What Happens After a Telemedicine Visit for Hives (Urticaria) in Children

Audience: pediatric

After a telemedicine visit for hives (urticaria) in children, you will usually receive advice on how to manage the rash at home. The healthcare provider may suggest avoiding known triggers, using antihistamines, and monitoring symptoms closely. Most cases of hives improve within a few days to weeks. Your provider might recommend follow-up visits if symptoms persist or worsen. It's important to watch for signs of a more serious reaction, such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, which require immediate medical attention. Telemedicine helps provide quick guidance but does not replace in-person care if the child's condition changes or becomes severe.

Red flags — go in person / ER

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

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of mild to moderate hives symptoms.
• Providing advice on symptom management and trigger avoidance.
• Prescribing antihistamines or other non-emergency medications.
• Guidance on when to seek in-person care or emergency services.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe allergic reactions with breathing difficulties.
• Swelling of the throat or face causing airway obstruction.
• Signs of infection requiring physical examination or laboratory tests.
• Persistent or chronic hives needing specialized allergy testing or treatment.

What to Expect After Your Telemedicine Visit

After your telemedicine visit, the healthcare provider will likely give you instructions on managing your child's hives. This may include taking antihistamines, avoiding triggers like certain foods or medications, and keeping the skin cool and comfortable. You may be advised to watch for changes or worsening symptoms.

Monitoring Symptoms at Home

Keep an eye on the rash and any new symptoms. Hives often come and go quickly but can last for several days. Note if the rash spreads, if itching becomes severe, or if your child develops swelling in the lips, eyes, or throat. These signs need urgent care.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If your child has trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, dizziness, or persistent hives that do not improve, seek emergency medical care immediately. Also, if the rash is accompanied by a fever or signs of infection, an in-person evaluation is important.

Follow-Up Care and Next Steps

Your provider may schedule a follow-up telemedicine or in-person visit to check on your child's progress. They might recommend allergy testing if hives recur frequently or last more than six weeks. Always follow the care plan and ask questions if you are unsure about any instructions.

Preventing Future Hives

Try to identify and avoid triggers such as certain foods, medications, insect bites, or stress. Maintaining a diary of exposures and symptoms can help your healthcare provider understand your child's condition better.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have a list of your child's current symptoms and when they started.
• Note any known allergies or recent exposures to new foods, medications, or environments.
• Prepare a list of current medications your child is taking.
• Ensure good lighting and a quiet space for the video call.
• Have a camera ready to show the rash clearly to the provider.
• Write down any questions or concerns you want to discuss during the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the provider's instructions on medication and care.
• Monitor your child's symptoms closely and note any changes.
• Avoid known triggers as advised.
• Keep a symptom diary if recommended.
• Schedule and attend any follow-up appointments.
• Seek immediate care if red flag symptoms appear.

FAQs

Can hives be serious in children?

Most hives are not serious and go away on their own or with simple treatment. However, if hives come with breathing problems, swelling of the face or throat, or dizziness, these are emergency signs and need immediate medical attention.

How long do hives usually last?

Hives often last from a few hours to a few days. In some cases, they may last several weeks. If hives persist longer than six weeks, it is called chronic urticaria and may need further evaluation.

What triggers hives in children?

Common triggers include certain foods, medications, insect bites, infections, heat, cold, or stress. Sometimes, the cause is not known. Avoiding known triggers can help prevent hives.

Can I treat my child's hives at home?

Yes, mild hives can often be managed at home with antihistamines and avoiding triggers. Keep the skin cool and avoid scratching. Always follow your healthcare provider's advice.

When should I call my healthcare provider after a telemedicine visit?

Call if your child's hives worsen, if new symptoms develop, if medications cause side effects, or if you have any concerns about your child's condition.

Sources

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

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child experiences severe symptoms or if you have concerns about their health, seek immediate medical attention or consult a healthcare professional in person.