Baby Hives

Hives that attack babies are referred to as baby hives. When hives appear on a baby's skin, the cause can be an allergic reaction to any particular substance. Sometimes the cause can be traced to use of certain lotion or baby products that are available in the market.

In case of babies, the hives usually make their appearance on the torso mainly. However, other parts might be affected as well.

Hives can appear as a single raised red bump and then go on to multiply into large groups. They are accompanied by itching but can have burning sensation as well. Hives in babies can be very small or can be very big in size.

Symptoms and Causes of Baby Hives

Babies can be infected with hives for more than one reason. The reasons can be the following:

• Illness
• Certain food allergens
• Exposure to sun
• Reactions to medications
• Stings
• Insect bites
• Certain new baby products that come in contact with the baby's sensitive skin.

In case the hives are mild, an herbal remedy or an antihistamine can be given. If other symptoms are absent, then one might not have to approach a doctor. However, a doctor needs to be called right away when the following signs appear:

• Baby has hives all over the body
• Hives stop responding to all kinds of self medications
• The baby's hands, feet or face is swollen
• The hives appear to be beneath the skin than on the surface

One might require taking the baby for emergency care in the following cases:

• Swollen throat
• The baby is wheezing or having problem in breathing
• Baby is weak, feeling dizzy or lethargic in nature
• Hives have spread on to the baby's mouth.
• The baby has persistent vomiting or diarrhea

In case of baby hives, they last for a few days and then disappear. Sometimes they can last for a longer period as well. Baby hives which continue to last long for more than four weeks are known as chronic hives. This condition needs proper medical treatment, so that it can be curbed.

Controlling Baby Hives

Antihistamines can be used for treating hives in babies. However, there are certain other ways by which baby hives can be controlled. They include the following:

• Giving the baby a cool compress. This will help in reducing the body temperature.
• Applying Vitamin E oil on the affected areas at least twice a day.
• Mix baking soda and corn starch in lukewarm water and give your baby a bath with it. This is an effective measure of treating hives.
• Applying Aloe Vera pulp on the affected areas is quite helpful. One can also use an aloe Vera cream instead of the pulp.
• Increase the intake of Vitamin C, E and Zinc.
• Applying olive oil or vegetable oil on the affected areas can relieve the symptoms to a certain extent.
• Giving a bath in chlorine water can turn out to be beneficial as well.

Following the above steps can help you in dealing with baby hives.

If one is lucky enough to figure out what exactly is causing the hives, the matter can be dealt with. If it is a food allergen, then immediately stop its consumption. If it is linked to an insect bite or sting, see a doctor in that case.

Baby hives are common disorder and can be tackled well if diagnosed at the right time and proper medical treatment is meted out.