What Causes Hives in Children?

Hives are little red bumps that show up on the surface of a child's skin. They feel warm and usually cause itching. Hives in children are caused by a number of factors.

  1. Food Allergies

    • Children who are allergic to different foods can have an allergic reaction that may cause hives. Some common foods that may cause hives are nuts, peanuts, strawberries, chocolate and milk and wheat products. Food allergies are sometimes hard to detect, so,each suspect food must be introduced in the child's diet one at a time until the culprits are found.

    Bee and Wasp Stings

    • Aside from being a painful sting, bees and wasps can cause allergic reactions in children, which can manifest in hives. Children who are allergic to bees or wasps should have immediate access to an emergency kit containing epinephrine (a type of hormone given to prevent heart stoppage and stimulate breathing) and some sort of allergy medicine in a pill form.

    Stress

    • Teens in particular sometimes find balancing school and home life with working a part-time job very stressful. Stress can manifest itself as hives. If everything else has been ruled out as the cause of a teenager's hives, it could be stress.

    Medicines

    • Many children are allergic to penicillin. Sulpha drugs used in various types of antibiotics are also common medicines that children react to, as is aspirin. Iodine present in the dye used in CT scans can cause hives in some children.

    Environment

    • Pet dander from any animal, especially rabbits and cats, can cause hives in some children. Certain materials, such as latex or nylon, can cause hives, as can soaps and fabric softeners.

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