Hives

What are hives?

Your child has hives when:

• Your child has itchy, raised pink spots with pale centers. They often look like mosquito bites. They may be different sizes and shapes.
• The spots change size and shape. They may move from one area on the body to another.

Your child may be allergic to a food, medicine, insect bites, or other things. This causes the hives. Hives do not spread to other people. They come and go for a few days and then go away.

How can I take care of my child?

• Give your child antihistamine medicine. This medicine won't cure the hives, but it will help the itching and reduce the number of hives.

  Your child's medicine is _______________________. Give _____ every ____ hours.

  Be sure to keep giving the medicine until you are sure the hives are completely gone for 24 hours. Other wise your child may get itchy again.

• Make sure your child stays away from anything you think may have caused the hives.
• Have your child take a shower, if the hives were caused by pollen or animals. Don't use really hot water or rub your child's skin. That can make hives worse.

Call your child's doctor right away if:

• It gets hard for your child to breathe or swallow.
• Your child starts to act very sick.

Call your child's doctor during office hours if:

• Most of the itch is not better after your child has taken the medicine for 24 hours.
• The hives last more than 1 week.
• You have other concerns or questions.