Is Urticaria in Toddlers and Babies very common?

When any disease hits our children we worry even more than if it had hit us.

If your toddler is suffering form urticaria, I can understand what you are going through.

Urticaria in toddlers or urticaria in babies is not very common and only a few subtypes are found in children for instance Urticaria Pigmentosa Mastocytosis, and idiopathic urticaria .

Urticaria pigmentosa in children gradually gets better as the child grows into adulthood.

Papular urticaria is also found in toddlers usually as a result of an encounter with certain insects.
For more details read my comprehensive article on urticaria in toddlers and urticaria in babies, read here.

—–

Urticaria is a skin problem caused by release of a fluid called histamine by the body cells into the skin. It can be itchy and painful. Urticaria in toddlers or urticaria in babies is not very common, and only a few subtypes are found in children, such as Urticaria Pigmentosa Mastocytosis and idiopathic urticaria, etc. Urticaria pigmentosa in children gradually gets better as the child grows into adulthood. Papular urticaria is also found in toddlers, usually as a result of an encounter with certain insects.

Brown lesions on the skin or bumps resembling hives appear when the skin is rubbed or fluid filled blisters may erupt when scratched by young children. Other symptoms of urticaria pigmentosa include flushed face, headache, and diarrhea. These are the most severe symptoms of urticaria in babies.

Urticaria in babies can appear anywhere on the body; however, it typically affects the trunk, upper arms, and upper legs. Baby hives on the face (angioedema) may cause swelling, especially around the eyes and lips. Do not mistake this for food intolerance or lactose intolerance, as this is something completely different.

Lactose intolerance affects the digestive system, causing stomachaches and diarrhea. Other foods that cause these symptoms include seafood (especially shellfish), milk, wheat, nuts, and strawberries.

As compared to adults, babies have a weaker immune system and are therefore more vulnerable to allergies. One of the easiest and most useful remedies is breastfeeding, as it helps to strengthen the baby’s immune system and it reduces the chance of allergies.

The skin of babies is very sensitive and may develop a rash when applying baby lotion, sunscreen, or other creams.

The effects of urticaria in babies and urticaria in toddlers can be minimized by following the steps below:

  • Cool down the affected area with ice for 10 to 20 minutes.
  • Give a cool shower or bath. If the allergen is still on the skin it will be removed. In case of cold induced urticaria, or aquageneous urticaria, this step should be avoided.
  • Do not dress your babies in very tight clothes.
  • Consult your doctor and, if advised, give antihistamines every 6 hours, and continue until 24 hours after the last signs of urticaria have gone.