Hives in Kids: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & When to Seek Help

Understanding Hives in Children: What Parents Need to Realize

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Hives are a common skin condition affecting both children and adults. In fact, 'many, if not most, children will experience hives at least once in their life,' says Ashanti Woods, MD, a pediatrician at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore. Hives in children appear much like those in adults: red, raised blotches or welts that can appear singly, in connected patches, or in groups. These welts typically disappear within 24 hours. They are not contagious.

Why it matters

Hives occur in response to a trigger or allergen, often within two hours of exposure. Common culprits include foods, spices, fragrances, soaps, lotions, pet dander, medications (like antibiotics), and insect bites. Infections like strep throat or common childhood viruses, illnesses, stress, physical pressure, temperature changes, exercise, and scratching can also cause hives. Food allergies are a more frequent trigger in children than in adults, potentially requiring allergy testing.

The details

While often harmless, hives can sometimes signal a serious allergic reaction. Be vigilant for symptoms of anaphylaxis, a potentially deadly condition, including difficulty breathing, dizziness, fainting, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, rapid heartbeat, throat tightness, and a hoarse voice. A swelling of the eyes, lips, hands, feet, and genitals (angioedema) can also cause breathing issues. If hives aren't accompanied by emergency symptoms, you can usually manage them at home. The primary goal is to relieve the intense itching. Over-the-counter antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or cetirizine and pseudoephedrine (Zyrtec-D) can help block histamine, the chemical responsible for hives and itching.

  • Hives typically disappear within 24 hours.

The players

Ashanti Woods

A pediatrician at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore.

Anthony M. Rossi

A doctor who advises that if a child is wheezing or having trouble breathing, you need to seek immediate medical care.

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What they’re saying

“many, if not most, children will experience hives at least once in their life”

— Ashanti Woods, Pediatrician (newsy-today.com)

“If your child is wheezing or having trouble breathing, you need to seek immediate medical care”

— Anthony M. Rossi, Doctor (newsy-today.com)

The takeaway

Hives are a common skin condition in children that can be managed at home, but parents should be vigilant for signs of a serious allergic reaction and seek immediate medical attention if their child is having difficulty breathing or experiencing other severe symptoms.