Urticaria is the type of welts on the skin that causes skin irritations and rashes. You can see any part of the body. However, many people ask, "are hives contagious?" They are not contagious. Additionally, it would not develop in another person. The triggering factor can vary from person to person. The American College of Allergy revealed that 20 percent of people sometimes suffer from urticaria. This blog will explain hives, their causes, types, Home Remedies and treatment.

Are Hives contagious?

There are a lot of many studies that hives are not contagious. It cannot be transferred to another person. However, hives, which different agents cause, can be contagious. For example, if a virus causes your hives, then the same virus can affect other people.Moreover, it is caused by a wide variety of medicine and foods. Nevertheless, it cannot be contagious because it is not essential for others can develop hives with the same treatment and foods.Also Read: 12 Natural Remedies For Dry Skin in Winter

Types of Hives -

There are many types of hives that are triggered by allergens and chemicals. Sometimes, the symptoms may indicate a severe condition or not. Therefore, if you develop hives, consult the doctor immediately. I will explain the different types of hives.

Allergic Hives

The hives from the allergic response can cause an allergic reaction in the body. It is a common problem among people. There are different types of factors that can cause an allergic hive.

Food -- nuts, egg, seafood, or mushrooms
Medicine
Insect Bite
Pollen
Antibiotics
Medication
NSAIDs
Latex
Kiwi, banana, chestnuts, or other fruits
Some plants include nettles, poison, ivy, and poison oak
Additives in some food, cosmetics

Infection-Induced Hives

Bacteria and fungi cause some hivesâ€”for example, cold, mononucleosis, and strep-throat. The types of hives are not contagious. However, if the virus starts spreading, you can likely develop hives. The mode of transmission of spreading of bacteria, viruses, and fungi are:

Airborne from sneezing and coughing
Poor Hygiene
Sharing food plates
Direct contact with saliva
Contact with stool

The people who are more likely to get hives and rashes all over the body are:

The people younger than 5 years
People older than 65 years
Pregnant
Suppressed immune system
Medical history

Physical Hives

There are many factors in the external environment, including overexposure to the sun, cold, or water. Body heat causes hives all over the body. I have listed some physical triggers down below:

Sunlight exposure
Scratching the skin
Pressure from the tight belt on the skin
Extreme temperature
High body temperature
Adrenaline releases during workout and stress
UV light
Water on the skin
Vibration

Chronic Hives

Chronic hives or urticaria can last for six weeks; otherwise, in severe cases, it stays for years.

Underlying health condition

Many people are suffering from different conditions that may trigger the hives. I have listed some situations that you may consider:

Viral Infection
Bacterial Infection
Intestinal Parasites -- Giardia lamblia
Autoimmune hypothyroidism
Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus, erythematosus, and type 1 diabetes
The other conditions that cause inflammation of blood vessels

How do I know that I have developed hives?

Some people won't detect that they are going to have hives. Sometimes, hives occur rapidly all over the body. In contrast, in other conditions, it will take longer. In 70% of cases, the patient can't identify the hives. It may be due to unknown triggering factors. How can you check that you have developed hives?

The symptoms of Hives

There are conditions and types that hives can occur. However, it depends upon the person how their body triggers allergens that cause hives. symptoms of Hives

Skin lesions
Lesions appear in batches
Itchy
Lesions occur in red, pink, or skin-colored
If a person presses the lesions, it fades their color
The bump last for 24 hours
The size may vary according to the severity

The lesion may appear as

Tiny spots
Blotches
Thin, Raised line

Read Also: 12 Natural Remedies For Dry Skin in Winter

What are Treatments available for Hives?

The treatment for hives depends upon the condition, and acute and chronic depend upon the degree of hives. Let's look at the advice that the doctor recommends.

Acute Urticaria -

Acute means the symptoms are mild that resolved in a few days. It can cause by any factor like allergens and irritants. The options that the doctor suggests are

Non-sedating histamines -- Cetirizine or fexofenadine
Short-term use of topical steroids
Antiseptic creams
Soothing creams

These methods help reduce the signs and symptoms of hives. It could be resolved in a few weeks.

Chronic Urticaria -

A person with chronic urticaria needs close monitoring because of the worsening conditions. Acute treatment will not be an efficient way to solve chronic hivesâ€”the treatment changes in this condition.

Omalizumab, or Xolair, is an injectable drug that blocks the immunoglobulin E that plays a vital role in an allergic response. It reduces the sign and symptoms of chronic urticaria.
Acupuncture also showed effective results in dealing with hives. However, insufficient research proves how acupuncture works on chronic hives.

Also Read: Urticaria Home Remedies: How To Take Care Of Hives At Home

The home remedies to treat hives

There are many ways that you can solve mild hives at home. I have listed some methods that you can follow at home. home remedies to treat hives

Using soothing lotion
Wearing loose, light and cotton clothes
Choosing dermatologist-tested soaps, moisturizers, and cosmetics.
Avoid taking cold showers.
Avoid sun exposure
Avoid exposure to triggering substances.
Avoid scratching the skin.

Prevent yourself from Hives -

The pro tips for the prevention of hives are given in the following.

Choosing mild and fragrance-free shops
Take over-the-counter histamine medicines
Track your triggering factors

Keep updated with your doctor about your health condition.

Use relaxation techniques and meditation.

FAQs -

The Bottom Line -

Patient: Are hives contagious?Definitely, no, it is not contagious. It may hardly harm the other. This is because everyone has a different trigger factor, whether a person can have an allergy to a particular element. It will lead to complications if not treated on time. If your signs and symptoms are worsening, always talk with your doctor. Follow-ups are essential because they may help prevent your doctor from tracking your disease condition. If you are confused, you can also have the right to have a second opinion. There is no shame in telling you your problem. We are here to help you!

Are Hives Contagious: Its Types, Symptoms and Treatments.