Hives in one year old - food allergy or result of a virus?

[Crimebusterofthesea]

I hope someone can help me as I'm really worried about my DS. In the last few days he has developed hives which come and go on his legs, hands and feet. I took him to the GP yesterday but there was no sign of them during the appointment (typical). The GP checked him over and said there wasn't any signs of any ENT infections and that the hives were most likely a result of a virus.

My worry now though is that he has a food allergy as the hives came back almost immediately after eating his dinner last night and again this morning after breakfast. He is really off colour and has a cough, runny nose and conjunctivitis. Where do I start if it is an allergy? For breakfast he had porridge and fruit toast but he has had these since he was weaned. Can you develop an allergy to something at any point, or are you born with them? I'm so worried!

have you checked his temperature. They may not be hives at all but simply a fever rash when his temp spikes. his temp will increase after eating food as well. Worth checking out. My DS was forever covered in rashes.

His temperature is fine at the mo. He does seem really sensitive to everything that is touching his skin today as well. I wiped his cheeks after lunch and they both went bright pink and we have used the same wipes for ages. Im reluctant to start eliminating things from his diet and am really hoping that this is all part of a virus.

It is quite common for young children to develop a hive-like rash in response to a virus. As long as he's not showing any other allergic symptoms such as vomiting or breathing difficulties then I would just see how it goes. According to this article, approx. 80% of all cases of acute hives in children are caused by viruses: www.uptodate.com/contents/hives-urticaria-beyond-the-basics

I am hoping that it is linked to the virus - he is definitely not right, he has been asleep for 1.5 hours this afternoon and that never happens!! Thanks for the link, it has reassured me a bit as he doesn't have any other allergic symptoms such as swelling, breathing difficulties etc. Will just see how he is over the next couple of days.

Glad to see these messages as 10 year old son been getting hives one week and am getting concerned. Giving him anti-histamines (which he usually has for hayfever) but hoping that hives caused by virus even though he seems fine. Just wondered how long would get hives if it is virus and how long I should wait before seeing GP?

Hi OP, I have a super allergic son (2) who suffers from many allergies but also gets viral urticaria (viral allergy). Its actually quite common in those who arent generally allergic.

If it was a food allergy, Id be expecting to see reactions round his mouth, or on his face.

When my son got viral urticaria he got the hives on his hands and wrists. The hives were so huge they'd be as big as 50p's. Which is huge on an 11 month old baby (at the time).

The fact that you said they were on his legs, he has a runny nose and eyes makes me wonder if he has a pollen allergy though. Has he been playing in the grass? Are your windows open? Do you live by many trees? Might he be allergic to the sun cream?

Have the hives ever been on his face? (You mentioned he had hives after eating, so food cant totally be ruled out but less likely if the hives dont appear on the face) What did he have those meal times?

Oh. Zombie thread.

Thats embarassing.

Probably not useful but DD had hives when she got Lyme disease. So hope your DC couldn't have had a tick bite