Counseling Sheet

Agatha M. Thrash, M.D.
Preventive Medicine

Hives, or urticaria, are manifest by a very itchy rash and raised pink or red spots of various sizes with pale centers. The shape and location of the spots may vary during the course of the process. They may resolve in a few minutes, or persist for several hours before disappearing. They generally last no more than 12 hours. They are an allergic reaction to some substance the child has contacted. Foods, drugs, insect bites, or viral diseases are common causes of hives. It is estimated that at least ten percent of children develop hives at some time, although most of them have them only once.

‍Treatment

‍Cool baths are often soothing. Two cups of baking soda or Epsom salts may be added to a tub of tepid water. Pat dry after the bath. Rubbing may stimulate itching. Cold compresses are often helpful in relieving itching. Compresses made with a baking soda solution (1 teaspoon baking soda to four ounces of water) may be soothing.

A hive ointment may be made by melting three-quarters of a cup of petroleum jelly in a cast-iron skillet. When the petroleum is entirely liquid, add 1 1/2 ounces of dried chickweed, and simmer gently for about ten minutes. Do not allow it to burn. Strain the mixture through cheesecloth, pour into a jar, and cover tightly. This ointment may be applied liberally over hives. A muslin covering may be applied to prevent the ointment getting on clothing and furniture. This ointment is said to keep for about six months.

If the allergic reaction is felt to be due to a food the child has eaten a laxative may be given to hasten removal of the food from the body. Nuts, eggs, fish, lobster, strawberries, citrus fruits, and yeasts are common causes of food-allergy induced hives. Rather large amounts of charcoal taken in water may help to adsorb offending agents and toxins.

Drugs are also a frequent cause of hives in children. Almost any drug may be the offender. Penicillin may be found in milk from treatment of infected cows. Even tiny amounts of penicillin in milk may induce hives. Aspirin is a common offender.

Inhalants such as pollen, animal dander, plant products, mold spores and aerosols may cause hives. Wash the skin thoroughly to remove any allergenic substances from the skin.

Insect bites and stings may induce hives in sensitive children. Bees, wasps, fleas, spiders, mites, bedbugs, mosquitoes, scorpions, and jellyfish may cause hives.

Scratching should be discouraged. The fingernails should be kept short and the hands kept clean.

If the child develops difficulty swallowing or breathing, a swollen tongue, abdominal pain, or acts very sick he should be evaluated immediately by your health care provider.