Image 2: Images used with permission of JAAD Case Reports. Call 911 or seek medical attention immediately if you develop a hive outbreak around your throat or on your tongue or have trouble breathing along with hives. Heres what you need to know. Chronic hives and other autoimmune conditions, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6450064/, aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/diabetes-warning-signs, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2810697/, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2659909/, dermnetnz.org/topics/autologous-serum-skin-testing/, hopkinslupus.org/lupus-info/lupus-affects-body/skin-lupus/, aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/thyroid-disease-skin-changes, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4563229/. Anestimated 20 percent of people will have hivesat some point in their lives. When your immune system recognizes a threat, it releases histamine and other chemicals. For example, if your hives are caused by an infection such as strep throat or COVID-19, the infection is contagious and can spread to other people. Radiation dermatitis: Clinical presentation, pathophysiology, and treatment. 2006. (2015). Images 2-10: Used with permission of DermNet NZ. While anyone can develop hives, you have a greater risk if you: Are a woman of African American heritage (4 to 5 times greater risk than white people). Prevalence and Risk Factors of Urticaria With a Focus on Chronic Urticaria in Children. However, if your baby has hives or a rash, call their pediatrician to discuss their condition, especially if they have any of the symptoms listed above. If you can avoid exposure to the allergen causing the reaction, your hives will hopefully disappear and not return. (2022). Unfortunately, it isnt always that simple. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Reviewed by: Find out how you can enjoy summer while reducing flare-ups. We use cookies for various purposes including analytics and personalized marketing. Chronic urticaria: A cutaneous manifestation of celiac disease. Hives that last for 6 weeks or longer are considered chronic. Applying aloe vera: The healing properties of aloe vera may soothe and reduce hives. They are raised red bumps that are itchy. Hives can itch, sometimes intensely. You can search by location, condition, and procedure to find the dermatologist thats right for you. It is possible to have more than one autoimmune condition at the same time. The root cause of hives can be challenging to diagnose. They can be short term and disappear within a day, or they can last weeks or longer. When should I see a healthcare provider for hives? Doctorsnow prefer to prescribe second-generation H-antihistaminesbecause they have fewer side effects. Hives that seem to be caused by nothing happen when there are no allergens or environmental conditions that could be possible triggers. Hives might also be caused by circumstances besides allergies. Take any allergy medicines as prescribed, but consult your doctor to find alternatives if the medicines themselves contain allergens. These dermatologists' tips tell you how to protect your skin. Signs of acute hives include: In many respects, chronic hives and acute hives may look alike: they can be itchy, swollen raised welts that turn lighter in the center and with pressure. acaai.org/allergies/types/skin-allergies/hives-urticaria, mayoclinic.com/health/chronic-hives/DS00980, hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/adult/allergy_and_asthma/urticaria_hives_85,P00041/, How to Tell the Difference Between Hives and Rashes, Hives on the Breast: Causes, Identification, and Treatment, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, 12 Kids Books That Shine a Light on Food Allergies, medications (primarily antibiotics, cancer drugs, and ibuprofen), avoiding hot water, which may aggravate the hives. Acute hives typically last from a few days to 1-2 weeks. (4th edition). Has there been a recent infection? Both viral and bacterial infections can cause hives. What Is Chronic Urticaria and How Do You Treat It? As there are several potential triggers, many times the actual cause of hives cannot be determined. If your hives are chronic, it might help to note when they occur and what may have caused them so you can avoid these triggers in the future. Sometimes, the areas of affected skin may also become swollen. Find out how dermatologists diagnose and treat hives at: Hives: Diagnosis and treatment. You may have a rash all over your body or in one or two areas. In most cases, hives are caused by an allergic reaction to a medication or food or a reaction to an irritant in the environment. Mosby Elsevier, China, 2018:304-19. People who have a light or medium complexion see red or pink hives. In these circumstances, your doctor might suggest that you seek temporary relief by: Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that needs to be treated immediately by a physician. It may be time to see a doctor if your hives aren't going away or they keep coming back. During this time, the swelling, pain, and discomfort can be difficult to live with. They may also cause the skin to feel rough and look scaly or cracked. Last medically reviewed on June 10, 2021. 