Hives

Also known as Urticaria, hives are very common and affect up to 25% of the population. 

They are pale red swellings of skin that can occur on any area of the body. They generally last no longer than a few hours and disappear without trace. Hives do itch but scratching does NOT help, it actually worsens the hives.

Hives are caused by the release of the chemical histamine in the human body. Allergic reactions are the trigger for the release. If hives are accompanied by a difficulty in breathing dial 999 immediately as this may indicate a serious allergic reaction.


What to Do

In the short term use anti-histamines to provide temporary relief. However you should check with your doctor first.

In the long term, you should investigate what could be causing the hives. It is normally either a food or prescribed medication. In short, an allergic reaction to something is causing the hives. You have to play detective and find out what it is. You should keep a diary of your child's habits and food consumption to see what precedes an attack.