Are Hives Contagious? Plus, Other Common Hives Questions Answered
Hives, medically known as urticaria, or acute hives, are a fairly common skin condition, characterized by raised, itchy welts that appear in varying shapes and sizes on the skin.
Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) on the other hand, is a specific type of chronic hives with no known cause.
While encountering hives can be distressing and uncomfortable, many people are equally concerned about how they spread and whether or not they’re contagious.
Are hives always linked to an allergy, or can other factors trigger them? Are they more likely to develop in certain seasons, age groups or genders?
For anyone suffering from acute hives, or living or working closely with someone who has them, these are crucial questions that can help in understanding and managing the condition. Misunderstandings about both types of hives are widespread, fueled by speculation and myths, which often lead to unnecessary worry or a lack of proper attention when needed. Below, we address some of the most common questions about hives.
What Causes Acute Hives?
Acute hives are usually raised, itchy welts that come and go pretty quickly. Acute hives might pop up in one spot and disappear within a few hours, only to show up somewhere else. They happen when the body releases certain chemicals like histamine into the skin, which leads to those red, itchy welts, Dr. Pinchieh Chiang, a board-certified family physician at Circle Medical, tells Flow Space.
“For some people, this is triggered by allergies to things like certain foods, medications, insect bites or even pollen,” she explains. “Others might get hives from heat, cold, pressure on the skin or stress.”
If you’re someone who tends to get hives often, she recommends keeping track of when they happen and what you were doing or eating at the time. “That can offer clues about potential triggers,” she says.
What Causes CSU?
CSU lasts for six weeks or longer with no identifiable cause. If you think you may have CSU, you should consult a healthcare provider as it’s believed to be an autoimmune condition.
According to the National Library of Medicine, a significant portion of cases are believed to be autoimmune in nature, with up to 50% of patients potentially having an autoimmune component.
Are Hives Contagious?
The short answer? No, hives are not contagious.
“Some people think hives are contagious, but they’re not,” says Chiang. “You can’t catch hives from someone else, even if someone’s hives are triggered by a virus. It’s the virus that’s contagious, not the hives themselves.”
She adds, “It’s also a myth that you should only take antihistamines after hives appear. In many cases, especially with ongoing hives, regular use can help prevent them from showing up in the first place.”
Are Hives Always Caused by an Allergy?
Another common myth? That hives are always caused by an allergy.
“While allergies are one possible trigger, acute hives can also be brought on by things like stress, temperature changes or even exercise,” says Chiang. “Some people are surprised to learn that hives can show up for no clear reason at all, especially when they’re chronic.”
Again, in cases such as these, you’ll want to see a doctor as chronic hives could be CSU, which can significantly impact your quality of life.
Who Is Most Affected by Acute Hives and How Can It Be Managed?
Acute hives can affect anyone, but there are some trends we see, notes Chiang.
“Kids often get acute hives after viral infections or from food allergies, whereas adults are more likely to experience chronic hives, with women, in particular, seeming to be affected more often than men. Hormones and immune system factors may play a role in that.”
Pollen, insect bites and sun exposure can also cause acute hives to show up more in warmer months, while cold temperatures might trigger acute hives in the winter for some people.
“If you notice a pattern, like flare-ups during a specific season, that can be a helpful clue in figuring out what’s behind them.” says Chiang.
Acute hives aren’t dangerous in most cases, but they can take an emotional toll. Constant itching, disrupted sleep and the unpredictability of flare-ups can be really frustrating.
But there is good news.
“Most people eventually outgrow hives,” explains Chiang. “It might take a few months or even a couple of years, but they often go away with time.” In the meantime, focus on managing symptoms with the right medications and talk with a doctor if your hives last longer than a few days, keep coming back or are very uncomfortable as you may have CSU.
“With the right care, most people are able to get their symptoms under control and live comfortably,” Chiang says.
Who Is Most Affected by CSU and How Can It Be Managed?
CSU is most common in women aged 30 to 50 years. While it can affect anyone, women are affected twice as often as men. While lifestyle adjustments, such as using fragrance-free skincare and wearing loose-fitting clothing, can help manage symptoms, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider about available treatment options
“We want to see you if your hives are showing up often and you’re not sure why,” Chiang says. “Chronic hives can sometimes be linked to underlying conditions that are worth looking into.”
All content independently developed by SHE Media with the support of Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.
