Can Telemedicine Treat Hives (Urticaria)?

Audience: pediatric

Hives, also called urticaria, are raised, itchy red or skin-colored bumps or welts that can appear suddenly on the skin. They often happen because of allergies, infections, or other triggers. In children, hives can be uncomfortable but usually go away on their own or with simple treatments. Telemedicine can help families understand what might be causing the hives, suggest ways to ease the itching, and decide if further care is needed. However, some situations require in-person medical attention, especially if the child has trouble breathing or swelling of the face or throat. Telemedicine visits often involve showing the rash to a healthcare provider via video, discussing symptoms, and reviewing medical history. This approach can be convenient and quick for many cases but is not a replacement for emergency care or detailed physical exams when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or noisy breathing — seek emergency care immediately.
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat — call emergency services right away.
• Severe dizziness, fainting, or confusion — get urgent medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial evaluation of mild to moderate hives.
• Assessment of rash appearance via video.
• Guidance on symptom relief and home care.
• Advice on when to seek in-person care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Emergency situations with breathing difficulty or swelling.
• Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis).
• Hives with signs of serious infection.
• Persistent or recurrent hives needing specialized testing or treatment.

What Are Hives (Urticaria)?

Hives are red or skin-colored bumps or welts that appear suddenly on the skin. They can be itchy and sometimes burn or sting. Hives often change shape, move around, disappear, and reappear over hours or days. In children, hives may happen because of allergies to foods, medicines, insect bites, infections, or other causes.

How Can Telemedicine Help with Hives?

Telemedicine allows you to connect with a healthcare provider using video or phone. For hives, telemedicine can help by:

This can save time and reduce travel, especially when hives are mild and not causing serious problems.

When Is In-Person Care Needed?

Some signs mean your child needs to be seen in person or get emergency care right away:

In these cases, telemedicine is not enough, and urgent care is important.

Managing Hives at Home

For mild hives, you can often manage symptoms at home:

Always follow the advice given during your telemedicine visit.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

To get the most from your telemedicine visit:

This helps the provider assess your child’s condition better.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Ensure your device has a working camera and microphone.
• Find a well-lit area to show the rash clearly.
• Have a list of your child's current medications and allergies ready.
• Note the time when hives first appeared and any changes.
• Prepare to describe any other symptoms your child has experienced.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s advice on medication and home care.
• Monitor your child’s symptoms closely for any worsening.
• Schedule an in-person visit if symptoms do not improve or new symptoms develop.
• Keep track of any new triggers or reactions for future reference.
• Contact emergency services if red flag symptoms appear.

FAQs

What causes hives in children?

Hives can be caused by allergic reactions to foods, medicines, insect bites, infections, or other triggers like heat or stress. Sometimes, the exact cause is not found.

Are hives dangerous?

Most hives are not dangerous and go away on their own. However, if hives come with trouble breathing or swelling of the face or throat, it can be life-threatening and needs emergency care.

Can telemedicine providers prescribe medicine for hives?

Often, telemedicine providers can recommend or prescribe medicines like antihistamines to help with hives. They will advise based on your child's symptoms and medical history.

How long do hives usually last?

Hives often last a few hours to a few days. If they last longer than six weeks, it is called chronic urticaria and may need further evaluation.

Can I prevent hives?

Avoiding known triggers can help prevent hives. Keeping a diary of foods, medicines, or activities that cause hives may be useful.

Sources

1. Urticaria — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Hives (Urticaria) — Mayo Clinic.
3. Hives (Urticaria) — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Urticaria (Hives) — Merck Manuals: Consumer Version.

This information is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical care. Telemedicine can help assess and guide treatment for hives but is not a substitute for in-person evaluation when urgent or emergency care is needed. Always seek immediate medical attention if your child has difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or other serious symptoms.