Abstract Background Urticarial lesions develop as a result of the activation of mast cells which, through the release of mediators, influence the formation of local inflammatory infiltrates. Changes in the expression of many cytokines and chemokines are observed in the course of urticaria. The aim of the study was to evaluate serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-17A, IL-18, IL-23, regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) and interferon (IFN)-γ-inducible protein-10 (IP-10) in children with acute urticaria and exacerbation of chronic urticaria in comparison to healthy volunteers. Moreover, we made an attempt to identify factors associated with the acute phase of urticaria and factors predicting the course of the disease among the studied parameters. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 32 children with acute urticaria and 32 children with chronic urticaria. The control group consisted of 40 healthy children. Each patient was clinically evaluated. Serum concentrations of selected cytokines and chemokines were determined by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Patients with acute and chronic urticaria had higher concentrations of IL-6 and IL-17A (p < 0.001) and lower concentrations of IL-18, IL-23, RANTES and IP-10 (p < 0.001) as compared to the control group. A significant association between IL-6 and IP-10 with the acute phase of urticaria has been demonstrated. There was no correlation of the studied cytokines and chemokines with disease activity. Conclusions In children with acute phase of urticaria, the cytokine serum concentration differs compared to healthy subjects. IL-6 and IP-10 seem to be useful in differentiating children with acute phase of urticaria and healthy ones. The search for factors predicting the course of the disease requires further studies.