How to prepare for a video visit about Hives (Urticaria) in Children

Audience: pediatric

Hives, also known as urticaria, are raised, itchy red or skin-colored bumps that can appear suddenly on a child's skin. They often come and go and may be caused by allergic reactions, infections, or other triggers. Preparing for a video visit about hives can help you and your healthcare provider understand your child's symptoms better. During the visit, you can discuss the appearance, timing, and possible causes of the hives, as well as any other symptoms your child may have. This guide will help you get ready for the visit, know when to seek urgent care, and understand what telemedicine can and cannot do for managing hives in children. Remember, this information is for education only and does not replace professional medical advice or in-person care when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child has difficulty breathing, wheezing, or throat tightness — seek emergency care immediately.
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or neck occurs — call emergency services right away.
• Child experiences dizziness, fainting, or rapid heartbeat — get urgent medical help.

What telemedicine can do

• Evaluating mild to moderate hives through visual assessment and history taking.
• Providing guidance on symptom management and home care.
• Answering questions about possible causes and triggers.
• Advising when to seek in-person or emergency care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examinations or allergy testing.
• Treating severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis.
• Providing emergency interventions such as epinephrine administration.
• Diagnosing underlying conditions requiring lab tests or specialist evaluation.

What are Hives (Urticaria) in Children?

Hives are red or skin-colored raised bumps or welts that appear on the skin. They often itch and can change shape or location quickly. In children, hives may appear after exposure to allergens like certain foods, medicines, insect bites, or infections. Sometimes, the cause is not clear. Hives usually go away on their own within hours or days but can sometimes last longer.

How to Prepare for Your Child's Video Visit

Before the video visit, gather information to help your healthcare provider:

What to Expect During the Video Visit

During the video visit, the healthcare provider will:

When to Seek Immediate Medical Care

Some signs mean your child needs urgent care. Contact emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room if your child has:

How Telemedicine Can Help and Its Limits

Telemedicine can help by:

However, telemedicine cannot:

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Note the time when hives first appeared and how long they last.
• Take clear photos or videos of the hives from different angles.
• List any new foods, medicines, or exposures before hives started.
• Write down any other symptoms like swelling or breathing difficulty.
• Have child's medical history and current medications ready.
• Prepare questions or concerns to discuss during the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice on managing symptoms at home.
• Use recommended medications or remedies as instructed.
• Monitor your child for any worsening symptoms or new red flags.
• Schedule follow-up visits if advised.
• Seek emergency care immediately if red flag symptoms develop.

FAQs

What causes hives in children?

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

Can hives be contagious?

No, hives themselves are not contagious. However, if an infection causes the hives, the infection might be contagious.

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 should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Should I give my child antihistamines for hives?

Antihistamines are often used to reduce itching and swelling. However, you should only give medications recommended by your healthcare provider.

When should I go to the emergency room for hives?

Go to the emergency room if your child has difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, dizziness, or if the hives spread rapidly and cause severe discomfort.

Sources

1. Urticaria (Hives) — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Hives (Urticaria) — Mayo Clinic.
3. Hives (Urticaria) — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Urticaria in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child has severe symptoms or emergency signs, seek immediate medical attention.