2006;54(1):28-46. Raised welts or bumps on your skin. They can grow larger, change shape, and spread. When this happens, the person has a medical condition called chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). Learn about some. Images Diabetes: 12 warning signs that appear on your skin. Hives themselves are not contagious however what is causing the hives may be contagious. They can be uncomfortable, but they arent life-threatening. Neha enjoys writing about mental health, elder care, innovative health care technologies, paying for health care, and simple measures that we all can take to work toward better health. Its important to try to determine the underlying cause of your hives or rash, as this can help you decide on the best treatment. Learn how to get rid of hives. Examples include man, woman, nonbinary, agender, bigender, genderfluid, pangender, and trans. COVID-19 can cause hives during the day or night. Around 30 to 40 percent of the time, idiopathic hives are triggered by the bodys own immune system. Histamine is a chemical that's released during an allergic reaction. Read our. (n.d.). Often, the bumps caused by hives will be preceded by itching skin. Common allergens that can trigger hives are: Some viral and bacterial can cause hives. Anyone can get hives. Spread Specialists Remedies When to Seek Care Are hives (urticaria) contagious? Once the infection has spread, it can quickly lead to . Hives also referred to as urticaria are welts on the skin and are a type of itchy rash. Viruses that cause infectious mononucleosis, hepatitis, and colds often cause hives. There are a few types of hives, each with its own causes. Now, in most instances, hives are not caused by contagious conditions. 2010;6(1):32. doi: 10.1186/1710-1492-6-32, Tarbox JA, Bansal A, Peiris AN. Autoimmune hives may be a stand-alone symptom with no obvious underlying cause. The medical name for this moist tissue is mucous membrane. Seborrhea . Avoiding allergic triggers, like certain foods or chemicals, Avoiding extreme temperatures or sunlight, Keeping the skin dry, especially after exercise, Following your healthcare provider's treatment plan. The most commonly knownfirst-generation H-antihistamineis Benadryl. (2009). We avoid using tertiary references. Treatments may include antihistamines or steroids. Viral infections cause more than80 percent of cases of hives in children. Free to everyone, these materials teach young people about common skin conditions, which can prevent misunderstanding and bullying. Ways to soothe the irritation caused by hives include: If hives require treatment, antihistamine medications are usually the first drug to try. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Sometimes the swelling is accompanied by hives. Find out why dark spots appear and what can fade them. Other symptoms such as a fever, cough or diarrhea are also present. Cold-induced hives may occur from cold water or air exposure, while body heat from physical activity may cause exercise-induced hives. If you experience seasonal allergies, these essential, Sometimes your immune system will identify a substance as harmful, even though it isn't. Call your healthcare provider if you have: If you develop hives, you might want to ask your healthcare provider these questions: Hives usually go away after a few days to a few weeks. Click here to see an image gallery of rashes. They may also be a part of a bigger medical condition that affects your immune system. Are hives contagious? Avoiding irritants: This. Hives or swelling that lasts more than a week. They can be short term and disappear within a day, or they can last weeks or longer. It is usually caused by allergies but can have other causes. Hives are a type of rash, but not every rash is caused by hives. This is a skin reaction that causes bumps, raised patches, or both to suddenly appear on the skin. Bracken SJ, et al. Hives are a type of rash, although not every rash looks like hives. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Grattan CEH and Saini SS. Allergy tests can help identify whats triggering a reaction, but this is true primarily for acute hives. One exception to this is celiac disease, which is exacerbated by ingesting gluten. It can smooth out deep wrinkles and lines, but the results arent permanent. Grattan CEH, Saini SS. The first step in getting treatment is to figure out if you actually have hives. If you have brown or black skin, hives are often the same color as your skin, or slightly darker or lighter than your natural skin color. When this happens, it's called an allergic reaction. Thyroid disease: A checklist of skin, hair, and nail changes. In this article, well explore the difference between hives and rashes, plus identify the symptoms, causes, and treatment of each. Their size and shape can also change. Milder cases of hives can be treated with topical corticosteroids on the affected areas. Anaphylaxis is often triggered by a severe allergic reaction to a certain food, like peanuts and tree nuts, or to a bee sting. Physical hives usually appear within an hour after exposure. Hives often appear as red itchy bumps or an itchy rash and will feel raised when touched. If swelling develops in your mouth or throat or you have or difficulty breathing, get immediate medical care or go to the nearest emergency room. Hives can seem to be caused by nothing. Consult an allergist to help determine cause and best treatment. Acute urticaria as the initial presentation of COVID-19 in a pediatric patient. JAAD Case Rep. 2021;11:137-8. Hives can develop anywhere on your skin. When you have an allergic reaction, your body begins to release histamines into your blood. These can be caused by any allergen you might be sensitive to, including: Mild cases of hives caused by allergies are typically