My 8-Year-Old Has Been Dealing With This for 2 Months—It’s Only Getting Worse. What Could It Be?
Urticaria, commonly called hives, is a skin condition that affects about 1 in 5 people at some point in life. It causes intensely itchy, raised patches on the skin called weals (welts). These can be round or ring-shaped and may merge together into larger areas.
Hives often appear after scratching and can occur anywhere on the body.
What Causes the Welts?
Hives happen when histamine and other chemical mediators are released into the bloodstream by cells called mast cells. This triggers fluid to leak from small blood vessels in the skin, creating the raised, swollen welts.
How Long Do Hives Last?
Individual hives often disappear within 24 hours, but the overall condition can last longer depending on the cause and the type.
Hives and Swelling (Angioedema)
Urticaria may come with deeper swelling under the skin known as angioedema. This often affects softer areas such as:
- Lips
- Eyelids
- Inside the mouth
Unlike surface hives, angioedema swelling tends to:
- Last longer
- Feel more painful than itchy
Important Note: If angioedema happens without hives, it may point to hereditary angioedema, which is not the same as urticaria and usually needs different treatment and blood tests to diagnose.
Types of Urticaria
Doctors often classify hives by how long they last and what triggers them:
1) Acute Urticaria
- The most common type
- The cause is often known
- Typically lasts up to about six weeks
2) Chronic Urticaria
- Breakouts last longer than six weeks
- The cause is often unclear
3) Physical Urticaria
Triggered by physical factors such as:
- Scratching
- Cold exposure
- Constant pressure on the skin
- Sunlight
- Rising body temperature
Common Triggers
Hives can be triggered by:
- Allergic reactions
- Infections (viral or bacterial)
- Emotional stress
If you have allergies, you may be more likely to develop hives. They can also appear if you:
- Take certain medications
- Contact something you didn’t realize you’re allergic to (such as foods, pollen, or environmental triggers)
- Are sick or managing another condition—your body may become more sensitive, making hives easier to trigger
Treatment and Relief Options
Many hives episodes don’t require treatment because they fade within 24 hours. But if symptoms persist or keep returning, a doctor may recommend:
- Antihistamines
- Steroid tablets (in some cases)
- Menthol cream to ease itching
When to Seek Medical Advice
Consider seeing a healthcare professional if:
- Hives keep coming back or last more than a few days
- Symptoms continue beyond six weeks
- Swelling occurs, especially around the mouth or eyes
- You suspect a medication or food trigger and need guidance on safe next steps
