Can urticaria (hives) be transmitted to others?
Disease description:
My child has recently complained of persistent itching on his back. We took him to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with urticaria. I would like to know whether urticaria is contagious to others.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Li Ruizhi
Whether urticaria (hives) is contagious depends on the underlying cause in the individual patient. If it results from non-infectious factors—such as allergies to pollen, dust, animal dander, or seafood (e.g., shrimp or crab)—it is typically not contagious. However, if the urticaria is triggered by an infection with viruses such as coxsackievirus or hepatitis virus, it may be transmissible to others.
