Urticaria (Hives) in Children
Specialist assessment and treatment of acute and chronic urticaria in children across Belfast and Northern Ireland.
Urticaria — commonly known as hives or nettle rash — is a common skin condition characterised by raised, itchy, red or skin-coloured welts (wheals) that appear suddenly and can occur anywhere on the body. It affects up to 20% of people at some point in their lives and is particularly common in children.
Dr Mugilan Anandarajan is a Consultant Paediatrician with a special interest in allergy, eczema and respiratory conditions. He provides specialist assessment and management of acute and chronic urticaria for children at Kingsbridge Private Hospital and Ulster Independent Clinic in Belfast.
Symptoms to Look Out For
Raised, itchy, red or skin-coloured welts that appear suddenly — individual wheals typically resolve within 24 hours but new ones may continue to appear
Deeper swelling beneath the skin, commonly affecting the lips, eyelids, hands and feet — can occur alongside or without wheals
Intense itching is the hallmark symptom — often worse at night and can significantly disrupt sleep
Can appear anywhere on the body — trunk, limbs, face — and may be widespread or localised
In allergic urticaria, hives may be accompanied by other allergic symptoms — throat tightening, breathing difficulty or dizziness require emergency treatment
When to Seek Specialist Assessment
- Your child has had urticaria lasting more than 6 weeks (chronic urticaria)
- Urticaria is accompanied by swelling of the lips, face or throat (angioedema)
- You suspect a food, drug or other allergen is triggering your child's urticaria
- Urticaria is significantly affecting your child's quality of life or sleep
- Over-the-counter antihistamines are not adequately controlling symptoms
- Your child has had urticaria alongside other allergic symptoms such as breathing difficulty
Allergy Testing Methods
Allergy History & Assessment
A detailed clinical history to identify potential triggers — foods, drugs, infections, physical factors (cold, heat, pressure) or inhalant allergens.
Skin Prick Testing
Tests for IgE-mediated allergy to suspected food or environmental triggers where the history suggests an allergic cause.
Specific IgE Blood Testing
Measures IgE antibodies to specific allergens. Also includes total IgE and other blood tests to investigate underlying causes of chronic urticaria.
Additional Investigations
For chronic urticaria, further blood tests (thyroid antibodies, full blood count, inflammatory markers) may be arranged to identify underlying causes.
Management & Treatment Plan
Frequently Asked Questions
In most children with acute urticaria, no specific cause is identified — the condition is often triggered by a viral infection and resolves spontaneously. In chronic urticaria, identifying and treating any underlying cause is important. Dr Anandarajan will provide a thorough assessment and personalised management plan.