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My child has hives — what should I do?
Hives are itchy raised bumps on the skin that usually get better on their own within a few days.
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What it is
Hives (urticaria) are raised, red or skin-coloured bumps on the skin that itch a lot [1][7]. They can appear anywhere on the body, in many shapes and sizes [7]. They may be on one area or spread across the body [7]. The rash can feel itchy, sting, or burn [7]. On white skin, hives look pink or red; on brown or black skin, the colour can be harder to see [7].
A key feature is that hives are evanescent — they appear in one area while disappearing from another [1]. Hives can also come with swelling of the hands, feet, elbows, or face [1]. In rare cases, they can cause trouble breathing or swallowing [1].
In children, most hives are caused by an infection [1][2]. An allergic cause is less common [1][2]. Hives can also be an allergic reaction [6].
Most hives rashes get better within a few days [8]. Outbreaks usually last 5 to 7 days, though they can continue for several weeks without being more serious [2]. In most cases, no tests are needed [2].
What you can do at home
- Watch for any trouble swallowing or breathing [3].
- Avoid rubbing the skin [3].
- Avoid baths or showers with very hot water [3].
- Do not put powders or creams on the skin without asking your child’s doctor first [3].
- Do not give syrups or medicines without asking your child’s doctor first [3].
- Your child can eat their usual food — do not introduce new foods during the hives [3].
Hives can usually be treated at home [6][8]. If you are not sure the rash is hives, check with your doctor [5].
When to see a doctor or go to the emergency department
Go to the emergency department right away if your child has any of these warning signs [2]:
- Trouble breathing, hoarseness, or wheezing sounds in the chest [2]
- Cannot swallow or is drooling a lot [2]
- Feels unwell or their face is swelling [2]
- Hives appear after an insect sting or after eating a food that has caused an allergic reaction before [2]
Also call emergency services if there is swelling around your child’s mouth or they are struggling to breathe [6].
Common questions
How long will the hives last?
Most hives rashes get better within a few days [8]. Outbreaks usually last 5 to 7 days [2]. They can continue for several weeks without meaning the condition is more serious [2].
Is this an allergy?
In children, most hives are caused by an infection, not an allergy [1][2]. Allergic causes are less common [1][2]. However, hives can be an allergic reaction [6].
Should I change what my child eats?
No. A child with hives can eat their usual food [3]. Just do not introduce new foods while the hives are present [3].
Can I give medicine for the itching?
Do not give any syrups or medicines without asking your child’s doctor first [3]. Also, do not apply powders or creams to the skin without checking with the doctor [3].
Sources
[1] SEUP — “Urticaria. Información para padres” (2025), section “¿QUÉ ES LA URTICARIA?”, p. 1 [2] SEUP — “Urticaria. Información para padres” (2025), section “¿CUÁNDO DEBE CONSULTAR EN UN SERVICIO DE URGENCIAS?”, p. 1 [3] SEUP — “Urticaria. Información para padres” (2025), section “¿QUÉ PODEMOS HACER EN CASA?”, p. 1 [5] NHS — “Hives” (2024), section “Symptoms of hives”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hives/ [6] NHS — “Rashes in babies and children” (2024), section “Raised, itchy spots or patches”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/rashes-babies-and-children/ [7] NHS — “Rashes in babies and children” (2024), section “Symptoms of hives”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/rashes-babies-and-children/ [8] NHS — “Hives” (2024), section “Hives”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hives/
This guide summarises published paediatric guidelines. It is not medical advice and does not replace your paediatrician. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.
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