Signs of Hives in Babies:

• Red, raised welts on the skin
• Itching or discomfort
• Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• Difficulty breathing (in severe cases)

Reasons for Hives in Babies:

Common causes of hives in babies include:

• Allergic reactions to food
• Insect bites or stings
• Viral infections
• Environmental allergens

Remedies for Hives in Babies:

If your baby has hives, you can try the following remedies:

• Apply a cool, damp cloth to the affected area
• Give your baby a lukewarm bath with colloidal oatmeal
• Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer
• Consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment

Remember, if your baby experiences severe hives or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately.

What Are Baby Hives?

Urticaria, or hives, manifest as raised patches in different shapes and sizes, usually causing itching and appearing anywhere on the body.

Triggered by elevated histamine levels, hives result in redness, swelling, and itchiness. They can be acute or chronic, with persistent cases lasting over 6 weeks.

In Summary

Hives are frequent across all age groups and typically resolve without intervention. Prolonged cases may necessitate medical attention.

What Causes Hives in Babies?

Babies may develop hives on their face or body due to various triggers like allergies, infections, or medications. Consult your child’s GP for hives diagnosis and treatment.

Viral and Bacterial Infections

In children, hives can result from viral infections, often accompanied by additional symptoms such as fever or cough. Bacterial infections may require antibiotics.

Allergies

Allergies, like food or insect bites, can be hives triggers in babies. Chronic cases might need medical attention to identify the cause.

External Irritants and Other Potential Causes

Hives may also be caused by exposure to certain external irritants, such as insect bites, pollen, or certain foods. In some cases, hives can be triggered by emotional stress or underlying health conditions.

It is important to identify and avoid triggers that may be causing hives in order to prevent future outbreaks.

In Summary

Infections, allergies, irritants, and emotional stress can all contribute to the development of hives.

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Key facts

• Hives, or urticaria, present as a skin rash triggered by various factors like allergies, medications, or infections.
• Manifesting as raised red or skin-colored itchy bumps.
• Hives occur due to histamine release in response to a perceived threat.
• Clinical diagnosis is essential, and antihistamines can help alleviate symptoms.
• Other common triggers for hives include stress, heat, exercise, and certain foods.
• In some cases, hives may be a sign of an underlying health condition and require further evaluation by a healthcare provider.
• Avoiding known triggers and maintaining good skin hygiene can help prevent recurrent hives.

What is hives?

Hives, also known as urticaria or nettle rash, can be caused by allergies or infections, while some origins remain unknown.

Symptoms of hives include raised, red, itchy welts on the skin that can vary in size and shape. They can appear suddenly and often disappear just as quickly. In some cases, hives may be triggered by certain foods, medications, insect bites, or environmental factors.

Treatment for hives usually involves identifying and avoiding triggers, taking antihistamines to relieve itching and inflammation, and in severe cases, corticosteroids may be prescribed. It is important to consult a doctor if hives are persistent or accompanied by other symptoms.

Hives, also known as urticaria, can be triggered by various factors such as allergies, infections, stress, and more. Common symptoms of hives include itching, swelling, and a burning sensation on the skin. In some cases, hives may also be accompanied by other symptoms such as difficulty breathing, dizziness, or swelling of the face and tongue, which may indicate a more serious allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis.
It is important to seek medical attention if you experience severe hives or symptoms of anaphylaxis. Your healthcare provider may recommend antihistamines or other medications to help alleviate the symptoms and determine the underlying cause of the hives.
Remember, if you are unsure about your symptoms or if they worsen, always consult with a medical professional for proper evaluation and treatment.

What causes hives?

Hives develop due to histamine release triggered by various factors like infections, allergies, or environmental elements. Stress can exacerbate symptoms.

Other common causes of hives include food allergies, medications, insect bites, and exposure to extreme temperatures. In some cases, hives can also be a result of autoimmune disorders or underlying health conditions.

It is important to identify the specific trigger for hives in order to manage and treat the condition effectively. Keeping a journal of symptoms and potential triggers can be helpful in pinpointing the cause of hives.

When should I see my doctor?

If hives persist or recur frequently, seek medical advice. If antihistamines are ineffective, consult your doctor for alternative treatments.

FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — Utilize the Service Finder to locate healthcare providers.

How are hives diagnosed?

Hives are diagnosed clinically by your doctor through examination and dialogue.

