How to Prepare for a Telemedicine Visit About Hives in Children

Audience: pediatric

Hives, also known as urticaria, are raised, itchy red or skin-colored welts that can appear suddenly on a child's skin. These can be caused by allergies, infections, or other triggers. Telemedicine can be a helpful way to have your child's hives evaluated by a healthcare provider without leaving home. During a telemedicine visit, the provider will ask about your child's symptoms, possible triggers, and any other health concerns. They may ask to see the hives through video or photos. Preparing for the visit by gathering information and observing your child's condition can help the appointment go smoothly. However, some situations require urgent in-person care, such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the face. This guide will help you understand how to prepare for a telemedicine visit about hives in children, what telemedicine can and cannot do, and when to seek emergency care.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or tightness in the throat — seek emergency care immediately.
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or neck — call emergency services right away.
• Rapidly spreading hives accompanied by dizziness or fainting — get urgent medical help.

What telemedicine can do

• Mild to moderate hives without breathing difficulty.
• Review of symptoms and possible triggers.
• Guidance on home care and medication use.
• Determining if in-person evaluation is needed.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis.
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing.
• Swelling of the face, tongue, or throat.
• Severe or rapidly spreading hives with systemic symptoms.

What Are Hives and Why Do They Occur?

Hives are raised, itchy bumps or welts on the skin that often appear suddenly. They can vary in size and shape and may join together. In children, hives often result from allergic reactions to foods, medications, insect bites, or infections. Sometimes, the cause is unknown. Hives usually go away on their own within hours or days but can be uncomfortable.

When to Use Telemedicine for Hives

Telemedicine is a good option if your child's hives are mild, not spreading rapidly, and your child is otherwise well. It allows you to consult a healthcare provider remotely to discuss symptoms, possible triggers, and treatment options. You can show the hives via video or send photos. This can save time and reduce exposure to other illnesses.

When In-Person Care Is Needed

Seek immediate in-person care if your child has:

These signs require urgent medical attention and cannot be safely managed through telemedicine.

How to Prepare for Your Telemedicine Visit

Before the visit:

What to Expect During the Telemedicine Visit

The healthcare provider will ask about your child's symptoms, possible triggers, and medical history. They may ask you to show the hives on camera or review photos. Based on this information, they may recommend treatments such as antihistamines or suggest follow-up care. They will also advise when to seek in-person care if symptoms worsen.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Observe and note the time when hives first appeared and how they have changed.
• Take clear photos of the hives from different angles.
• List any new foods, medications, or exposures your child has had recently.
• Note any other symptoms such as fever, swelling, or breathing problems.
• Have your child's medical history and current medications ready.
• Ensure a quiet, well-lit space for the video call.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's recommendations for medications and care.
• Monitor your child's symptoms closely, especially breathing and swelling.
• Keep a record of any changes or new symptoms.
• Schedule follow-up appointments if advised.
• Seek immediate in-person care if red flag symptoms develop.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose the cause of my child's hives?

Telemedicine providers can often identify common causes based on history and visual examination but may not always determine the exact cause without in-person tests.

What treatments can be recommended through telemedicine?

Providers can suggest over-the-counter antihistamines and home care measures. They may also advise prescription medications if needed.

When should I go to the emergency room for hives?

If your child has difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, dizziness, or rapidly spreading hives, seek emergency care immediately.

Can hives be a sign of a serious allergy?

Yes, hives can be part of a serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, which requires urgent medical attention.

Is it safe to treat hives at home?

Mild hives can often be managed at home with antihistamines and avoiding triggers, but always follow your healthcare provider's advice.

Sources

1. Hives (Urticaria) — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Urticaria and Angioedema — National Library of Medicine.
3. Allergic Reactions: First Aid — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Hives (Urticaria) — Mayo Clinic.

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.