Is Hives Contagious

Many people are concerned and anxious that when they or a member of their family develop an outbreak of hives they ask themselves “Is hives contagious?”  The simple answer is no, hives is definitely not contagious.  They think that as it is skin condition that it can be passed on through touch, or it may be an airborne virus. 

Hives is an allergic reaction that people develop when an allergen is detected within the immune system. The allergen can be cause by a multitude of factors or what are more commonly referred to as “TRIGGERS”.  When the allergen is detected, histamines are released into the blood stream to combat the allergen. As a result when the histamines reach the skin level an unsightly rash consisting of red, swollen bumps appear.  This rash is what we refer to as Hives, which is also known as Urticaria. 

Hives are red swollen bumps which are usually smooth to the touch; they can also be referred to as Welts. They can be incredibly itchy and can be accompanied with a stinging or burning sensation which is very similar to sunburn. These areas of skin can appear on any part of the body and they can develop in people of any age. It is common that two areas of affected skin can merge into each other to form large areas which are then referred to as plaques.

The triggers that can cause people to experience an outbreak of hives are unique to that particular person. Food allergies may cause hives in one person and physical exercise which then creates sweating can be a trigger for another person. It all depends on the chemical makeup of a person’s body and immune system on whether they are prone to a reaction.

Some common triggers include the following –

Food Allergies (nuts, eggs, milk, chocolate)

Insect Bites

Pollen

Cosmetics

Physical Exercise

Hot and Cold temperatures

Stress

Clothing

There are two classifications of Hives

1 – Acute Urticaria which lasts for less than 6 weeks.

2- Chronic Urticaria which lasts for more than 6 weeks.

Treatment for hives is relatively straightforward. Firstly try a process of elimination. Make a log of certain things like food intake, activities, and environments prior to an outbreak. Try to determine if there is a common denominator or “TRIGGER”. Alternatively there are many over the counter treatments which are effective. These treatments can be in the form of Antihistamines. Another popular treatment is Oxy Hives which is a treatment made up from natural ingredients which can in many cases permanently stop any outbreaks of hives.

Hives From Stress

It is common to develop Hives from stress. This condition is also referred to as Stress Urticaria. Stress hives can appear without warning at any time and develop as a result of extreme tension and stress that people are experiencing within their lives. Visually stress hives appear as a red swollen bump which is smooth to the touch and is itchy coupled with a burning or stinging sensation. They can appear anywhere on the body and can last for a matter of a few minutes or in some instances last for hours.

Sometimes hives can disappear as quickly as they appear with the natural release of tension and stress form the body. As a result of the stress, your body’s immune system weakens and as a result of this histamines are released into the blood stream to counter act whatever your immune system is reacting to. In essence your body is having an allergic reaction and therefore develops the hives on your skin.

There are many factors that can cause stress which include –

Financial Pressures

Job Insecurities

Family Problems

Relationship Problems

Health issues

The more distressed you become within your life your body becomes more prone is to develop hives.

The rash that appears is red swollen areas of skin which can develop anywhere on the body. These areas are extremely itchy and it is common that one area can morph into another to develop large areas of unsightly skin called plaques.

There are several forms of treatment available. They are usually in the form of over the counter antihistamines. Oxy Hives is a very effective, clinically proven treatment for hives which relieves and can totally eradicate the symptoms.

In some circumstances medication may not be required if you are able to alleviate the stress and tension from your live naturally. This will get rid of the symptoms and therefore stop the outbreaks. If this is not possible please refer to the treatment page. It may well be worth giving a product like Oxy Hives a try.

Hives is not usually a dangerous condition to have. Saying that if you develop any form of breathing difficulties or notice the formation of any swelling around the throat area then you must seek expert medical treatment immediately.

Hives Video

Hives On Children

Hives on children is a very common condition. This is because a child’s immune system is continually developing and has to train itself on how to determine exactly what a serious allergen is and what a non-serious allergen is.

Hives are itchy, swollen are of skin and the sufferer can sometimes experience a stinging sensation. The swollen bumps are often referred to as welts. They can appear without warning and can disappear in a matter of minutes or can last for a period of hours. Your child may only experience one episode of hives or the hives can continue for a matter of months.

Hives on children can be a daunting and upsetting experience for your child and there can be many causes for an outbreak. Some common causes can be for example, food allergies, animals, pollen, insect bites, changes in the air temperatures, medications, exercise, the detergent that your wash their clothes in. The list of causes can be endless. Your child’s immune system reacts to an allergen being present and attacks it by sending histamine into your child’s bloodstream. This causes the outbreak of hives.

Hives on children is generally not life threatening. However if your child develops breathing difficulties of you notice any facial swelling it is advisable to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

There are numerous treatment options available in the matter of over the counter antihistamines. These although are effective they are not cure for hives they simply relieve the symptoms.

A medication is available called Oxy Hives which is an extremely effective cure for hives. If your child is under 12 years of age then it is important to ask your family doctor for reassurance that Oxy Hives is suitable to use as a form of treatment.