treated with long- or short-term allergy medications and avoidance of the trigger. National Organization for Rare Disorders. Individual hives can last anywhere from a few hours to a week . Antihistamines block the production of histamine. With CSU, hives can continue to appear for months and sometimes years. A rash is a skin condition that involves something out of the ordinary, like spots, swelling, itchiness or redness. JAMA. People at higher risk for communicable diseases. Acute urticaria refers to hives that dont last very long (less than six weeks). If you have hives, its also recommended you avoid aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), alcohol and tight clothing, as these can worsen symptoms. Other causes of hives that are contagious are: Although allergies can trigger hives, other things can also cause them. He says one way to tell the difference is by how quickly the welts clear up. Rashes have a wide range of potential causes, including allergic reactions. Some bacteria or viruses can also cause hives, which can be contagious and spread. Learn more about hives that develop on your joints, including other possible causes. Theres also a condition called physical urticaria, or inducible urticaria. Delayed anaphylaxis has been reported but is very rare. Heres how long botox tends to last. For example, if you have hives caused by a virus, a person can contract the virus and also develop hives. Hives also known as urticaria (ur-tih-KAR-e-uh) is a skin reaction that causes itchy welts that range in size from small spots to large blotches. Recurring hives (they come back every few months). Use these professionally produced online infographics, posters, and videos to help others find and prevent skin cancer. Hives that appear to have no reason usually disappear on their own, though if they are chronic (lasting longer than six weeks), medication can help manage the symptoms. For more information, visit our COVID-19 Information Center. It may take months, or longer, for chronic hives to go away. Symptoms of hives include: While hives are usually harmless, call 911 if your hives occur with any of the following: These may be signs of anaphylaxis, which can be deadly. When the body mistakenly releases histamine and hives develop, the cause is often one of the following: Pressure on the skin (tight clothing, light touch of a purse strap, or scratching). They may be dotted with blisters, plaques, or welts. Other people who dont react to allergens may get hives once or a few times in their lives. If there is no obvious trigger or the trigger is unknown, this is called idiopathic urticaria. They can grow larger, change shape, and spread. Possible causes for acute urticaria include: This video has been medically reviewed by Corinne Savides Happel, MD. If angioedema develops in your mouth or throat, get immediate medical care because the swelling can make breathing difficult. Hives: Diagnosis and treatment. Unlike some other skin conditions, hives arent contagious. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Sometimes changes in temperature can induce hives in people who are sensitive to such changes. Hives can be dangerous if you are having a serious allergic reaction and your throat is swelling. While hives are common, some people are more likely than others to develop them. Hives (also called urticaria ) are itchy, red, and raised bumps on the skin. Find out if you have a higher risk at: Hives: Causes. Chronic hives and other autoimmune conditions. They vary in size from pinhead dots to large swollen lumps. Nasal Allergy, Rhinitis and Allergic Rhinitis, Managing Asthma in School: A Guide for Parents, Managing Allergies at School: A Guide for Parents, Managing Allergies at School: A Guide for School Staff, influenza (flu), infections and other viruses. Don't wear tight clothing that puts pressure on your skin. Autoimmune hives erupt when the body's immune system is overactive and attacks the body's normal cells and tissues. If you must scratch, try pressing on the itchy area or stroking it using the top side of the hand instead of fingernails. Since diphenhydramine causes drowsiness and other side effects, it is not recommended for prophylactic use. Mayo Clinic Staff. Angioedema causes pain rather than itch and is more noticeable than the swelling caused by hives. This type of hives may be associated with an autoimmune condition, such as autoimmune thyroid disease. Hives are itchy welts on the skin. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 10/14/2022. If you want to diminish a noticeable scar, know these 10 things before having laser treatment. All rights reserved. A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating the skin, hair, and nails. Heres what you need to know. These welts, also called wheals, may be red, pink, white, or skin-colored. MedlinePlus. . This includes . Antia C, Baquerizo K, et al. Chronic hives. Sometimes, hives appear for no apparent reason. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Sometimes, the welts from hives join together to form larger areas called plaques. Also wash any clothing or other items that may have come into contact with a plant allergen, such as poison ivy. Autoimmune hives are caused by an overactive immune system that attacks healthy skin. They may be red in color or the same color as your skin. Its also possible to develop hives as the result of excessive exposure to hot or cold temperatures or from irritation due to excessive sweating. Fitzpatricks Dermatology. What Causes Itchy Bumps on Skin That Arent Mosquito Bites? However, some people develop hives that can last up to six weeks. These hives might pop up when youre in the cold, heat or sun. