Hives on babies can be caused by food allergies, sunlight, medications, and infections. Allergic reactions to foods like peanuts, wheat, and milk can lead to more severe symptoms. Parents should keep a diary of their child’s diet to pinpoint the cause. Bathing can help, but if symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention.
Hives on babies are swollen skin or red skin on the skin of babies and children. They are also known as bruises or hives. For different children and in different cases, these hives may not look the same. Typically, however, they involve an area of skin that is raised and is redder than the surrounding skin. Some of the more common causes of baby bruises include food allergies, too much sunlight, certain medications, and infections.
One of the leading causes of hives in children is allergic reactions to foods, such as peanut butter or wheat products. In severe cases, the allergic reaction can lead to more than just raised bruises or swollen skin. A child could suffer from vomiting or diarrhea or even a narrowing of the trachea or swelling of the tongue. He may therefore need immediate medical attention. Other foods that can cause hives in children or more serious reactions include other nuts, milk, soy, and eggs.
One problem with finding out about allergic reactions is that they may not be immediately apparent. For example, parents may not notice exactly what food the child who gives them hives eats. Parents are recommended to keep a diary of exactly what their children eat and when. If an allergic reaction occurs, they will be able to better pinpoint which food is causing their baby’s skin hives.
Foods aren’t the only common cause of hives in children. Skin reactions can occur due to additives in children’s meals or due to the medicines they are taking. One such food additive is artificial food coloring called number 5 or tartrazine. Some medications that cause allergic reactions include sulfa drugs and some antibiotics. Parents should also be aware that insect bites, certain infections, and too much stress or exercise can also cause reactions.
Whatever the cause of the hives, they can last anywhere from hours to days. Rare cases can last even months. They are generally caused when a child’s immune system overreacts to certain allergens, such as food, medicines, or other causes mentioned above. Allergens cause your child’s body to release chemicals called histamines, which then create red skin and raised hives.
One of the first things parents can try to do for children with hives is bathe them as soon as irritation is detected. If the hives and itching persist, or if more life-threatening symptoms, such as trouble breathing, occur, parents should contact their child’s pediatrician. Doctors may prescribe an antihistamine or other medication or suggest an over-the-counter remedy.
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