Urticaria is not contagious.

Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

Updated on September 27, 2024

00:00

00:00

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

home-news-image

Written by Qu Jing

Dermatology

1min 21sec

home-news-image

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.

home-news-image

Written by Huang Ling Juan

Dermatology

51sec

home-news-image

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.

home-news-image

Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

33sec

home-news-image

Measles and Urticaria Distinction

Measles and hives have significant differences. Firstly, hives are an allergic disease and are not contagious, whereas measles is a viral infectious disease that can be spread through contact. Secondly, the treatment for hives mainly involves antiallergics, while the treatment for measles mainly includes symptomatic and antiviral therapies. However, regardless of whether it is measles or hives, it is necessary to seek medical attention promptly after onset.

home-news-image

Written by Liu Gang

Dermatology

52sec

home-news-image

What is the fastest way to relieve itching from hives?

Urticaria is a type of allergic disease that generally causes large areas of hives to appear rapidly all over the body, accompanied by severe itching. A quick method to relieve itching is the topical application of calamine lotion extensively and taking oral antihistamines, such as loratadine tablets. In cases of acute flare-ups, it may be appropriate to use hormone-based medications, such as dexamethasone injection, administered intravenously or through infusion, as these act quickly. For chronic urticaria treatment, it is generally advised against the use of hormones; standard oral antihistamines should suffice. Urticaria tends to recur; therefore, it's important to maintain a controlled diet and lifestyle habits. Foods and substances to avoid include chili peppers, mutton, seafood, and alcohol.

home-news-image

Written by Xie Ming Feng

Dermatology

24sec

home-news-image

urticaria symptoms

Acute urticaria manifests as sudden severe itching of the skin, quickly followed by hives of various sizes. In severe cases, symptoms can include palpitations, restlessness, nausea, vomiting, and other signs of anaphylactic shock. Chronic urticaria is characterized by recurrent outbreaks of hives, often lasting for several months or years.