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[\[Skip to Content\]](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/hives.html#thelou) Find care at [Nemours Children's Health](https://www.nemours.org/?external_id=RE2350835010600) [Doctors](https://www.nemours.org/find-a-doctor.html?external_id=RE2350835010600) [Locations](https://www.nemours.org/locations.html?external_id=RE2350835010600) [](https://kidshealth.org/) [Sign Up](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/milestones-newsletter.html) - For Parents - For Kids - For Teens - For Educators Search Menu [](https://kidshealth.org/) Close Menu - For Parents - For Kids - For Teens - For Educators - ##### MILESTONES NEWSLETTER Subscribe for trustworthy health information delivered directly to your inbox [Sign Up](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/milestones-newsletter.html) Back Featured Topics For Parents - [Sitio para padres](https://kidshealth.org/es/parents/) - [Parents Home](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/) - [General Health](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/general/) - [Growth & Development](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/growth/) - [Infections](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/infections/) - [Diseases & Conditions](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/medical/) - [Pregnancy & Baby](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/pregnancy-newborn/) - [Nutrition & Fitness](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/nutrition-center/) - [Emotions & Behavior](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/emotions/) - [School & Family Life](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/positive/) - [First Aid & Safety](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/firstaid-safe/) - [Doctors & Hospitals](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/system/) - [Videos](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/videos/) - [Expert Answers (Q\&A)](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/question/) - [All Categories](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/all-categories.html) - [All Wellness Centers](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/centers/center.html) [ Nemours KidsHealth® Is Celebrating! 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We've been providing trusted health information for 30 years. Learn More](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/celebrating-30-years.html) - [Teens Home](https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/) - [Sitio para adolescentes](https://kidshealth.org/es/teens/) - [All Categories](https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/all-categories.html) - [All Wellness Centers](https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/centers/center.html) - [KidsHealth](https://kidshealth.org/) - [Parents](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/) - Hives (Urticaria) # Hives (Urticaria) en español: [Urticaria](https://kidshealth.org/es/parents/hives.html) Medically reviewed by: [Rachel S. Schare, MDThis link opens in a new tab](https://www.nemours.org/find-a-doctor/26538-rachel-schare-consultative-pediatrics-orlando.html) [Learn About Primary Care Pediatrics at Nemours Children's HealthThis link opens in a new tab](https://www.nemours.org/locations/primary-care.html) - [Listen](https://app-na.readspeaker.com/cgi-bin/rsent?customerid=5202&lang=en_us&readid=khcontent_article&url=kidshealth.org/en/parents/hives.html "Listen to this page using ReadSpeaker") Play Stop Volume [mp3](https://app-na.readspeaker.com/cgi-bin/rsent?customerid=5202&lang=en_us&readid=khcontent_article&url=kidshealth.org/en/parents/hives.html&audiofilename=KidsHealth_&save=1 "mp3") Settings Close Player - Larger text size Large text size Regular text size - [Print]() ### What Are Hives? Hives are red raised bumps or welts on the skin. Hives (or [urticaria](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/hives.html) urticaria) is a common skin reaction to something like an allergen (a substance that causes allergies). The spots can appear anywhere on the body and can look like tiny little spots, blotches, or large connected bumps. Individual hives can last anywhere from a few hours to a week (sometimes longer), and new ones might replace those that fade. Hives that stay for 6 weeks or less are called [acute](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/hives.html) acutehives; those that go on longer than 6 weeks are [chronic](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/hives.html) chronichives. ### What Causes Hives? An allergic reaction can cause hives, as can: - temperature extremes - stress - infections - some illnesses In some cases, a person has hives and angioedema, a condition that causes swelling around the eyes, lips, hands, feet, or throat. Very rarely, hives and angioedema are associated with an allergic reaction that involves the whole body or [anaphylactic](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/anaphylaxis.html) shock. The red welts of hives happen when mast cells in the bloodstream release the chemical histamine, which makes tiny blood vessels under the skin leak. The fluid pools within the skin to form spots and large welts. This can happen for a number of reasons. But in many cases the cause is never found. Most often, hives are associated with an allergic reaction, which can make the skin break out within minutes. Common allergies include: - foods, especially [shellfish](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/shellfish-allergy.html), [peanuts and tree nuts](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/nut-peanut-allergy.html), [milk](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/milkallergy.html), and fruit - medicines (antibiotics) and allergy shots - pets and other animals - pollen - [insect bites and stings](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/sting-allergy.html) Sometimes a breakout of hives has nothing to do with allergies. Other causes include: - infections, including viruses - exercise - [anxiety](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/anxiety-disorders.html) or [stress](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/stress.html) - sun exposure - exposure to cold, such as cold water or snow - contact with chemicals - scratching (dermatographia) - putting pressure on the skin, such as from sitting too long or carrying a heavy backpack over a shoulder Hives due to physical causes (such as pressure, cold, or sun exposure) are called physical hives. It can be hard to figure out what causes chronic urticaria, though it's sometimes linked to an immune system illness, like [lupus](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/lupus.html). Other times, medicines, food, insects, or an infection can trigger an outbreak. Often, though, doctors don't know what causes chronic hives. ### What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Hives? The hallmark red raised welts are the main sign of