Your Care Instructions
Chronic hives are long-lasting raised, red, and itchy patches of skin called wheals or welts. This condition is also called chronic urticaria. Hives usually have red borders and pale centres. They range in size from ½ centimetre to 7 centimetres or more across. They may seem to move from place to place on the skin. Several hives may join to form a large area of raised, red skin.
When hives and swelling last more than 6 weeks even with treatment, they are called chronic. A single spot of hives may last less than 36 hours, but the problem may come and go for weeks or months. In most children, the problem often lasts less than 1 year and almost always goes away within 5 years.
Hives may occur with swelling under the skin (called angioedema). But your child may have swelling without hives. Swelling may hurt a bit, but it does not usually itch like hives. It can be dangerous if severe swelling affects your child's throat, but this is very rare.
Your child cannot spread hives to other people.
Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse call line if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
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