Are Hives Contagious? Causes and Management

Hives, those itchy welts or bumps that can appear on the skin, are an uncomfortable situation. The good news is that hives are not contagious to other people.

Hives can’t be spread from person to person, so you don’t need to stay away from other people if you develop them. Hives aren’t contagious by touch or through airborne droplets.

The most common cause of hives is an allergic reaction, but they can also be triggered by an infection or as a reaction to stressors. Hives will usually clear up within a few days.

Learn more about how to recognize hives, what causes them, and how to avoid triggers for hives in the future.

Understanding Hives

Hives are a type of rash or skin lesion. Hives have specific characteristics that differentiate them from other common types of rash. Signs of hives include:

• Raised welts or bumps
• Center that looks pale when pressed
• Itching, burning, or stinging sensation
• Swelling and puffiness around the hives.
• Swelling in the mouth, eyes, and throat

Acute hives appear suddenly, usually in response to exposure to an allergen. Most cases of acute hives start to get better within 24 hours, though you may notice lingering symptoms.

Chronic hives are hives that come and go multiple times per week for a period of six weeks or more. Chronic hives may be connected to underlying health conditions such as autoimmune disorders.

What Causes Hives?

There are a variety of triggers that can cause hives, including:

• Foods: Food allergies can cause hives. Common food allergens include strawberries, shellfish, tree nuts, soy, eggs, and dairy. If you have a history of sensitivities to these foods, avoid consuming them.
• Medications: Certain prescription and over-the-counter medications, such as penicillin, aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, and blood pressure medications, can cause allergic reactions. You should not take any of those medications if you have had reactions to them in the past.
• Plants and animals: Bites from mosquitoes and other insects can lead to hives. You can also get hives due to jellyfish stings or contact with plants such as poison ivy or poison oak. You can avoid outdoor triggers by covering your skin or using insect repellents to ward off mosquitoes or other bugs. Learn to recognize plants like poison ivy and don’t touch them. Check for jellyfish warnings before swimming in the ocean to reduce the risk of a sting.
• Allergens: Some people may develop hives due to airborne allergens like pollen or pet dander. Taking over-the-counter allergy medications, closing windows, and using air purifiers indoors to allergy-proof your home can reduce the effects of airborne allergens. Contact with allergens such as poison ivy and some detergents or fragrances used in skincare products can also cause hives.
• Infections: Viral infections such as mononucleosis can cause hives, as can conditions such as lupus, other autoimmune diseases, and leukemia. Talk with your doctor about how to manage hives associated with long-term or chronic conditions.
• Other reasons: Some people get hives because of physical or emotional triggers such as intense stress, exposure to extreme cold, excessive sun exposure, excessive perspiration, and intense exercise. Whenever possible, avoid heat, sun, or other situations that trigger hives.

Treating Hives

Mild cases of hives can usually be treated at home. Topical medicines such as hydrocortisone or antihistamine cream can help with itching. Cool showers or applying cool compresses can also relieve discomfort.

Over-the-counter allergy medicines that contain antihistamines such as loratadine, cetirizine, or diphenhydramine may help reduce symptoms of hives.

When To Seek Help

If hives are accompanied by severe swelling in the mouth and throat or difficulty breathing, seek emergency care right away. This can be a sign of a serious reaction called anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening. If you have a prior history of anaphylaxis and have been prescribed an EpiPen, use it as directed if you suspect a severe reaction.

If you have hives that don’t respond to over-the-counter treatments, you should see a health care provider. They can give you a prescription for steroids such as prednisone to resolve hives.

Need Help Treating Hives? We’re Here for You

If you need help managing hives or a rash, we can help. The skilled health care providers at Next Level Urgent Care can help determine what triggered your hives and advise you on the best treatment to clear them up quickly. You can visit us at a nearby location and download the Next Level app to get in line online.