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Urticaria (Hives), Pediatric

Christopher P. Raab, MD Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Urticarial lesions are best described as raised, pruritic, circumscribed erythematous papules.

    • Single lesions may coalesce as they enlarge, forming generalized, raised, erythematous a...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Description of rash:

    • Lesions may not be present at time of exam due to transient nature.

    • Digital photos are often useful.

  • Duration of symptoms, acute versus chronic:

    • If acute (<6 weeks...

TREATMENT

Emergent treatment: If with any difficulty breathing, stridor or wheezing, or other signs of anaphylaxis, give epinephrine 0.01 mL/kg of the 1:1,000 solution SC/IM. 

MEDICATION

  • Acute urticaria

    • ...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Patient Monitoring

  • Watch for signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis; this is the major complication.

  • Patients with chronic urticaria should follow up with their physicia...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Bailey E, Shaker M. An update on childhood urticaria and angioedema. Curr Opin Pediatr.  2008;20(4):425–430. [View Abstract on OvidInsights]

  • Bernstein J, Lang D, Khan D, et al. ...

CODES

ICD9

  • 708.9 Urticaria, unspecified

  • 708.0 Allergic urticaria

  • 708.8 Other specified urticaria

  • 708.1 Idiopathic urticaria

ICD10

  • L50.9 Urticaria, unspecified

  • L50.0 Allergic urticaria

  • L50.6 Contact urticaria

  • L...

FAQ

  • Q: When should I refer patients to a specialist, and to what specialty should I send them?

  • A: Often, referral is made when a trigger cannot be identified, if it is felt to be a food or medication t...

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