Chronic Hives In Children
Read on to learn more about chronic hives in children. An acute phase normally only lasts a few hours or at most a few days. But in chronic cases, the rash can persist for several weeks.
Chronic hives in children affects the top layer of the skin. It causes a rash. This then takes several weeks until it subsides again. It is mostly the result of an allergic reaction.
In other words, the characteristics of hives are the body’s response to allergens. This is of course uncomfortable for children. The rash may be itchy and burning. Parents are asked to pay attention until the rash is gone.
The hives show up in small bumps, red spots or welts. Either these appear separately or they accumulate in one place. Sometimes the rash goes over much of the body.
A case of hives can affect the whole arm or just a small area of skin.
causes
Hives occurs when a certain type of immune cell (mast cell) in the blood meets a substance called histamine. This causes the smallest blood vessels under the skin to burst. Fluid collects in the skin. This then creates pimples or welts.
However, it is difficult to pinpoint the exact trigger. There are several causes and beyond that each body reacts and is different.
This means that unfortunately it is not always possible to determine what causes chronic hives in children. However, many outbreaks have been linked to:
- Autoimmune disorders
- Insect bites
- Side effects of medication
- Food allergies
Symptoms of chronic hives in children
The main symptom is the rash. This can vary in texture, size and color. But it can change very quickly. Sometimes it looks different after just a few hours. In addition, chronic hives is unfortunately accompanied by unpleasant sensations. These include itching, burning, or tingling sensations.
Depending on the type, swelling or even inflammation can develop. In particularly severe cases, the throat or throat can be affected. This in turn leads to:
- fatigue
- Breathing problems
- Loss of consciousness in anaphylactic shock
diagnosis
A quick examination will clarify whether it is hives. In contrast, the exact cause is not that easy to determine.
Your GP will also ask questions about your child’s medical history. It is also possible that your child will be tested for a number of allergies.
To at least narrow down the possible triggers, a diary can be useful. Everything consumed and drunk is recorded in it. Tests such as a blood test can also be done.
One test is to put an ice cube on the rash. Then the reaction of the skin is observed and evaluated.
Other doctors use a small weight to put pressure on a muscle. Then they check whether there are any new stains.
Treatment of chronic hives in children
Easy cases usually get better on their own. They therefore do not necessarily require treatment. But in the case of chronic hives, it is important to find out what causes them. This is the only way to avoid the corresponding allergens. This is the only way to get better in the long term.
If the rash is severe, the doctor may prescribe antihistamines. These prevent the body from sending histamines into the bloodstream. And so the skin irritations are stopped.
Never give your child any medication without the advice of a doctor!
If a weak drug doesn’t work, a stronger drug or a combination of drugs can help.
In some cases, doctors also prescribe oral steroids. However, these should only be taken for a short period of 5 days to a maximum of 2 weeks.
It is important to limit the side effects of steroids.
If your child has chronic hives, don’t panic. As with many skin diseases , lotions or home remedies are unfortunately often of little help. Or else they make matters worse.
Be sure to see a doctor. Together with medical experts, you will find the right solution for your child.