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and look at your skin to confirm that your skin rash is really hives. Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for hives associated with anaphylaxis. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Heres how long botox tends to last. Fitzpatricks Dermatology. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. Spread & Transmission Cure When To Seek Help Picture of Molluscum Contagiosum a Contagious Skin Disease There are contagious and noncontagious skin rashes. Urticaria and angioedema. In: Kang S, et al. Dermatology. For example, if your hives are caused by an infection such as strep throat or COVID-19, the infection is contagious and can spread to other people. We avoid using tertiary references. Cold urticaria: Welts on skin due to cold temperature could be hives. For years, doctors prescribed a class of antihistamines called first-generation H-antihistamines to patients with hives. If you continue to have hives, there are several at-home treatments you can try to get rid of them. However, it is best to do a patch test before applying aloe vera to a wider area. CIU can go away on its own within one to five years. Hives blanch (the center of the hive becomes pale when pressed). Individualhives can be as small as one millimeter or as large as 6 to 8 inches in diameter. Hydration can help the skin. Autoimmune hives may be a . We'll explain its symptoms and how to treat this rare skin condition. Specific tests for autoimmune hives include: Treatment for hives can vary based on the cause and severity of symptoms. Hives can happen for several possible reasons, and they can also seem to appear without cause. Theyre rarely dangerous but can be uncomfortable, especially if they recur often. People with severe allergies make too much IgE. Wear protective clothing in cold weather or sun exposure. Avoid extreme temperatures, including from sun or hot showers. Do you know which one? They are intended to help ease symptoms of itch and swelling. JAK inhibitors are helping patients with alopecia areata, eczema/atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and vitiligo. By continuing to use the service, you agree to our use of cookies. Hives come in various shapes and sizes. A recent study from Spain found hives in 19% of people with COVID-19. But if you develop hives because your skin is exposed to secretions from a plant like poison ivy, you can spread the allergenic plant product to others until you wash it off your skin. Stress does not cause hives, but it can lead to or worsen symptoms. Hives or rashes may be the result of an allergic reaction or medical condition that warrants immediate medical treatment. Your body stores histamine inside cells. In more severe cases, chronic hives can last for years. Images Use a mild, fragrance-free soap and warm water. Urticaria and angioedema. In: Bolognia JL, et al. There is limited research on acupuncture for hives, and so far, the findings are mixed. Light therapy often requires therapy several times a week for the few months at a treatment center. In those cases, other people may end up with hives. If you want to diminish a noticeable scar, know these 10 things before having laser treatment. If you have long-lasting or widespread hives, seeing a dermatologist can help you feel more comfortable. Dermatology. Chronic hives are welts that last for more than six weeks and return often over months or years. Wear protective clothing or gloves. For many people who develop hives, itch is a big concern. Do you have hives that come and go, or hives that have lasted more than 6 weeks? Learn how to get rid of hives. Find your nearest pharmacy Treating severe hives If hives are more severe, your doctor may prescribe: steroid tablets ( oral corticosteroids) antihistamines menthol cream to relieve itchiness If hives don't go away with treatment, a doctor may also refer you to a skin specialist (dermatologist). You can search by location, condition, and procedure to find the dermatologist thats right for you. It can potentially close off the airways, resulting in death. For some people, allergic reactions like angioedema can cause anaphylaxis severe swelling of the airways and lungs. The itching can not only be annoying, but also cause sleep issues. Hives typically disappear in about a day. All rights reserved. If your hives appear suddenly and spread very quickly or include throat swelling or difficulty breathing, call 911 immediately. Some people may have hives for years. The sun, heat, and humidity can all trigger rosacea and lead to flare-ups. Image 1: Used with permission of the American Academy of Dermatology National Library of Dermatologic Teaching Slides. This article covers the types of hives and their causes, how to diagnose hives, how to treat and prevent hives, and when hives can be dangerous. Learn more about hives that develop on your joints, including other possible causes. This treatment should ideally be supervised by a doctor with a specialty in treating hives. "To the untrained eye, hives can have a similar appearance to other common skin conditions," Dr. Choudhury says. But they may sometimes happen because of an underlying health issue. These injections block your immune system from making IgE. Global Allergy & Airways Patient Platform. Hives and psoriasis both affect your skin, but these