Treatment for Hives in Children
Also called wheals or swellings, hives on your child's skin may be the result of an insect bite; an allergic reaction to a food or medication; or exposure to an irritant such as poison ivy or pesticides. Hives can be treated with home remedies or over-the-counter or prescription medications, depending on the severity and location of the hives. According to the Mayo Clinic and the National Library of Medicine, treatments for hives in children include antihistamines and natural ointments for the skin.
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Soaking
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If your child has hives across a large area of skin, a soak in a lukewarm bath with finely ground oatmeal or tea tree oil added can reduce itching and redness.
Ointments
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Topical ointments such as aloe vera extract and hydrocortisone cream can be rubbed into your child's skin to reduce itching caused by hives.
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Non-Prescription Drugs
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Non-prescription oral and topical medications come in children's varieties and include brands such as Benadryl and Zyrtec, and work by stopping your body from producing the histamines that cause hives.
Prescription Antihistamines
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Hives that do not respond to over-the-counter antihistamines may need to be treated with a stronger prescription strength medication such as Clarinex or Allegra.
Steroids
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Steroids such as prednisone or cortisone can be injected or taken orally to stop inflammation and swelling caused by hives on your child's skin.
Emergency Treatment
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If your child has hives in the mouth or on the tongue, or develops a fever, dizziness or facial swelling, emergency medical attention may be needed, and adrenaline may be injected if the attack is severe.
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