As a parent hives can be very scary because they can seem to appear out of nowhere as a small spot and can quickly spread over your child’s entire body in less than half an hour. However hives in children are actually very common, and despite their appearance are relatively harmless. Most hives breakouts will usually last 1 to 2 days and then disappear on their own without any treatment. However if your child suffers from recurring breakouts then it may be necessary for you to seek medical advice and possible treatment options.

When Are Hives in Children Dangerous?

If your child displays other signs of allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing, light-headedness or vomiting or develops a strong fever then you should immediately contact your doctor. For more information check out the Seattle Children’s Hospital information on Hives in Children. Causes of Hives in Children Usually when children get hives parents immediately try to figure out what food they’ve eaten that could be causing an allergic reaction however the most common cause of hives in children is actually illness. These illnesses are usually viruses or bacterial infections, even the common cold can cause a hives breakout in children. If you notice that your child is unwell or has a small fever and then breaks out in hives, then illness is most likely the cause of the hives. In this case the hives will usually clear up by themselves once your child starts to get better.

Other common causes of hives in children are food allergies, animals, medications and external irritants. In these cases the best way to deal with hives is to first try to remove the allergens by giving your child a shower and washing their clothes. Unfortunately it can be very difficult to pinpoint the cause as everything from washing detergent, new clothes to grass could be causing the allergic reaction in your child. If you are aware of what has caused the irritation then this should be removed from the child’s diet or environment. If you aren’t sure what has triggered the reaction then don’t worry, because your child’s hives will usually disappear on their own. Only if a child has recurrent breakouts will you need to try to figure out the cause. » Read more: Treating Hives In Children – What You Need to Know

If a person has been stung by an insect that has left its stinger, it should be removed by flicking the fingers at it. Avoid squeezing the venom sac, as this can force more venom into the skin. If fire ants have stung the person, they should be carefully brushed off to prevent repeated stings. Local treatment is normally all that is needed for small skin reactions. The affected arm or leg should be elevated and an ice pack applied to the area to reduce swelling and pain. Over-the-counter products can also be used to decrease the pain and itching. These include the following:

• products with a numbing effect, including topical anesthetics like benzocaine and phenol
• hydrocortisone products, which may decrease inflammation and swelling
• skin protectants, such as calamine lotion and zinc oxide, which have astringent, cooling, and antibacterial affects
• diphenhydramine, an antihistamine, which will help to control itching, and will counter some of the substances produced as part of the reaction
• ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain relief

It is important to keep the area of the sting clean. The site should be gently cleansed with mild soap and water. Avoid breaking any blisters, as this can increase the chances of a secondary infection.Any symptoms that progress beyond the local area of the sting require immediate attention. Allergic reactions to insect stings are considered medical emergencies. The physician will treat the person with epinephrine (adrenaline), which is usually given as an injection into the arm. An antihistamine such as diphenhydramine is usually given by mouth or injection to diminish the histamine reaction. Gluococorticoids, such as prednisone or methylprednisolone, are often given to decrease any swelling and to suppress the immune response. The physician may write prescriptions for both antihistamines and steroids to take after the person leaves the hospital. After a person has experienced a severe allergic reaction and received emergency treatment, the doctor may write a prescription for a self-injecting epinephrine device. This device should be carried by the person at all times, especially when the person is out of reach of medical care, such as on an airplane or in the woods. However, sometimes epinephrine is not enough, and other treatment may be needed. Whenever person with a known severe insect sting allergy are stung, they should receive prompt medical attention, even if they have received an epinephrine injection. Allergy shots for insect stings, also called venom immunotherapy, are the most effective known treatment to prevent allergic reactions to stings from honeybees,yellow jackets, hornets, paper wasps, and fire ants. Venom immunotherapy is offered to all patients who have had anaphylaxis following a sting and to adults who have had acute hives after a sting. In addition, patients with very large, aggressive local reactions who have positive skin tests may be considered as candidates, as shots have been recently shown to reduce the intensity of these reactions and a sting to the neck or face could have dire consequences. If a person has no symptoms of allergic reactions to insect stings but is tested and found positive to a venom skin test, the chance of developing anaphylaxis with future stings is approximately 17%. In this circumstance, because a positive test now exists, venom allergy shots should be offered, given the small but significant chance of a severe allergic reactions in the future. For an allergic patient, there are a number of ways to prevent future insect stings. Suggestions include: » Read more: Insect Sting Allergy – Treatment