Hives (urticaria) are common in children and often have no known cause. They can be acute or chronic. Symptoms include swelling and clusters of red, irritated skin. Although their appearance can be concerning, hives typically are not a sign of a serious medical issue.
Hives (urticaria) are bumps on your skin that occur suddenly. They're common in children and usually form on their chest, stomach or back. Hives may cause discomfort, but they’re temporary and should leave no scars or bruising.
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Hives may be acute or chronic:
Hives are often reddish. But they may appear purple or grey on dark skin. They may also:
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In some children, hives cause no discomfort.
Urticaria in children sometimes causes symptoms that include:
A small number of children have signs of a life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). These include:
Hives occur as part of an immune system response. When the body perceives a foreign substance, it releases histamines. These chemicals protect the body against germs but can irritate delicate tissue.
This causes irritation that makes blood vessels expand and sometimes burst. When this happens, fluid (plasma) leaks out, leading to raised patches of skin.
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Any child can experience hives. Children with allergies are at a higher risk.
In as many as half of cases, hives have no cause.
When a cause is identified, it could be an allergic reaction to:
Other potential causes of urticaria in children include:
Rare causes of hives include:
The treatment that’s right for your child depends on the type of hives, symptoms and severity. For acute hives with mild symptoms, treatment might not be necessary.
Children with chronic hives or acute hives and bothersome symptoms may need treatment. Medications like antihistamines can control the itch and slow the spread of hives. Your child’s healthcare provider may recommend:
Children with signs of anaphylaxis need emergency treatment to halt the allergic reaction. Care may include an epinephrine injection.
With acute hives, your child may start feeling better within a few hours. Hives may begin to fade within a few hours or days. Chronic hives take longer to heal. Your child may need additional treatments to relieve discomfort.
Steps you can take to help your child while they heal include:
A single episode of hives without severe symptoms or discomfort doesn't need medical attention. If your child is uncomfortable, can't sleep or hives cover a large area of their body, contact their healthcare provider. If there’s a trigger or cause of the hives, talk to your healthcare provider to determine if you should avoid it or if further testing is needed.
If your child has signs of anaphylaxis, call for an ambulance right away. Don't attempt to drive to the hospital.
Chronic hives require medical attention. Allergy testing or other assessments may be necessary to determine the cause. And your child may need a combination of antihistamines to treat them.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Urticaria in children is common and can have many causes. The appearance of hives may concern you, but they often don't cause symptoms. Children with mild symptoms may feel better with the help of antihistamines. Some cases last several weeks and require medical attention and possibly additional testing. In rare instances, hives cause a life-threatening allergic reaction. Nearly all children with hives make a full recovery and have no scars.
Last reviewed on 03/03/2022.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy