Hives can be distressing in adults, but moreso to young children. We look at the top five tips when dealing with young children who have developed a reaction, and the best homeopathic remedies to help them.
Uticaria, commonly called hives are itching, red welts (swollen areas) or wheals (patches)–usually extended, that appear on the skin. Outbreaks can appear anywhere on the body and typically happen suddenly. Welts vary in appearance ranging from pimple-like spots to rashes spreading over large areas of the body. Hives come and go, a characteristic classifying them as unusual. Though a few hours in normal welts can appear, shift or disappear as you watch.
The skin, with its many layers, is our largest organ and a vital part of the excretory system. This may sound strange but it acts with other systems to remove toxins from the body through the process of sweating. This process helps rid the body of urea, uric acid, excess amounts of water and salt before they can do damage to the body.
Hives, though it is not fully understood as to how or why they exist, are a natural reaction to a presence that is uncharacteristic of, or to, that body. This can be something that has entered the body, something the body is trying to rid itself of or something the body comes in contact with–pesticides, shampoos, soap, residues from laundry products, hair sprays, certain materials from which clothes are made or dry cleaning chemicals.
Typically, hives in young children are caused by allergic reaction to something they have been exposed to such as environmental allergens (plants, chemical, latex, pets), drugs (antibiotics, NSAIDs, penicillin), insect bites or stings (bees, ants, wasps, etc.) or heat (sometimes confused with heat rash). Of the common cause of hives among young children a viral infection-cold, flu, etc., is one of the most common.
Some young children (living in areas where particular pests are a problem) become sensitized to insect bites. This is especially true with flea or mosquito bites and can develop hives at the sites of old bites as well as new ones. These hives outbreaks can last up to 3-4 months.
The most common food allergens causing hives are chocolate, nuts (a small handful of almonds has the chemical content of an aspirin), citrus fruits, berries, grapes or raisins, apples (especially the seeds) eggs, fruits such as apricots, peaches, plums or prunes, food additives, pickles, cucumbers, tomatoes and/or shellfish. In babies six months of age or under a reaction to cow’s milk is common, although most grow out of the allergy.
Keep children who have experienced hives from artificially flavored foods and drinks with yellow dye No. 5 or tartrazine in it. Though this happens in just 1 in 10,000 the color is common in food products, vitamin supplements and medications. Foods high in niacin (vitamin B3) are believed to inhibit histamine release. Good sources would be poultry, fish and whole grains.
Hives often go away on their own, but if treatment is needed antihistamine may be advised to reduce the swelling and/or itching. This medication works whether the hives are caused by a virus or an allergic reaction, and is usually use in the more extreme cases. In very severe cases that do not respond well to antihistamine the use of steroids (anti-inflammatory drug) may be recommended.
One of the most popular over the counter medications for hives is Benadryl (antihistamine). It works the same way on hives as it does for those who suffer allergies affecting the eyes, nose and sinuses. It is not a cure but can help greatly with symptoms. Its main side effect is drowsiness, so be sure to dose accordingly. Be sure to check dosage for children.
Typical treatments include applying calamine lotion to soothe the itching. Also it is a good idea to keep his/her nails trimmed and clean to minimize any skin damage that might be caused by the scratching. Using natural fibers for clothes such as are found in cotton will go easier on the skin as well. A cool bath will relieve itching—this is especially good if the hives are in patches over large areas. Add baking soda to the water or oatmeal as either is good for itching. Ice can be applied wrapped in a washcloth—limit time to 10 minute intervals.
Avoid rubbing hives as it will simply irritate them. For hives that are the result of an insect bite or sting you can make a paste of three teaspoons of baking soda to one teaspoon of water and apply it to relieve localized itching. Also avoid heat as it too is an irritant. Avoid hot water during or just after outbreaks.
Aloe vera gel, chickweed ointment or vitamin E oil as well as regular baby oil can all be gently rubbed into the affected areas twice a day until hives are gone for the relief of itching and for an aid in repairing any damaged skin.
Stress may not be the cause of hives in children but the stress of the hives can add to the problem. Help your child relax by reading to or with him/her a favorite book, or listen to some music he/she is particularly fond of, watch a movie with popcorn or a play a video game together.
Try yoga or some deep breathing together (maybe for the first time) to get rid of tension as well as taking their minds off of the situation. Doing it together will make it fun. Normally exercise is a great way to stay healthy but since strenuous activity can trigger defense reactions to the skin exercise for the most part should be kept to a minimum.
Remember, comfort is the main goal of any treatment for hives. Keep your child as happy and as busy as you can for the duration–which usually is not that long. Both during and after an outbreak avoid tight-fitting clothes as the irritation can prompt a return of hives. Do not send your children to school if hives are noticeable or swelling seems disfiguring. Do not add to his stress.
Call emergency service (911 / 999) if your child does not seem to be able to breathe without difficulty. This also includes any swelling around or in the mouth or tongue area, any rapid heart beating, nausea or vomiting or if the skin feels clammy and/or cold or if the child loses consciousness.