No, hives are not contagious nor is it transmitted from one person to another. Urticaria is a allergy-like reaction, which is characterized by red and swollen lesions that appear on the skin suddenly and cause intense itching.
In addition to scratching a lot, hives may also cause a swelling of the deeper layers of the skin, leaving mouth, eyelids, tongue, throat, sex organs, swollen hands and feet.
More serious cases may be accompanied by shortness of breath, pain in the abdomen or pain to swallow. This more severe form of urticaria can lead to death and must receive treatment.
What causes hives?
Urticaria arises due to a reaction which releases substances that cause itching and swelling of the skin. Such a reaction can be triggered by several factors, causes more common:
- Antibiotic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory medicines, in addition to vitamins;
- Dyes, preservatives and additives present in food;
- Infections caused by bacteria, viruses and parasites;
- Heat, cold, sun, friction, vibration, and other physical stimuli;
- Insect sting;
- Thyroid inflammation;
- Lupus erythematosus;
- Lymphomas and malignant tumors.
Urticaria often also appears for no apparent reason. However, regardless of the cause, the urticaria is never contagious or transmissible.
Treatment is done with the removal of the triggering factors of urticaria, in addition to antiallergics, corticosteroids and immunosuppressants.
The doctor / dermatologist is responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of urticaria.
