When a rash shows up on their child\u2019s skin, parents tend to worry. And that\u2019s understandable because rashes can look serious \u2013 especially hives. Hives are itchy, red raised welts with pale, puffy centers that look like areas of swollen skin. They can change shape, be very small or quite large, and move from location to location. They often occur suddenly and usually do not last long. But what causes hives? That can be hard to pin down!<\/p>\n
When a child has hives, parents are often concerned they are due to allergies. Although hives can be a sign of an allergic reaction, they\u2019re most often caused by a viral infection. When this happens, the hives or rash may be spread across the entire body and last days to weeks. Your child may have other symptoms like cough or congestion at the same time, or just before the rash appears. The rash itself isn\u2019t contagious, but the virus triggering it may be.<\/p>\n
Sometimes hives are caused by a bacterial infection or certain medicines. But very often, we never figure out what caused the hives. Then we call them \u201cidiopathic\u201d. Idiopathic hives are frustrating, but not dangerous.<\/p>\n
When hives occur in just one place on the body, they\u2019re usually in reaction to something the skin came in contact with. Bug bites and bee stings can cause local hives, even in people who aren\u2019t allergic. Some plants cause hives when they touch the skin. Some kids get hives where a dog or cat licks them!<\/p>\n
When hives are caused by an allergic reaction, they appear within minutes to an hour of exposure to a triggering substance. Foods like peanuts, tree nuts, eggs and shellfish can be the cause. If you suspect a food is the cause of your child\u2019s hives, please contact your pediatrician. If your child also has coughing, trouble breathing, dizziness, fainting, tightness in the throat, abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting, you should seek medical care right away.<\/p>\n