Hives
Also called Urticaria
- Typical age
- Any age
- Where
- anywhere
- Fever
- sometimes
- Itchy
- yes
- Contagious
- No
- Usually lasts
- Hours to a few days
What it looks like
Raised, itchy welts with pale centres that move around, appearing and fading within hours.
On brown and black skin, redness may look purple, grey or darker than surrounding skin; texture (raised, rough, blistered) is often the better clue.
What causes it
Most often viral infections in young children; also foods, medicines, insect stings or unknown triggers.
What helps at home
- Cool compress for itch.
- Ask your pediatrician about an age-appropriate antihistamine.
- Note what your child ate or took in the past few hours.
When to call about hives
Call 911 or go to the ER now
- Swelling of lips, tongue or face
- Wheezing, trouble breathing or swallowing, repeated vomiting after a food
- Pale, floppy or fainting: use an epinephrine auto-injector if prescribed and call 911
- Rash that does not fade when you press a clear glass against it (possible petechiae or purpura)
- Baby under 3 months with a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
Call your pediatrician today
- Hives lasting more than a few days
- Hives after a new medicine
- Joint swelling or fever with hives
General guidance based on AAP, NHS and CDC advice, not a diagnosis. If your gut says something is wrong, call your pediatrician or nurse line. You never need permission to seek care.
Questions parents ask
When should I worry about hives in my child?
Hives with any breathing trouble, face or tongue swelling, vomiting or floppiness can signal anaphylaxis and need 911 immediately.
Rashes often confused with hives
- Petechiae and purpura · anywhere