Can hives be treated at home?
If your child develops hives without the symptoms listed above, it is safe to treat them at home. Hives can be very itchy and uncomfortable, so the main goal is to make your child feel better. Hives themselves usually go away on their own and pose no further risk to the child unless there are other symptoms. Here are some home remedies you can try.
Take over-the-counter antihistamines
To soothe itching and provide some symptom relief, over-the-counter antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and cetirizine (Zyrtec), are your best defense. This should block or prevent the release of a chemical called histamine, which is primarily responsible for the reaction itself and the itching that accompanies it. The dosage of antihistamines is based on weight and age, so follow the directions on the label, Rossi says.
Try to prevent scratches
Dr. Elmariah says scratching is a natural reaction, but it can cause the hives to break, putting your child at risk for infection. To prevent this, dress your child in clothes that cover the hives, making it harder to scratch the itch. Another anti-itch treatment is cold therapy. Apply a cold towel or ice pack over the hives to reduce itching (unless the hives are caused by cold temperatures).
Take proper bath care
To further reduce itching, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends bathing your child with warm water and colloidal oatmeal, and limiting bath time to the recommended time on the package. However, avoid bubble baths and scented lotions. After bathing, moisturize your child’s skin with a gentle cream or lotion. In some cases, heat or cold can make hives worse, so you may want to dress your child in loose clothing and adjust the temperature in your home.
Take notes as you try these treatments. These will help if your child develops hives again. Rossi says writing down the time you noticed the hives, what activities your child was doing and what your child ate the day before can help identify the trigger. You should also record how you treated the hives, how your child responded to the treatment, and how long the hives lasted. If you think you have identified a potential trigger, make sure your child is not exposed to it again.
