Most children will suffer from acute hives, but chronic or recurrent hives can also occur.1
Children who suffer from hives can be impacted in many ways beyond the physical symptoms. Their relationships with other children, family and teachers can be affected and their learning and development impacted.2 Misdiagnosis and misconceptions that the condition is infectious can impact the child’s learning and development.
The symptoms of hives in children are the same as in adults. That is, swollen, itchy red bumps which sometimes have a burning or painful sensation. The individual hives will be gone within 1-24 hours and they will not leave a permanent mark.1 Swelling beneath the skin (angioedema) can also occur and can take up to 72 hours to disappear.1
Photo of hives on a young child. Image used with permission from DermNet New Zealand.
Explore on this site
Urticaria (hives) symptoms Hives on the face – how common is it? The difference – hives photos vs cold urticaria pictures
References
- Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy. ASCIA HP Position Paper Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria Guidelines 2020. Available from https://allergy.org.au/images/stories/pospapers/ASCIA_HP_Position_Paper_CSU_2020.pdf Accessed July 2024.
- Del Pozzo-Magaña, BR. EMJ 2017; 5:74-82.