Urticaria is not contagious.

Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

Updated on September 27, 2024

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Urticaria is a hypersensitive skin disease related to the immune system, often occurring in patients with allergic constitutions. Urticaria is not contagious, so there is no need to worry about that. The causes of urticaria are mainly related to food, food additives, viral or bacterial infections, medications, and environmental factors such as climate and pollen. Therefore, if urticaria occurs, it is crucial to promptly identify the allergen and actively avoid triggers to prevent its occurrence. If urticaria does occur, it is essential to seek medical advice promptly.

Other Voices

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Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

37sec

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Is measles urticaria?

Measles is not urticaria, and there is quite a significant difference between them. Measles is a skin disease caused by a viral infection and is contagious, with the virus being the measles virus. In contrast, urticaria is an allergic condition that can be triggered by many different causes, varying widely depending on what different individuals are allergic to. Furthermore, the treatment for measles typically involves antiviral and symptomatic approaches, whereas the treatment for urticaria generally entails the use of anti-allergy methods.

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Written by Qu Jing

Dermatology

1min 21sec

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Is urticaria contagious?

Urticaria, commonly known as hives, is not contagious. It is a localized edema of the skin and mucous membranes due to temporarily increased vascular permeability. Its pathological causes are not related to infection, thus it is not contagious. The specific cause of urticaria often remains unclear for many patients. Some cases are due to certain foods, such as animal proteins, seafood, fungi, and some food additives like tartrazine, balsam of Peru, and sulfites. Some cases are triggered by drugs such as penicillin and various vaccines. Others are caused by allergens inhaled through the respiratory tract or by contact with the skin; common examples include pollen, animal dander, dust, fungal spores, and dust mites, as well as some volatile cosmetics. Contact with certain items, such as insect bites, venomous insects, certain plants like nettles, or animal fur such as wool, can also trigger urticaria. Some cases may be related to physical factors such as exposure to cold, heat, sunlight, or pressure, all of which can potentially lead to the development of urticaria.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan

Dermatology

51sec

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How is urticaria caused?

There are many causes of hives, and the most common is related to genetics. If one of the parents has an allergic constitution, then the likelihood of allergies in their offspring significantly increases. Environmental factors also play a role in the occurrence of hives. For example, environments with a lot of dust or dust mites can trigger allergic reactions. Additionally, a humid living environment can promote the growth of fungi, which can also cause hives. The occurrence of hives is also related to food. Individuals who are allergic to proteins might experience hives when consuming high-protein foods like fish, shrimp, crabs, milk, and eggs. Furthermore, viral infections, bacterial infections, and parasite infections can also trigger hives.

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Written by Li Ya Ping

Dermatology Department

1min 9sec

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Can urticaria be contagious?

Urticaria is not contagious. Urticaria, also known as wheals or commonly referred to as hives, is caused by temporary increased vascular permeability in the skin and mucous membranes due to allergic factors, resulting in localized edema. Wheals generally subside quite quickly, typically within 24 hours. The causes of wheals, which are essentially urticaria, may include the food we eat, airborne inhalants, and skin contact with substances such as pollen, dust mites, mold mites, as well as animal dander, fur, etc. Additionally, some cases may be related to infections, and some people may have a lethal factor due to suspicious medications. Moreover, the occurrence of urticaria can also be related to other factors such as cold, heat, ultraviolet light, and mechanical stresses such as friction or pressure. Furthermore, other factors including psychological and endocrine factors can also lead to the occurrence of urticaria.

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Written by Qu Jing

Dermatology

1min 21sec

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How to Distinguish Between Papular Urticaria and Urticaria

Papular urticaria, also known as insect bite dermatitis, is a different disease from urticaria. Urticaria, also known as wheals, is called yinzhen in traditional Chinese medicine, and it is a localized edema of the skin and mucous membranes due to temporary increased vascular permeability. For most patients with urticaria, the exact cause cannot be identified. Common causes include foods, such as animal proteins and certain food additives that induce urticaria. Urticaria can also be triggered by certain infections as allergens, as well as by certain medications such as penicillin, serum products, various vaccines, sulfonamides, etc. Additionally, common inhalants such as pollen, animal dander, dust, fungal spores, dust mites, and volatile chemicals can also trigger urticaria. Papular urticaria is characterized by a small blister in the center of a reddish area, often resulting from bites or stings of various insects like mosquitoes, mites, bees, etc., or from irritation by toxic sap on the skin. Improvement can be seen once removed from the allergenic environment.