Can urticaria (hives) be transmitted to other people?
Disease description:
Recently, my girlfriend developed urticaria (hives), and she asks me to visit her every day—but I’m hesitant to go. Is urticaria contagious? Can it be transmitted to others?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Huang Lingjuan
Urticaria is not contagious and cannot be transmitted to others. It is one of the allergic skin disorders and a common allergic disease. Due to individual hypersensitivity, exposure to allergens triggers the development of wheals and erythematous plaques on the skin, accompanied by intense pruritus. Antihistamines—specifically H₁-receptor antagonists—are commonly used for treatment; these agents exhibit potent antihistaminic and anti-inflammatory effects against other mediators, yielding favorable therapeutic outcomes across all types of urticaria. Commonly used H₁-receptor antagonists include chlorpheniramine, diphenhydramine, ebastine, and cetirizine.
