Urticaria in babies is an allergic reaction that affects the skin and can cause symptoms such as red, raised spots, irritability and/or itching and, in some cases, be associated with more serious allergic reactions, such as angioedema or anaphylaxis.
Although it is not always possible to identify the cause of this allergic reaction, most cases of hives in babies are caused by infections such as colds or gastroenteritis or side effects of medications.
Read too: Urticaria: what it is, symptoms, causes, types and treatment
If you suspect urticaria in your baby, it is recommended to consult a pediatric immunologist or pediatrician. Urticaria is usually treated with anti-allergy medications, and it is also recommended to avoid possible causes.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of hives in babies are:
- Raised, reddish spots on the skin;
- Itching on the body;
- Burning sensation in the affected area;
- Irritability.
The raised spots vary in size, number and shape and tend to have a lighter central region. Furthermore, they can appear anywhere on the baby’s body and usually improve within 24 hours.
In some cases, hives in babies may be associated with more serious allergic reactions, such as angioedema or anaphylaxis. Therefore, if symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling in the face or drowsiness appear, it is recommended to go to an emergency room for evaluation.
Read too: 8 symptoms of an allergic reaction and what to do
How to confirm the diagnosis
The diagnosis of urticaria in babies is made by a pediatric immunologist or pediatrician taking into account the symptoms presented, their possible causes and the baby’s health history.
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However, it is common for the doctor to recommend tests, such as allergy tests and the measurement of thyroid hormones or specific antibodies in the blood, to try to identify the cause of hives in the baby and rule out other health problems that may be associated.
Read too: Allergy test: what it is, how it is done and when it is indicated
Possible causes
The most common causes of hives in babies include:
- Infectionsespecially viral infections;
- Side effect of medicationssuch as antibiotics and anticonvulsants;
- Consumption of specific foodssuch as milk, egg, peanuts or tree nuts;
- Sting or contact with ants, bees or waspsfor example;
- Heat, cold, sunlight or contact with waterespecially in cases of chronic urticaria.
In these situations, the appearance of hives in the baby is associated with an allergic reaction that results in the release of histamine and inflammatory substances by defense cells known as mast cells, which are present in the skin.
How the treatment is carried out
The treatment of urticaria in babies is normally done with the use of anti-allergy medications to alleviate symptoms according to the doctor’s instructions, and it is also recommended to avoid its cause, whenever it is possible to identify it. Understand better how urticaria is treated.
Depending on the cause of the baby’s hives, the doctor may also recommend changing or discontinuing medications or avoiding specific foods, for example. Furthermore, in the case of infections, it is also important to treat them according to medical advice.
Especially in more serious cases of chronic urticaria in babies, the doctor may also recommend other medications such as corticosteroids, sulfasalazine or cyclosporine to control symptoms.
Read too: Chronic urticaria: what it is, symptoms, causes and treatment
