Urticaria (hives)
Urticaria, commonly called hives or nettle rash, causes itchy, raised welts on the skin that appear and disappear, sometimes with associated swelling (angioedema). In children, identifying the trigger and distinguishing allergic from non-allergic causes points the way to the right treatment.
Understanding urticaria in children
Urticaria presents as itchy wheals: raised, red or skin-coloured lesions that typically resolve within 24 hours but may be replaced by new ones. Angioedema (deeper swelling, often around the eyes and lips) can occur alongside urticaria.
Acute urticaria (lasting under six weeks) in children is most commonly triggered by a viral illness. An allergic cause should be considered when urticaria occurs shortly after eating a specific food or taking a medication.
Dr Sood takes a detailed history to identify likely triggers and arranges targeted allergy testing where appropriate, rather than a non-specific battery of tests.
If your child is having a severe allergic reaction, call 999 immediately or go to your nearest A&E. Do not wait. Always carry prescribed emergency medication as directed by your doctor.
Frequently asked questions
No. Most cases of urticaria in children, including many acute episodes, are triggered by viral infections rather than allergy. Allergic urticaria, caused by IgE-mediated reactions to foods, insect venom, or drugs, represents a smaller proportion of cases but is important to identify correctly.
Urticaria lasting more than six weeks is termed chronic. In children, chronic urticaria is most often autoimmune in origin rather than allergic, though allergy testing may still be appropriate to rule out a food trigger.
Urticaria itself is usually not an emergency. However, if it is accompanied by swelling of the tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, wheezing, persistent dizziness, or collapse, this may indicate anaphylaxis. Call 999 immediately. If an adrenaline auto-injector has been prescribed, use it without delay.
Concerned about your child?
Book a consultation with Dr Sood to discuss your child's symptoms and get a clear diagnosis.