Hives after being outside

[Raindancer411]

Hi all, my 10 year old came for a walk yesterday and it was about 6C but felt chilly out. When we got to a shop he said his thighs itched (I get this sometimes when I am walking outside but not any welts). Went into another shop and his cheeks were a bit red, and when I looked he had hives a over his checks and to his ears, and one on his nose. He carried epi pens for a dairy allergy but had not eaten or touched anything, but said we best go home in case.

When we got home, he was obviously panicking and said was his breathing ok, and to me it sounded fine but only he could tell. Once we were indoors and relaxed a bit and the rash was going down and completely gone an hour later.

Obviously I am worrying about another allergy and risk of anaphylaxis.

Anyone else's child has the same?

I think it's called cold urticaria. Not uncommon among atopic people that cold can trigger hives. Sometimes it happens every time they are exposed to cold, sometimes it's unpredictable. If the rash doesn't go down, or it is itchy, or it is worrying, take antihistamines. But I am not a HCP, just a mildly atopic person, so I would see the doctor about it.

I'd seek medical advice. It might be cold urticaria, but it could also be a precursor for exercise-induced anaphylaxis which can also be triggered by cold (and heat and various other things!) and can start off as 'just' hives.

@Yarnosaura reading your message have me chills. We have been referred to dermatology but so far it's all been an online app I have had to do. Is that a rare thing to happen though?

It's not common, but it can happen. I have a type of exercise-induced anaphylaxis.

It is always best to get medical advice though.

I agree with seeking medical advice but try not to panic. My son has epipens for his food allergy and also comes out in itchy hives if he gets too hot. We’ve been told it’s urticaria but his specialist wasn’t concerned about it. We just manage it with antihistamines.