Question
I am a toddler teacher and a student of mine who is 18 months old gets hives from stress any time the child gets stressed or overwhelmed in the classroom either in social situations or high stress moments in the day. The hives seem to come and go. I am concerned it’s bothering the child while at school and I would like to provide the child’s parents with information they can bring to their pediatrician. The child’s parents are aware of the hives but have mentioned the hives don’t happen at home. I’m just wondering if you have any advice I can share with the parents and ways I can help my student reduce the hive outbreaks? The child gets super uncomfortable when the hives come out. Is this normal for a toddler to get hives from being stressed? Anything I can do to help the child and their parents would be great! I appreciate any advice you can provide! We do put a rash cream on the child when hives break out. Thank you!
Answer
It is not uncommon for children to develop hives as a result of stress or other emotional triggers. Hives are a type of skin rash that can appear as raised, red bumps or welts on the skin. They are usually itchy and can be uncomfortable or even painful. In some cases, hives can also be accompanied by other symptoms such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, which can be a sign of a more serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.
If your student is experiencing hives on a regular basis, it is important for their parents to speak with their pediatrician for further evaluation and treatment. The pediatrician may recommend allergy testing or other tests to help determine the cause of the hives and the best course of treatment.
In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to help reduce the frequency and severity of the hives:
- Avoid triggers: If possible, try to identify any triggers that may be causing the hives and avoid them as much as possible. This may include certain foods, activities, or situations that may be causing stress or anxiety for the child.
- Use a rash cream: You mentioned that you are already using a rash cream when the hives break out. This can help to soothe the skin and reduce itchiness.
- Keep the child cool: Hives can be exacerbated by heat, so it may be helpful to keep the child in a cool environment and avoid dressing them in too many layers.
- Distract the child: When hives break out, try to distract the child with a favorite activity or toy to help take their mind off of the rash.
- Help the child relax: You can try incorporating relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation, into the child’s daily routine to help reduce stress and prevent hives.
It is also important to work closely with the child’s parents and their pediatrician to develop a plan to manage the hives and ensure the child’s comfort and well-being.
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