Are Hives Contagious?

Hives are the red, swollen and itchy parts of your skin (apart from palms and soles). They are caused due to some insect bite or allergies. Infections, chemicals, virus, bacteria, fungus, etc. among the other urticaria causes. They are red welts formed due to skin disorders and specific allergic reactions. All of us will not have the same allergies, hence it is difficult to say if it is contagious. However, if a person is suffering from hives which has unfortunately filled with pus, then do not touch the pus. The pus may not cause hives, but may give you some other allergies. Another reason why hives are believed to be contagious is that the cause of the hives can be the same in two individuals. For example, if you and your sibling are both allergic to tomatoes, both of you may suffer from hives after eating food which contains tomatoes. This also doesn't mean that hives are a result of genes.

Well, hives are no lookers. They look like red or white angry welts or eruptions on the skin's surface. They mostly appear on your tummy, backs and arms or legs. They appear suddenly, when you come in contact with the thing that you are allergic to, and have the tendency to spread rapidly. Those hives that are temporary, meaning for a few minutes or few days, are called ordinary hives. They are caused due to common allergies like peanuts, berries, pollen, etc. Hives that last longer than 5 weeks are known as chronic hives, which are known to last for quite a few months!! Hives created due to cold or by going out in the sun, are called physical hives.

How to Get Rid of Hives

For those who suffer from hives regularly due to specific allergies, should take some regular medication on their doctor's prescription. Whenever, you get the hives, you can just pop those pills or apply the particular ointment as advised by the doctor. However, please remember that there is no permanent cure for hives and whatever duration you take the medication for, you will never be able to get rid of them. Benadryl is said to help when you are suffering from hives. However, consult your doctor before taking some.

Some other ways of treatment are applying some ice packs on them to soothe the inflammation, applying calendula ointment and essential oils like lemon oil, chamomile oil, etc. Include a lot of vitamin C in your diet when you suffer from hives. All these will help to reduce the swelling as well as reduce the itching in the hives. Have cold showers and cold water baths to help them to heal faster. Wear loose fitting clothing till your hives have disappeared.

Once you know what you are allergic to, make it a point to stay away from the stuff. Don't eat food that contains stuff that you are allergic to. If you are on certain medication or drugs which are causing these hives, talk to your doctor. Remember that medication will treat the symptoms and not the cause, which is why it's not advisable to go on taking powerful medications, as they may have other side effects. Whatever you do, do not self medicate. If you face severe symptoms like asthma or difficulty in breathing, seek medical assistance pronto.

Even if hives are not contagious, do not take risks by neglecting them. Use the above treatments to get rid of them. Take care!!