Many children suffer at some point in their lives from allergies or what is known as children's urticaria, and of course, mothers try to follow up and inquire about everything related to dealing with it, treating it and how to prevent it, and this is what we will shed light on in this article.

What is pediatric urticaria

Urticaria is a type of allergy that affects children, as a result of the immune system's reaction to an element to which the body has been exposed, whether through the skin or through ingestion.

Urticaria is divided into 3 types:

• Acute urticaria: These are cases of urticaria that last less than 6 weeks and are caused by certain foods, medications, infections, or insect bites.
• Chronic urticaria: These are cases of urticaria that last longer than 6 weeks and are difficult to determine the cause, which may include suffering from a thyroid condition, tumors, hepatitis, or a severe infection, and may affect different organs such as the lungs or gastrointestinal tract.
• Physical urticaria: Caused by exposure of the skin to a stimulus such as sunlight, heat or cold, or excessive sweating, the symptoms usually disappear after one hour.

What causes pediatric urticaria

Urticaria affects about 20% of people at some point in their lives, and yet the scientific cause is the body's reaction to Allergens The immune system reacts by releasing histamine and other chemicals beneath the surface of the skin, triggering symptoms.

Triggers of pediatric urticaria include:

• Some types of foods, such as: Nuts, shrimp, strawberries, eggs, and wheat products.
• Bacterial infections, such as urinary tract and throat infections.
• intestinal parasites.
• Infectious diseases, such as: colds, flu, glandular fever, hepatitis B
• Certain medications, such as some antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
• Fever and high body temperature.
• وبر الحيوانات الأليفة.
• Dust mites.
• Cockroaches and their offal.
• Insect bites.
• Some chronic diseases, such as: Thyroid disease, or lupus.
• Exposure to sunlight.

What are the symptoms of pediatric urticaria?

Urticaria symptoms usually start as oval or round, red or pinkish colored skin patches, often found on the child's limbs or face, which may disappear after 24 hours or appear in other parts of the body.

In some cases, urticaria allergy can lead to anaphylaxis, which is characterized by severe breathing difficulties and loss of consciousness.

It is important to seek immediate medical attention if your child exhibits these symptoms:

• Vomiting and nausea.
• Swelling of the lining of the mouth, tongue, lips and throat associated with difficulty breathing.
• Feeling very cold.
• Rapid heartbeat.
• Weakness or dizziness.

اقرا ايضا: ما هي Allergens ؟ مع أفضل دواء للحساسية

At what age does urticaria begin to appear in children?

There is no specific age for the onset of urticaria in children, it may appear at any stage, even in infants, but sensory or insecticidal urticaria may appear in some children from the age of 6 months.

What is the diagnosis of pediatric urticaria?

There are no specific tests to diagnose urticaria in children:

• Hearing the parents' complaint.
• Examine skin patches.
•  And describe the pain.
• A thorough clinical examination of the child.

Your doctor may need some blood tests to determine the cause and severity of your child's hives, for example:

• A blood test to check for anemia.
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate test, to identify immune system issues.
• A stool sample to determine the presence of any parasites.
• Liver function tests to detect liver issues.
• Thyroid function test to evaluate hyperthyroidism.

Can pediatric urticaria be treated?

Yes, urticaria in children is usually a temporary, manageable and treatable condition, and treatment depends on the cause and symptoms and may include:

• Medications: Antihistamines or corticosteroid creams to relieve itching and inflammation.
•  Avoid triggers: Recognize and avoid the cause of the allergy.
•  Home remedies: Some home remedies such as cold compresses may help relieve your child's symptoms.

What is the treatment for pediatric urticaria?

There is no specific treatment for allergies, but doctors try to control the symptoms and manage their severity, and the best way to deal with urticaria is to avoid its triggers.

If a child has urticaria, a doctor should be consulted immediately, and until the time of the doctor's visit, parents can follow some natural methods in mild to moderate cases to try to alleviate the child's symptoms, as follows:

• To relieve skin inflammation, wash the irritated area with warm water and apply aloe vera gel.
• In case of respiratory allergies, you can inhale steam to relieve sinus congestion, as well as wash your nose to get rid of mucus.
• In case of a sensitive stomach, if the child suffers from diarrhea, it can be treated by eating certain foods such as bread and rice, and it is necessary to compensate the child for fluid loss by supporting him with water and other fluids.

