Are hives contagious? It’s understandable that people want to know. The answer is not quite a simple yes or no, however.
Hives themselves are not contagious, but in some instances, the conditions that trigger the hives may be spread to other people. In those cases, other people may end up with hives. It depends on the cause of the hives.
Now, in most instances, hives are not caused by contagious conditions. For instance, hives that are commonly caused by allergic reactions to foods or medications and allergies are not contagious. Stress-related hives are not contagious either. Sometimes, though, hives are caused by contagious conditions.
Hives are often very noticeable, so even though they are not often contagious, it’s natural for people to wonder if you have a communicable disease if you are suffering from a severe case of hives. If you have hives as a result of something that’s not contagious, there is no need to isolate yourself or to miss school or work, but be prepared for some people you encounter to express concern that your condition might be contagious. Be prepared to let people know you’re condition is not contagious (check with your doctor if you’re not sure). There are also treatments available that can help hives clear up faster, so you won’t have to go around looking sickly – not to mention itching – for too long.
So When Are Hives Contagious?
Hives may be contagious when caused by a bacterial infection, a virus, or a parasite, according to Dr. Greene, Founding President of the Society for Participatory Medicine. For instance, strep is a common bacterial infection that sometimes causes hives and it’s contagious. Many contagious viruses can cause hives, too, including hepatitis and mononucleosis. Parasites that may cause hives and can be spread to others include giardia and pinworms.
It’s important to understand that some conditions that cause hives are more contagious than others and that they are not all spread in the same way. If you have an illness or infection of some kind that is causing hives, ask your doctor if hives are contagious in your cause. If they are, ask your doctor for how long your condition will be considered contagious and what steps you need to take in order to avoid spreading it to others. Some of the contagious conditions that cause hives can be rather serious, so it’s important to talk with your doctor and take whatever steps necessary to prevent exposing others to illness.
Treating Contagious Hives
If you have a contagious condition that is causing hives, you should see your doctor for treatment. Your doctor may prescribe medications, such as antibiotics or antiviral drugs, depending on the cause of your hives. These medications are meant to treat the conditions that cause hives, and as your condition improves, your hives should begin to go away. Ask your doctor about how long that should take. For the most part, though, these medications aren’t meant to relieve the uncomfortable symptoms of hives, like the incessant itching. There are other treatments you can use for that.
Relieving Uncomfortable Symptoms
Doctors often recommend antihistamines to relieve the itching, swelling, and other symptoms associated with hives. These are available over the counter or by prescription and they help relieve symptoms of hives due to almost any cause, contagious or not. They usually work but sometimes they cause unwanted side effects, especially drowsiness.
Our favorite remedy for relieving the symptoms of hives is a natural remedy called OxyHives, which we prefer to antihistamines because it doesn’t cause drowsiness. It also works really quickly, which you’ll appreciate because no one wants to itch all over for one minute longer than absolutely necessary. To learn more about our favorite remedy for relieving the discomfort of hives, just follow this link to the OxyHives Website.