Epidemiology of Acute Urticaria in Children at a Community Hospital

Abstract

          Acute urticaria is a common skin condition in children and a frequent reason for seeking medical care. This study aimed to determine the incidence, temporal patterns, clinical characteristics, suspected triggers, and factors associated with hospitalization among children with acute urticaria. This retrospective analytical cross-sectional study reviewed electronic medical records of children aged 28 days to 15 years diagnosed with acute urticaria at Khu Mueang Hospital, Buriram Province, Thailand, from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2025. Descriptive statistics were used, incidence rates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, temporal patterns were analyzed using Poisson regression, and factors associated with hospitalization were assessed using univariable logistic regression.

          A total of 360 patients were included. The average annual incidence was 13.90 per 1,000 children (95% CI 12.47–15.33). A significant seasonal pattern was observed (p < 0.001), with incidence peaking from late July to August and being approximately 2.65 times higher than at its lowest point. Children aged 1–5 years constituted the largest age group (35.0%). Most cases had idiopathic (66.9%), followed by infection (10.3%) and physical factors (8.3%). Overall, 5.0% were hospitalized. Fever (OR 6.97, 95% CI 2.63–18.49; p < 0.001) and infection as a suspected trigger (OR 5.02, 95% CI 1.76–14.29; p = 0.003) were associated with hospitalization.

          Acute pediatric urticaria showed stable incidence over three years but a distinct seasonal pattern, peaking from late July to August. Most cases had no identifiable trigger, while fever and suspected infection were associated with hospitalization. These findings may support pediatric healthcare planning and provide baseline epidemiological data for community hospital settings.