Hives, also referred to as welts, are typically small, reddened areas of skin that may be raised and itchy. Hives in toddlers are relatively common and can cause great distress for the parents. Hives develop as a natural response from the immune system, but this does not always mean that the child is having an allergic reaction. Hives in toddlers may also occur due to temperature changes, sensitive skin, or fever. Treatment for hives in toddlers usually requires only treatment with a medication known as an antihistamine, although the development of severe symptoms may require immediate medical attention.
Hives in toddlers may develop any time the child is sick, especially if fever or infection is present. The immune system has not had time to fully develop in a toddler, so some immune reactions may be exaggerated as the body learns what substances are truly harmful to the body. Sensitivities to soaps or detergents may also lead to hives in toddlers. Children with particularly sensitive skin may develop hives from friction or from wearing clothes made with certain materials or fabrics.
Food allergies or sensitivities are common causes of hives in toddlers. This is the age when the child starts to experiment with different foods, and some of these foods may not be well tolerated by the body. A special type of doctor known as a dermatologist can perform a few simple tests to determine if the child has any actual food allergies. Even if there are no allergies detected, the child may still have food sensitivities that may lead to hives. If this is suspected, the doctor may recommend an elimination diet to see if the hives stop appearing when certain foods are removed from the diet.
Diphenhydramine is a type of medication known as an antihistamine and may help to relieve some of the uncomfortable symptoms of hives, such as itching and swelling. Adding a little oatmeal to the bath water may also help to relieve some of these symptoms. In most cases, the hives will disappear on their own within a couple of days.
In rare cases, the development of hives in toddlers may indicate a severe allergic reaction to some sort of allergen, such as food, chemicals, or insect bites or stings. If the child's face begins to swell or if the child seems to be having trouble breathing, immediate medical attention is required. Such severe allergic reactions can be potentially fatal if not properly treated right away.
