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Applegarth Dermatology PC

Serving the areas of Valparaiso and LaPorte, Indiana

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Patient Education

INSURANCES ACCEPTED:

*Please note these are our top companies that we participate with.  This is not a complete list.  Please contact your insurace carrier to verify whether or not we are in your provider network.

Traditional Medicare

Railroad Medicare

Sagamore

Cigna

Encore

United Healthcare

CHA

Coventry

CCN

First Health

Aetna

PHCS

Multi Plan

UMR

Lutheran Preferred

Indiana Health Network

Anthem BCBS PPO

Anthem BCBS PDS

Caresource - Medicare Plan

AARP Medicare Complete

IU Health Plans - Medicare and Commercial

Tricare

Anthem Medicare Advantage HMO

AMBETTER

EFFECTIVE 2/22/19: WE ARE NOW ACCEPTING ALLWELL

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Our team of professionals and staff believe that informed patients are better equipped to make decisions regarding their health and well-being. For your personal use, we have created an extensive patient library covering an array of educational topics, which can be found on the side of each page. Browse through these diagnoses and treatments to learn more about topics of interest to you.

As always, you can contact our office to answer any questions or concerns.

Has your child broken out in an itchy rash? If so, it could be a case of hives. Fortunately, hives are usually harmless and temporary. Common symptoms of hives include slightly raised, pink or red areas on the skin; welts that occur alone, in a group, or connect over a large area; and skin swelling that lessens or goes away within minutes or hours.

The best remedy for hives is to try to avoid whatever triggers them, although identifying this is often difficult. One way to help identify your triggers is to keep a log of your child’s symptoms, including the day and time the hives occur and how long they last. You should also pay attention to any changes to your child’s regular environment that may be contributing to the problem, such as dust, animals or the outdoors.

According to member dermatologists from the American Academy of Dermatology, many things can trigger hives, including:

  • An allergic reaction to food or medication
  • Infections, including colds and viruses
  • Exercise
  • Stress
  • Cold temperatures
  • Scratching the skin
  • Insect bites and stings
  • Pollen
  • Sun exposure

If your child has hives, dermatologists recommend the following tips to help care for your child at home:

  1. Consider using an over-the-counter oral antihistamine for children: This will help relieve the itch and discomfort. Always follow the directions on the label and use the correct dose. 
  2. Apply a cool washcloth to the hives: This will bring additional relief to your child.
  3. Try to reduce scratching: Whenever possible, try to keep your child from scratching, as scratching may worsen the rash. One way to do this is to keep your child’s fingernails short. You can also consider applying an over-the-counter anti-itch cream with pramoxine or menthol to your child’s hives. Always use the product as directed. 
  4. Bathe with lukewarm water: Bathe your child as normal, but make sure the water is lukewarm, not hot, and limit the bath to 10 minutes. You can also ease the itch by adding a product with colloidal oatmeal to your child’s bath water. Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser, and avoid bubble baths and scented lotions. After bathing, pat the child dry with a towel and apply a gentle moisturizing cream or lotion to damp skin.
  5. Maintain a comfortable environment for your child: In summer, air-conditioning may be preferred, and in winter, it is helpful to have a humidifier. You should also dress your child in comfortable clothes that are loose-fitting and 100% cotton. Cover the skin to prevent scratching, but make sure your child is kept cool to avoid overheating. 
  6. Keep a log of your child’s symptoms: If a particular trigger is suspected, take note and avoid exposure. It may also be helpful to keep a diary of your child’s foods and medicines.

Hives can happen within minutes of exposure to the trigger or two hours later. If your child’s hives persist or continue to recur, make an appointment to see a board-certified dermatologist. If your child’s hives seem to worsen or your child is experiencing more serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or vomiting, go to the emergency room immediately, as these symptoms can be more serious or even life-threatening.