conditions arent the same and require different treatments. This cascade of chemicals can protect you from becoming seriously ill from an infection, spoiled fish, or a bug bite. Skin rashes sometimes look and feel like hives. Goh CL, et al. But its helpful if you can identify whats triggering your hives. Find out what may be causing the itch and what can bring relief. Once you know your triggers, you can avoid them. COVID-19 can cause hives to develop anywhere on the body. For hives that fail to respond to traditional treatment, it is important to work closely with your doctor to discuss treatment options. Drink water often. Learn about angioedema symptoms, causes, and treatment. The welts can be small, large, or somewhere in between. Soothe the affected skin with a cool wet cloth, lotion or anti-itch cream. Most of the time, these reactions go away in a day or two. Hives themselves are not contagious, but their cause could be. Its not uncommon for healthcare providers to be unable to determine exactly what caused your hives. Within minutes: People can develop head to toe hives within minutes of, for example, eating a food to which they are allergic. Cut certain food products out of your diet. Hives cause raised, visible, and often itchy welts on the skin, mucous membranes (described above), or both. However, chronic hives can: Acute hives are often an allergic reaction to something you put into your body, like food, drink or medication, or something that you touch. This means that if you have a light or medium skin color, pressing on a hive will cause the red or pink color to disappear while youre pressing on it. Hives, a skin rash thats often very itchy, often results from an allergic reaction to food or something youve touched. Could a Hives Rash Be a Sign of Thyroid Disease? It can affect quality of life and impact sleep, especially in children. Hives rashes usually get better within a few minutes to a few days. (2019). Here are some of them. Your skin will show signs of the welts that are associated with hives. Hives (or urticaria) are a type of skin reaction. A stress-induced rash isnt always a cause for concern, but there are other rashes that may look similar. These will help identify if there is an underlying problem. Diagnosis might also include reviewing the following: Possible triggers also may be discussed, including: Diagnosing CIU might include taking a blood test to test for how much histamine your body has. She is on faculty as Clinical Assistant Professor in both departments of Medicine and Pediatrics at New York University School of Medicine. "The key is to take the. Some bacteria or viruses can also cause hives, which can be contagious and spread. For chronic hives, a healthcare provider may or may not recommend allergy testing, since environmental allergies are not usually a cause of hives. Takeaway Hives aren't contagious, meaning you won't develop them on your skin by touching hives on another person. The first line of treatment for anaphylaxis is epinephrine. Histamines are chemicals your body produces in an attempt to defend itself against infection and other outside intruders. You can often treat hives yourself. These can also be triggered by stress. Angioedema. They may also linger or recur for weeks, months, or years. They may also hurt, itch, or make skin feel warm to the touch. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Hives may disappear or reappear over the course of the outbreak. Autoimmune thyroid diseases, such as Graves disease and Hashimotos thyroiditis can occasionally present concurrently with hives. The Johns Hopkins University Press. medical condition that affects your immune system, aaaai.org/tools-for-the-public/conditions-library/allergies/allergic-skin-conditions, acaai.org/allergies/allergic-conditions/skin-allergy/chronic-hives/, acaai.org/allergies/types/skin-allergies/hives-urticaria, cdc.gov/drugresistance/protect-yourself-family.html, Is This Rash Contagious? Hide M, Takahagi S, et al. Even so, anecdotal evidence and some research indicates its effectiveness for this purpose. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. Your provider may not discover an exact cause. Dara Spearman, MD, FAAD, Dermatologists team up to improve patient care, JAK inhibitors: A newer type of medication, Free materials to help raise skin cancer awareness, Dermatologist-approved lesson plans, activities you can use. A persons gender identity may be different from the sex they were assigned at birth. Children often outgrow allergies that cause hives. Autoimmune theories of chronic urticaria. Rinse completely. The skin surrounding the area where hives occur may look red, swollen, or irritated. Find out what can help. Unlike acute hives, chronic hives arent usually caused by allergies. Chronic hives do last for long periods of time but usually arent permanent. Physical urticaria. Anyone experiencing an anaphylactic reaction needs to administer epinephrine and seek emergency care at a hospital. The symptoms, diagnosis and treatment can vary depending upon the condition. Your provider may not be able to find exactly what causes them. Hives can appear on any body part and are often triggered by an allergic reaction. How can I prevent allergic reactions and manage allergies? For severe hives, doctors may prescribe a short course of oral corticosteroids. Relax and take a break when youre stressed or overworked. 10 ways to get relief from chronic hives. Causes Diagnosis Treatment Will it go away? Some bacterial infections can also cause hives.