Hives in Children

The arms, legs, back and torso are the areas of the body which mark the appearance of hives in children. Clinically, urticaria or hives indicate that the body is suffering from a hypersensitivity reaction, wherein, the capillaries and the tiny veins of the body become leaky. As a result of this, some of the escaping fluid from these capillaries gets trapped in parts of the skin and the lining membranes of the body. This in turn causes localized swelling in the skin. The leakiness is due to allergic reactions which causes the body to release histamine (amine formed from histidine that stimulates gastric secretions and dilates blood vessels; released by the human immune system during allergic reactions). This histamine is associated with the swelling and redness which occur in hives. Wheals or welts having raised patch of skin surrounded by a reddish halo are the prominent symptoms of this illness. Now, let's take a look at the hives causes and cures in children.

What Causes Hives in Kids?
Allergic reactions to foods such as nuts, peanuts, eggs, wheat, citrus, berries, food additives, etc. and medications such as antibiotics have been known to be the common causes of hives in children and in adults. Hives in children may also be a response against infection which occurs due to insect bites or stings. Pollens, danders, molds, certain plant substances, new laundry detergent or fabric softener, new suntan or other lotion, new clothes, blankets, bed sheets or skin creams have also been found as some of the culprits causing hives in kids. Viral infections are the most common causes of hives in children more than in adults.

Other physical causes of hives in children may be attributed to exposure to extreme cold weather conditions or air. Hives in children may also occur when the skin is firmly stroked and the condition worsens if the stroking continues. One more common cause of hives in children is wearing tight fitting clothes, especially inner wears. Infection of pinworms and giardia in kids also leads to hives rash on the skin as one of its symptoms. Apart from viruses causing hives in children, Staphylococci is a type of bacteria which may also be diagnosed as one of the causes. Although rare, sun exposure also results in triggering hives in children.

Treatment
In most cases it has been found that hives in children usually run its course for a certain period of time and subsides by itself. However, there are medications available to provide relief from the irritation caused due to this illness. Calamine lotions or Milk of magnesia are useful products which can be administered for treating hives in children and in adults. They reduce the itchiness and provide instant relief. For hives which have been caused due to sun exposure, apply sun screen lotions to the affected area.

Benadryl or similar anti-histamine drugs can be administered in order to reduce the intensity of hives and their numbers as well. Take care to administer the required amount of dosages as the dosages depend upon the age and weight of children. So, it is advisable to sought information from the chemist before using the medicines. Ice can be applied on the affected area in order to reduce the swelling and ease itching.

Apart from medicines, there are a number of effective home remedies for hives in children. Applying aloe vera gel or vitamin E oil to the affected area brings great benefit during the treatment and so does sipping herbal tea. Keep the room temperature normal; not too hot or too cold. Cayenne pepper capsules, vitamin C, vitamin E or zinc also provides quick relief. Most importantly, avoid the factors which become the causes of hives in children.

Hives in children, although harmless, can get heavy on the nerves of the little ones and especially when it becomes intolerable. As you have learned about the different hives causes and cures, try to keep the causes at bay and in cases where you are not able to, then keep the cures handy!