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Hives in Children

Hives are raised, itchy welts that appear on the skin. Individual welts can change shape, fade and appear in new places.

Viral infections are a common cause of hives in children. Foods, medicines, insect stings and other allergic triggers can also cause them. Sometimes no specific cause is found.

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AAP Guide to Hives in Children

The AAP guide below explains common causes, what you can do for the itching, and when hives need emergency care.

AAP Symptom CheckerHives

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When to see a doctor

Contact your pediatrician or another healthcare professional if:

  • Hives are severe, keep returning or last longer than expected.
  • Hives started after a new medicine, food or insect sting.
  • Your child has significant swelling but is breathing and swallowing normally.
  • You are unsure what triggered the reaction.

Call 911 or get emergency care if:

  • Your child has trouble breathing or wheezing.
  • Your child has swelling of the tongue, throat or mouth that affects swallowing or breathing.
  • Your child collapses, becomes faint or has other signs of anaphylaxis.
  • Use prescribed epinephrine for anaphylaxis and call 911.

Talk to a nurse now, at any hour

When can my child be seen

Be seen today.

Every office keeps same-day appointments for illness and injury.

This evening or at the weekend.

Most offices run After Hours Care, by appointment rather than walk-in.

If you are worried, call. We would rather answer a question that turns out to be nothing.

More on skin and rashes

See the rest of this group and all 164 symptoms