In addition to antihistamines, some people find relief from hives by applying cold compresses to the affected area or taking oatmeal baths. These methods can help reduce itching and inflammation.
It is also important to avoid hot showers or baths, tight clothing, and other factors that can exacerbate hives. Keeping the skin cool and moisturized can also help provide some relief.
If hives are severe or persistent, it is important to consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation and treatment. In some cases, prescription medications may be necessary to manage symptoms effectively.
Remember to always follow the advice and recommendations of your healthcare provider when dealing with hives or any other medical condition.

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Need more information?

For further resources on hives, seek information from our reliable partners.

Hives (urticaria) | Children’s Health Queensland

Discover the causes of hives and how to treat them.

Read more on Queensland Health website

Hives (urticaria) – Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA)

Hives, also known as urticaria, present as itchy, pink or red rashes that may manifest as blotches or raised red lumps on the skin.

Read more on ASCIA – Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy website

Urticaria, also known as hives, is an itchy rash that typically lasts 24 to 48 hours.

Read more on MyDoctor website

Urticaria (hives) – Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia

Learn more about urticaria, angioedema, and types of hives.

Read more on Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia website

ACD A-Z of Skin – Urticaria

Obtain details on urticaria, also known as hives or welts.

Read more on Australasian College of Dermatologists website

Hives or urticaria in children & teenagers | Raising Children Network

If your child has an itchy rash resembling hives, consult a GP.

Read more on raisingchildren.net.au website

ACD A-Z of Skin – Papular Urticaria

Find information on papular urticaria and insect bite-induced hypersensitivity.

Read more on Australasian College of Dermatologists website

Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria – Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA)

Address your questions about Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria with FAQs.

Read more on ASCIA – Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy website

Angioedema – Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA)

Understand angioedema, a condition causing tissue swelling.

Read more on ASCIA – Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy website

ACD A-Z of Skin – Pruritus with no rash

Learn about pruritus (itch) and common symptoms related to skin conditions.

Read more on Australasian College of Dermatologists website

Checklist: Acute Urticaria and Chronic Urticaria – Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA)

Review the checklist for Acute Urticaria and Chronic Urticaria.

Read more on ASCIA – Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy website

Milk, mucus and cough – Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA)

Discover how milk consumption can trigger certain symptoms.

Read more on ASCIA – Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy website

Recognising and Treating Acute Anaphylaxis | Ausmed

Understand anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction, and its symptoms.

Read more on Ausmed Education website

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Key facts

• Hives, also called urticaria or nettle rash, are itchy red bumps caused by histamine release in response to various triggers.
• Although hives can resolve on their own, antihistamines help relieve persistent or worsening symptoms.

What is hives?

Hives, known as urticaria or nettle rash, can arise from allergies, medications, infections, or unknown factors.

What are the symptoms of hives?

Hives present as itchy raised bumps on the skin that may be red or skin-colored. They can merge into larger swollen patches, disappearing within hours to weeks.

Common symptoms of hives include:

• Itchy, raised bumps on the skin
• Redness or skin-colored bumps
• Swelling that can merge into larger patches
• Disappearing within hours to weeks

It is important to note that hives can be triggered by a variety of factors, including allergies, stress, and infections. If you are experiencing hives along with difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or dizziness, seek medical attention immediately.

Perform a Symptom Checker to evaluate if medical attention is necessary.

What causes hives?

Hives result from histamine release due to different triggers like infections, allergies, and various stimuli. Stress can exacerbate symptoms but rarely causes hives.

Consult a doctor for persistent or recurring hives.

If antihistamines are not controlling hives symptoms, discuss alternative treatment options with your doctor. If hives persist for more than 6 weeks, further tests may be needed to check for underlying causes.FIND A HEALTH SERVICE using the Service Finder for doctors, pharmacies, and hospitals. Hives can be diagnosed clinically by your doctor through conversation and observation.
Hives usually resolve without treatment, but antihistamines can help if the rash continues or worsens. You can buy antihistamines over the counter at pharmacies. Ask your pharmacist for advice on which one to take, considering drowsiness.
Identify and avoid known triggers if your hives are caused by specific things like food or medicine. If the cause is unknown, prevention can be challenging. For more information on hives causes and management, visit the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy website.
If you experience more serious reactions, contact healthdirect at 1800 022 222 to consult with a nurse for guidance. Reliable resources for learning about hives are the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy and The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne. Content last verified in November 2023.