Can urticaria be contagious?

Written by Li Ya Ping
Dermatology Department
Updated on October 29, 2024
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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 Li Ya Ping
Dermatology Department
1min 9sec home-news-image

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 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.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Urticaria is not contagious.

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.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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How should hives be treated?

Urticaria is divided into acute and chronic types. Antihistamines are the first choice of treatment for acute urticaria. If the condition is severe and antihistamines are ineffective, corticosteroids can be used to control the condition. The fundamental treatment for chronic urticaria is to remove the cause, and specific medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
37sec home-news-image

Urticaria should be seen in which department?

Once urticaria occurs, it is advised to promptly consult a dermatologist, as urticaria is a type of skin disease related to allergies and belongs to the field of dermatology. Urticaria causes many symptoms, such as wheals, erythema, and papules on the skin, accompanied by severe itching. Therefore, it is essential to treat the symptoms in a timely manner. First, identify the allergen and avoid further contact with it. Moreover, use some anti-allergy medications for treatment and generally enhance your own resistance.