What are the causes of urticaria in children?

Infants and young children are prone to urticaria, which may be related to the baby's physical constitution or a hereditary allergy. In addition, foods such as seafood and milk can cause urticaria in babies. Penicillin and some vaccines can also cause urticaria in young children. Various viruses and bacteria in life are also major pathogenic factors.

1. What is urticaria in children?

Infantile urticaria, commonly known as urticaria, is a common allergic skin disease and also a common skin disease in children. When the disease occurs, there will be wheals (groups) of varying sizes on the skin. When you touch them, you will find that they feel hard and itchy. The surface antigens of the urticaria can be seen in the pores. A slight scratch on the skin may result in a red mark slightly higher than the skin surface. This is caused by the cells and fluid in the blood vessels leaking out of the blood vessels.

The wheals of the affected child appear and disappear quickly, and leave no traces in childhood, but they are prone to recurrence, possibly several times a day. Urticaria in children can occur in any part of the body. When it involves the digestive tract, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea may occur. It can also cause symptoms such as edema, chest tightness, breathlessness, suffocation, and bronchial asthma. Parents should take their children to the hospital for treatment in time.

2. What causes urticaria in children?

1. Internal factors.

(1) The baby has a hereditary allergic constitution, or his or her vascular, neurological and immune functions are impaired. If allergens such as pollen, mold, and animal dander are eaten or inhaled, they can easily pass through the thin intestinal wall and enter the blood. Because babies have abundant subcutaneous capillaries, the symptoms will appear immediately on the skin.

(2) Imperfect gastrointestinal system and weak immunity.

2. External factors.

The most common external factors that cause baby urticaria are drugs and food:

(1) Food: nuts, seafood, eggs, strawberries, mushrooms, milk, etc.

(2) Drugs: penicillin, streptomycin, sulfonamides, aspirin, chloramphenicol, furazolidone, serum, vaccines, etc.

(3) Inhalants: pollen, dust, smoke, etc.

(4) Sources of infection: bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, etc.

(5) Animal and plant irritants: bed bugs, mites, nettles, kudzu, etc.

(6) Physical factors: excessive cold, excessive heat, cold wind, sunlight and stimulation from certain skin care products, etc.

3. Symptoms of urticaria in children

About 15%-20% of babies have experienced urticaria, which is a very common skin symptom. The child's skin surface is swollen and red spots appear. The baby will feel itchy and keep scratching with his little hands. The rash usually lasts for a few minutes to a few hours before disappearing, but it can sometimes last for a few days.

If the symptoms of urticaria in children do not exceed 6 weeks, it is acute; if they exceed 6 weeks, it is chronic. Chronic urticaria is an allergic reaction to a specific antigen. Hives are characterized by cycles of hives appearing in various parts of the body. Sometimes it's fine during the day, but becomes serious at night. If part of the skin becomes red, swollen, or itchy after eating certain foods, being bitten by insects such as ants, or due to psychological excitement, it may be urticaria.

Babies with allergic reactions may also have diarrhea or vomiting, and may sneeze and have a runny nose. Some babies may also feel dizzy or have difficulty breathing.