Hives: Brief Version
What are hives?
Your child has hives when:
- Your child has itchy, raised pink spots with pale centers. They often look like mosquito bites. They may be different sizes and shapes.
- The spots change size and shape. They may move from one area on the body to another.
Your child may be allergic to a food, medicine, insect bites, or other things. This causes the hives. Hives do not spread to other people. They come and go for a few days and then go away.
How can I take care of my child?
Call your child's doctor right away if:
- It gets hard for your child to breathe or swallow.
- Your child starts to act very sick.
Call your child's doctor during office hours if:
- The hives last more than 1 week.
- You have other concerns or questions.
Written by Barton D. Schmitt, MD, author of “My Child Is Sickâ€, American Academy of Pediatrics Books.
Pediatric Advisor 2012.1 published by RelayHealth.
Last modified: 2009-06-22
Last reviewed: 2011-06-06
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
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