hives. The welts can: - have a pale center - appear in clusters - change shape and location in a matter of hours - be tiny or as big as a dinner plate - itch, sting, or cause a burning sensation Someone who also has angioedema might have puffiness, blotchy redness, swelling, or large bumps around the eyes, lips, hands, feet, genitals, or throat. Other symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, or belly pain. Rarely, a person with hives and angioedema can also get anaphylactic shock. Signs of anaphylactic shock include breathing trouble, a drop in blood pressure, dizziness, or a loss of consciousness (passing out). ### How Are Hives Diagnosed? Most of the time, a doctor can diagnose hives just by looking at the skin. To find the cause, you may be asked questions about your child's [medical history](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/hives.html) medical history, recent illnesses, medicines, exposure to allergens, and daily stressors. If your child has chronic hives, the doctor may ask you to keep a daily record of activities, such as what your child eats and drinks, and where the hives tend to show up on the body. Diagnostic tests — such as blood tests, allergy tests, and tests to rule out conditions that can cause hives, such as [thyroid disease](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/thyroid-disease.html) or [hepatitis](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/hepatitis.html) — might be done to find the exact cause of the hives. To check for physical hives, a doctor may put ice on your child's skin to see how it reacts to cold or place a sandbag or other heavy object on the thighs to see if the pressure will cause hives. ### How Are Hives Treated? In many cases, mild hives won't need treatment and will go away on their own. If a definite trigger is found, avoiding it is part of the treatment. If the hives feel itchy, the doctor may recommend an antihistamine medicine to block the release of histamine in the bloodstream and prevent breakouts. For chronic hives, the doctor may suggest a non-sedating (non-drowsy) prescription or over-the-counter antihistamine to be taken every day. Not everyone responds to the same medicines, though, so it's important to work with the doctor to find the right one for your child. If a non-drowsy antihistamine doesn't work, the doctor may suggest a stronger antihistamine, another medicine, or a combination of medicines. In rare cases, a doctor may prescribe a steroid pill or liquid to treat chronic hives. Usually this is done for just a short period (5 days to 2 weeks) to prevent harmful steroid side effects. ### In Case of Emergency Anaphylactic shock and bad attacks of hives or angioedema are rare. But when they happen, they need immediate medical care. Kids with bad allergies should carry an injectable shot of epinephrine. The doctor will teach you and your child how to safely give an injection if your child is at risk for a severe allergic reaction. **Medically reviewed by:** [Rachel S. Schare, MDThis link opens in a new tab](https://www.nemours.org/find-a-doctor/26538-rachel-schare-consultative-pediatrics-orlando.html) Date reviewed: February 2021 ## More on this topic for: - Parents - Kids - Teens ## More on this topic For Parents - [What Is Skin Testing for Allergies?](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/skin-test.html) - [How to Handle an Allergic Reaction](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/allergic-reaction-sheet.html) - [Egg Allergy](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/egg-allergy.html) - [Food Allergies](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/food-allergies.html) - [Going to School With Food Allergies](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/school-foodallergy.html) - [Blood Test: Immunoglobulin E (IgE)](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/test-immunoglobulin-e.html) ## More on this topic For Kids - [What Are Allergies?](https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/allergies.html) - [Hives](https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/hives.html) - [Food Allergies](https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/food-allergies.html) - [Rashes](https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/rashes.html) ## More on this topic For Teens - [Allergies](https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/allergies.html) - [Hives (Urticaria)](https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/hives.html) - [Food Allergies](https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/food-allergies.html) - [Serious Allergic Reactions (Anaphylaxis)](https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/anaphylaxis.html) View more Share: - Share to Facebook - Share to Twitter - Share to Pinterest ## RELATED CATEGORIES - [Allergies & the Immune System](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/medical/allergies.html) - [Skin Infections & Rashes](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/infections/skin.html) /content/kidshealth/misc/medicalcodes/parents/articles/hives ##### Who We Are - [About Us](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/about.html) ##### Working With Us - [Partners](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/partners.html) - [Editorial Policy](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/editorial-policy.html) - [Permissions Guidelines](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/permissions-guidelines.html) - [Media Requests This link opens in a new tab](https://nemours.mediaroom.com/journalist-resources) - [Contact Us](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/general-information/contact-us) ##### Legal & Privacy - [Privacy Policy & Terms of Use](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/policy.html) - [Notice of Nondiscrimination](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/nondiscrimination.html) ##### All Categories - [For Parents](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/all-categories.html) - [For Kids](https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/all-categories.html) - [For Teens](https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/all-categories.html) ##### Wellness Centers - [For Parents](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/centers/center.html) - [For Kids](https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/centers/center.html) - [For Teens](https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/centers/center.html) - [](https://www.facebook.com/nemourskidshealth/) - [](https://x.com/nemours) - [](https://www.youtube.com/@NemoursKidsHealth) [](https://www.nemours.org/?external_id=RE2350803010600) Note: All information on Nemours KidsHealth® is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2026. The Nemours Foundation. Nemours Children's Health®, Nemours KidsHealth®, KidsHealth®, and Well Beyond Medicine® are registered trademarks of The Nemours Foundation. All rights reserved. Images sourced by The Nemours Foundation and Getty Images.

