Your child has had a mild allergic reaction. Signs of a mild allergic reaction can include hives (red bumps on the skin), itching, a rash, watery eyes, and swelling under the eyes. Medicines usually help kids feel better, even when the cause of an allergic reaction isn't known.

• Give your child recommended medicines as directed by the health care provider.
• If you know what caused the reaction, help your child avoid it. For example, if your child had signs of a reaction after using a laundry detergent or soap, stop using that product. If the signs came after being around a dog or cat, limit your child's exposure to the pet — for instance, your child shouldn't hug or kiss the animal and it should be kept out of your child's bedroom.
• If your child has any future reactions, pay attention to products and exposures around that time to help figure out the cause.
• If your child has a rash, follow any recommendations the health care provider gives you for skin care. This may include using moisturizers, steroid cream, or other creams or ointments.

Your child:

• has another mild allergic reaction
• has a rash or hives that get worse or don't go away

Your child has signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as:

• trouble breathing
• throat tightness
• swelling of the lips, face, or tongue
• a combination of two mild symptoms, like hives with vomiting

What causes an allergic reaction? Allergic reactions are sensitivities to things called allergens. Common allergens include dust mites, pets, insects, foods, plants, molds, and medicines.

In an allergy, the body mistakes allergens for germs. When someone with an allergy breathes in, swallows, or touches an allergen, the body tries to "defend" itself by releasing chemicals, including histamine. This can lead to rashes, hives, and other allergic symptoms. It can take a few minutes to a few days to see signs of a reaction. Some allergens, like foods, can cause a mild allergic reaction one time, and a severe allergic reaction another time.

How do health care providers diagnose a mild allergic reaction? They look at the child's skin and check their breathing. They also ask questions to better understand what might have caused the reaction.

What medicines are used to treat a mild allergic reaction? Health care providers often use antihistamines, a kind of medicine that blocks histamine (the substance in the body that causes rashes and other signs of an allergy). They will prescribe epinephrine auto-injectors if they think a child could have a severe allergic reaction in the future.