
physician.
More Information
Schneider Children's Hospital Division
of Allergy and Immunology
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