Natural remedies should never be used to treat severe symptoms of urticaria, and the child should be taken to the emergency room immediately, and doctors rely on the following to relieve symptoms of pediatric urticaria:

• Use of antihistamines.
• Decongestants in case of allergic rhinitis.
• Cortisone either in syrup, inhalers, creams or sprays.
• Immunotherapy or allergy shots.

Immunotherapy is used in the case of recurrent chronic allergy cycles before the beginning of each season to minimize allergy symptoms, immunotherapy takes time and requires patience and commitment.

Can pediatric urticaria lead to serious complications?

Pediatric urticaria usually does not lead to serious complications, although it is annoying and uncomfortable, it is temporary and goes away on its own.

However, in some rare cases, a child's urticaria may be accompanied by:

• Angioedema: This is the appearance of deep swelling in the skin, which may affect the lips, throat or tongue, and after an emergency if the swelling in the throat causes difficulty breathing.
• Anaphylaxis: This is a severe allergic reaction of the body that may lead to anaphylactic shock, which is a life-threatening condition for the child and should be immediately moved to the nearest hospital.

How can pediatric urticaria be prevented?

Pediatric urticaria is difficult to predict, but there are some steps you can take to minimize your risk, such as:

• Try to recognize and avoid food triggers in cases of food allergies.
• Consult your pediatrician before giving your child any new medication.
• Use insect repellent and cover your child's skin when playing outside.
• Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals such as detergents or preservatives.
• Keep baby's skin moisturized: Always use moisturizers.
• Minimize stress if you have urticaria because it can worsen your symptoms.
• Provide your child with a healthy and balanced diet to strengthen the immune system.
• Ensure the child's personal hygiene, wash hands regularly and trim nails to prevent infection.

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What is the difference between pediatric urticaria and a normal rash?

For parents, it can be difficult to distinguish pediatric urticaria from other rash symptoms, but there are some characteristic symptoms that help differentiate between the two:

• The shape of the rash: It appears in urticaria in the form of red spots that vary in size and shape and may be elevated from the surface of the skin, while in rash it varies in size and color as well as the form of spots, blisters or scales.
• Itching: Urticaria is usually accompanied by severe itching, while a rash may or may not be itchy.
• Transportation in the body: Skin patches in urticaria move from place to place on the body and appear and disappear repeatedly, while in a rash they remain in place.

How can you help a child cope with itchy urticaria?

Allergy and urticaria medications for children are available in pharmacies, but some natural remedies available at home may help calm the symptoms of skin allergies, until you see your doctor, for example:

• Parents can wash the irritated area with warm water and mild soap.
• Afterward, you can apply aloe vera gel or calendula cream to help relieve the itching.
• Apply a cool, damp cloth to the irritated area.
• You can put oatmeal or baking soda in the water and bathe the baby in it to soothe the itch.

How to calm a child with acute urticaria?

Urticaria can be very annoying in children, especially the intense itching, especially with the child's young age, so the mother can follow some methods to help calm the child, for example:

• Use cold compresses: Apply cold compresses to the irritated area to reduce inflammation and itching.
• Oatmeal baths: Add oatmeal to the water and bathe your baby in it to soothe the skin and relieve itching.
• Use antihistamines after consulting a doctor to prescribe them according to the child's age to reduce itching and swelling.
• Cotton clothing: Use soft, loose-fitting cotton clothing for baby to avoid skin irritation.
• Cut your child's nails to prevent itchy skin and worsening of the condition.
• Use fragrance-free moisturizers to moisturize baby's skin.
• Try to identify and avoid the cause of urticaria.

In conclusion, in general, children's urticaria is easily treated and disappears on its own, but it should not be treated lightly or neglected to prevent the child's condition from worsening, it is important to monitor the child closely and see a doctor immediately.

If your child suffers from urticaria, you can now book and inquire at Almoosa Specialty Hospital for its excellent medical services, as the hospital has a team of specialized doctors.

Medical references 

Hives in Children – clevelandclinic