Urticaria in Children

Urticaria in children below the age of 16 is rare. Children are not very likely to have most types of urticaria, including hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitisis, chronic, or papular urticaria. The most common form of urticaria in children is acute urticaria. This means that children only experience attacks occasionally.

Urticaria in children can be triggered by various factors, including allergies, viral infections, and skin contact with allergens. There are some non-allergic triggers; however, in nearly 50% of the cases, the trigger is unidentified. Symptoms of urticaria are the same in children as they are in adults. Let us explain the details of some commonly found types of urticaria in children.

The development of urticaria in children can be an isolated event without systemic reaction or it can be a prelude to the development of an anaphylactic reaction.

Chronic Urticaria in Children

Chronic urticaria is rare in children; however, it can have a negative effect on their health and on their lives if not treated. Approximately 50-80% of children with chronic urticaria also have accompanying angioedema. Chronic urticaria is thought to affect a small percentage of children; however, it lasts for more than six weeks.

Acute Urticaria in Children

Acute urticaria is more common in children. It affects more children than chronic urticaria does. Acute urticaria in children is different from chronic urticaria in the sense that it occurs more frequently, sometimes as a result of an infection or allergen.

Papular Urticaria in Children

Papular urticaria in children, though uncommon, is characterized by the outbreak of small wheals on the skin. The patient may feel itchy, along with a burning sensation.

Idiopathic Urticaria in Children

Idiopathic urticaria is one of the more commonly found forms of urticaria in children. It can occur in response to different triggers; however, its actual causes are unknown.