### What Are Hives? Hives are red raised bumps or welts on the skin. Hives (or [urticaria](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/hives.html) ) is a common skin reaction to something like an allergen (a substance that causes allergies). The spots can appear anywhere on the body and can look like tiny little spots, blotches, or large connected bumps. Individual hives can last anywhere from a few hours to a week (sometimes longer), and new ones might replace those that fade. Hives that stay for 6 weeks or less are called [acute](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/hives.html) hives; those that go on longer than 6 weeks are [chronic](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/hives.html) hives. ### What Causes Hives? An allergic reaction can cause hives, as can: - temperature extremes - stress - infections - some illnesses In some cases, a person has hives and angioedema, a condition that causes swelling around the eyes, lips, hands, feet, or throat. Very rarely, hives and angioedema are associated with an allergic reaction that involves the whole body or [anaphylactic](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/anaphylaxis.html) shock. The red welts of hives happen when mast cells in the bloodstream release the chemical histamine, which makes tiny blood vessels under the skin leak. The fluid pools within the skin to form spots and large welts. This can happen for a number of reasons. But in many cases the cause is never found. Most often, hives are associated with an allergic reaction, which can make the skin break out within minutes. Common allergies include: - foods, especially [shellfish](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/shellfish-allergy.html), [peanuts and tree nuts](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/nut-peanut-allergy.html), [milk](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/milkallergy.html), and fruit - medicines (antibiotics) and allergy shots - pets and other animals - pollen - [insect bites and stings](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/sting-allergy.html) Sometimes a breakout of hives has nothing to do with allergies. Other causes include: - infections, including viruses - exercise - [anxiety](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/anxiety-disorders.html) or [stress](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/stress.html) - sun exposure - exposure to cold, such as cold water or snow - contact with chemicals - scratching (dermatographia) - putting pressure on the skin, such as from sitting too long or carrying a heavy backpack over a shoulder Hives due to physical causes (such as pressure, cold, or sun exposure) are called physical hives. It can be hard to figure out what causes chronic urticaria, though it's sometimes linked to an immune system illness, like [lupus](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/lupus.html). Other times, medicines, food, insects, or an infection can trigger an outbreak. Often, though, doctors don't know what causes chronic hives. ### What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Hives? The hallmark red raised welts are the main sign of hives. The welts can: - have a pale center - appear in clusters - change shape and location in a matter of hours - be tiny or as big as a dinner plate - itch, sting, or cause a burning sensation Someone who also has angioedema might have puffiness, blotchy redness, swelling, or large bumps around the eyes, lips, hands, feet, genitals, or throat. Other symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, or belly pain. Rarely, a person with hives and angioedema can also get anaphylactic shock. Signs of anaphylactic shock include breathing trouble, a drop in blood pressure, dizziness, or a loss of consciousness (passing out). ### How Are Hives Diagnosed? Most of the time, a doctor can diagnose hives just by looking at the skin. To find the cause, you may be asked questions about your child's [medical history](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/hives.html) , recent illnesses, medicines, exposure to allergens, and daily stressors. If your child has chronic hives, the doctor may ask you to keep a daily record of activities, such as what your child eats and drinks, and where the hives tend to show up on the body. Diagnostic tests — such as blood tests, allergy tests, and tests to rule out conditions that can cause hives, such as [thyroid disease](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/thyroid-disease.html) or [hepatitis](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/hepatitis.html) — might be done to find the exact cause of the hives. To check for physical hives, a doctor may put ice on your child's skin to see how it reacts to cold or place a sandbag or other heavy object on the thighs to see if the pressure will cause hives. ### How Are Hives Treated? In many cases, mild hives won't need treatment and will go away on their own. If a definite trigger is found, avoiding it is part of the treatment. If the hives feel itchy, the doctor may recommend an antihistamine medicine to block the release of histamine in the bloodstream and prevent breakouts. For chronic hives, the doctor may suggest a non-sedating (non-drowsy) prescription or over-the-counter antihistamine to be taken every day. Not everyone responds to the same medicines, though, so it's important to work with the doctor to find the right one for your child. If a non-drowsy antihistamine doesn't work, the doctor may suggest a stronger antihistamine, another medicine, or a combination of medicines. In rare cases, a doctor may prescribe a steroid pill or liquid to treat chronic hives. Usually this is done for just a short period (5 days to 2 weeks) to prevent harmful steroid side effects. ### In Case of Emergency Anaphylactic shock and bad attacks of hives or angioedema are rare. But when they happen, they need immediate medical care. Kids with bad allergies should carry an injectable shot of epinephrine. The doctor will teach you and your child how to safely give an injection if your child is at risk for a severe allergic reaction.