Urticaria in babies sounds a lot more frightening than it really is. What your pediatrician is really telling you is you are one of thousands of parents experiencing hives in babies. We all know that hives is fairly common in adults but most people are not aware that hives in babies is just about as common. Urticaria in babies presents the same as they do in adults. They are different shapes and sizes but normally have well-defined areas with pale raised central areas surrounded by a red border.
What Causes Hives in Babies?
Urticaria in babies is caused by the same release of the chemical histamine that is responsible for the condition in adults. The biggest problem with hives in babies is that they cannot communicate with you so pinning down the cause of the histamine result can be more difficult. One word of caution is that some parents confuse urticaria in babies with diaper rash. If the area of concern is in an area that would be prone to diaper rash, you may want to look at some pictures of hives in babies and compare them to your child. The difference should be clear to you. Another condition that often confuses parents is urticaria pigmentosa in babies. This is a different condition usually presenting as brown patches. These are due to an abnormal collection of mast cells, is not serious, and goes away by the teenage years without treatment
Once you have rules out diaper or other rashes and conditions, you need to narrow down the cause.
Viral Hives in Babies is Most Common Cause.
Unlike in adults, the most common cause of hives in babies is a viral infection like the flu or a cold. If your baby has just gotten over or is still suffering from a viral infection like this, you have identified the cause. But more commonly, urticaria in babies has another cause. Some of the more common are:
- Insect bites or stings – your child could be allergic to, say, bee or ant bites and stings, causing hives
- Foods – hives in babies is often a reaction to a food just digested. Dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, soybeans, or some additives may cause an outbreak of hives. Breastfeeding is the best way to avoid this. But if that is not practical or possible for you, a process of elimination will usually narrow down the culprit.
- Temperature extremes – especially cold temperatures can cause hives in babies
- Drugs – if your baby is on a medication, prescription or not, it may be the cause of the hives
When Should You Call a Doctor?
If you think it is a result of contacting something causing an allergic type reaction like pollen or pet hair, urticaria in babies responds well to a bath. And a cool bath, not cold, will almost always sooth hives in babies, stopping the discomfort and the crying and fussing. This can be as relieving to the parents as the baby! Your doctor may allow you to use an oral antihistamine to reduce the discomfort.
But if the hives are accompanied by breathing problems, a swollen tongue, or unconsciousness, medical help should be sought immediately. And any time urticaria in babies lasts for longer than a week or so, you should seek medical advice. Hives in babies shouldn’t be treated with drugs on your own without a doctor’s supervision. The cool bath and other natural remedies should be tried first before going with steroids or antihistamines.