© American Academy of Dermatology. All rights reserved. Reproduction or republication strictly prohibited without prior written permission. Use of these materials is subject to the legal notice and terms of use located at https://www.aad.org/about/legal


Learn More

  • Acne
  • Rashes
  • Skin Cancers
  • Warts

Patient Education

Patient Education
  • Acne and rosacea
    • Acne
    • Acne scars
    • Acne products: How to avoid allergic reaction
    • Acne: Tips to help you see clearer skin
    • Adult acne
    • Isotretinoin: Treatment for severe acne
    • Rosacea
    • Rosacea: Skin Care Do's and Don'ts
  • Bumps and growths
    • Keratosis pilaris
    • Moles
    • Seborrheic keratosis
  • Color problems
    • Acanthosis nigricans
    • Melasma
    • Melasma:Tips to Make It Less Noticeable
    • Tinea versicolor
    • Vitiligo
  • Contagious skin diseases
    • Genital warts
    • Head Lice
    • Herpes simplex
    • Impetigo
    • Molluscum contagiosum
    • Nail fungus
    • Ringworm
    • Scabies
    • Shingles
    • Warts
  • Dry / sweaty skin
    • Dry skin
    • Hyperhidrosis
  • Eczema / dermatitis
    • Atopic dermatitis
    • Contact dermatitis
    • Dyshidrotic eczema
    • Neurodermatitis
    • Nummular dermatitis
    • Stasis dermatitis
    • Eczema: Tips to help children feel better
    • Eczema Bleach bath therapy
  • Hair and scalp problems
    • Alopecia areata
    • Hair loss
    • Scalp psoriasis
  • Itchy skin
    • Bedbugs
    • Hives
    • Poison ivy, oak, and sumac
  • Painful skin / joints
    • Hidradenitis suppurativa
    • Psoriatic arthritis
    • Scleroderma
  • Rashes
    • Lichen planus
    • Lupus and your skin
    • Pityriasis rosea
  • Scaly skin
    • Actinic keratosis
    • Psoriasis
    • Psoriasis Skin Care Guide
    • Psoriatic arthritis
    • Seborrheic dermatitis
  • Skin cancer
    • Basal cell carcinoma
    • Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP)
    • Imiquimod: A treatment for some skin cancers, genital warts
    • Melanoma
      • Next steps after a melanoma diagnosis
    • Merkel cell carcinoma
    • Sebaceous carcinoma
    • Squamous cell carcinoma
    • Skin cancer in people of color
    • Skin Cancer Prevention
    • Who's got your back
    • Can you spot skin cancer?
  • Skin, hair, and nail care
    • Skin care
      • How to Apply Sunscreen
      • How to Shave
      • Skin Self-Exam: How to Do
      • Face Washing 101
      • How to Apply Self-Tanner
      • Get the most from your skin care products
      • Dry skin relief
      • Preventing skin conditions in athletes
      • How to care for tattooed skin
      • How to care for pierced ears
      • How to Treat Diaper Rash
      • Skin Care on a Budget
      • How to Treat Boils and Styes
      • How to Treat Dandruff
      • How to Treat Shingles
      • How to Treat Cold Sores
      • How to Treat Hives in Children
      • Wrinkle Remedies
    • Hair care / hair loss
      • How to Style Hair Without Damage
      • Tips for Healthy Hair
      • How to remove gum without cutting hair
      • Coloring and perming tips
    • Injured skin
      • Tips for treating poison ivy
      • How to treat sunburn
      • Proper Wound Care: How to Minimize a Scar
      • How to Prevent and Treat Frostbite
    • Nail care
      • Manicure and pedicure safety
      • Tips for Healthy Nails
  • Other conditions
    • Diabetes warning signs
  • Videos

Our Location

1861 S. Sturdy Rd
Valparaiso, IN 46383
(219) 548-0360
 
3444 Monroe
La Porte, IN 46350
(219) 362-0161

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Appointment Request

Valparaiso, IN Dermatologist Applegarth Dermatology PC 1861 S. Sturdy Rd. Valparaiso, IN46383 (219) 548-0360 Dermatologist in Valparaiso, IN Call For Pricing
La Porte, IN Dermatologist Applegarth Dermatology PC 3444 Monroe St. La Porte, IN46350 (219) 362-0161 Dermatologist in La Porte, IN Call For Pricing
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