Are hives contagious – Causes, Symptoms & Homeopathy Cure

Are hives contagious? This blog explains exactly the same. It covers its causes, symptoms, risk factors, management and the best homeopathic medicines for its complete cure.

Hives, also known as urticaria, are a common skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. They are characterized by raised, red, itchy bumps on the skin that can appear anywhere on the body. Many people wonder if hives are contagious and what causes them.

This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of hives, including their causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

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What are hives?

Hives are a skin condition that results in the sudden appearance of red, itchy, and swollen bumps on the skin. These bumps may range in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters and can appear anywhere on the body.

Hive can be acute or chronic, with acute hives lasting less than six weeks and chronic hives usually lasting more than six weeks.

Causes of Hives

Hives, also known as urticaria, can be used by a wide range of factors, including allergic and non-allergic triggers. In many cases, the specific cause of hives may be difficult to identify.

Below are some of the common causes of hives.

1. Allergies

Allergic reactions are the most common cause of hives. When the body’s immune system reacts to an allergen, it releases histamine and other chemicals that cause swelling, itching, and redness.

Common allergens that can cause hives include:- food such as nuts, shellfish, eggs, and dairy products.

Medication such as antibiotics, aspirin, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Insect bites or stings.

Pollen, pet dander, and other environmental allergens.

2. Non-allergic triggers

Hives can also be caused by non-allergic triggers. Some common non-allergic triggers include:-

Physical stimuli such as pressure, heat, cold, and vibration.

Infectious such as the common cold, hepatitis, and mononucleosis.

Emotional stress and anxiety.

Exercise and physical activity.

Sunlight exposure

3. Some autoimmune diseases

Some autoimmune diseases can cause chronic hives. Patients suffering from autoimmune diseases are at great risk of developing urticarial eruptions.

Some diseases like diabetes, and thyroid disorders. Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or vitiligo are more prone to chronic hives.

4. Idiopathic

In some cases, the cause of hives may be unknown or idiopathic.

It is important to identify the underlying cause of hives to effectively manage and treat the condition.

In some cases, avoiding the trigger may be enough to prevent hives from occurring.

In other cases, medication such as antihistamines, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressants may be necessary to alleviate symptoms and manage the condition.

Symptoms of Hives or Urticaria

The symptoms of hives can vary from person to person and may include:

Raised welts: the most visible symptom of hives is the appearance of raised welts or bumps on the skin.
Itching: the welts caused by hives can be very itchy, which can be a significant source of discomfort for individuals with this condition.
Redness: the skin around the welts may appear red and inflamed, and may be warm to the touch.
Swelling: Hives can cause localized swelling, particularly around the face, lips, and eyes. In some cases, the swelling may be severe and can interfere with breathing, which is a medical emergency.
Burning and stinging sensation: some individuals with hives may experience a burning sensation in the affected area.
Short-lived welts: the welts caused by hives typically disappear within a few hours to a few days. New welts may appear in different locations, making the condition chronic and recurring.
Angioedema: in severe cases, hives can lead to swelling of the deeper layers of the skin and tissues, known as angioedema. This can cause swelling to the face, tongue, throat, and other areas, and can interfere with breathing and swallowing.
Nausea and vomiting: due to allergic reactions some individuals may face nausea and vomiting also.

Risk factors of Hives

Those patients who have a history of allergic rhinitis or allergies to some particular allergen may develop hives.
We know some medications can cause allergic reactions on the skin. Those patients who take NSAIDs daily can further face the problem of urticarial eruption or hives in their life.
Some autoimmune diseases such as diabetes, vitiligo, rheumatoid arthritis, etc are prone to develop chronic urticarial eruptions. Such diseases weaken the immune system and make the skin more prone to develop infections.
A family history of hives or a genetic tendency of developing hives in the family can also be a major risk factor.
A rapid change in temperature from heat to cold or vice versa can be the risk factor for developing hives. When the body changes temperature rapidly from heat to cold or due to some physical exertion then these people are prone to develop chronic hives.
Stress is also one of the major risk factors for any skin-related problems and hives are one of them.

Diagnosis of Hives

The diagnosis of hives begins with a complete medical history regarding onset, modalities, and severity of the sensation and performing a physical examination.

it is usually made by clinical examination that is by signs and symptoms experienced by the patients.

If you are experiencing the symptoms such as itching, redness, and elevated eruptions on the skin along with nausea vomiting, and burning sensation in the affected area then, your doctor will perform some tests to confirm the diagnosis for more severe diseases of the skin.

The doctor will ask about the medication and disease history that the patient is taking or whether the patient has any autoimmune disorder or genetic disorder or not and if the patient is allergic to some medication or has a history of allergies or not.

The doctor will also ask about some associated symptoms along with itching and redness that the patient may be experiencing or not. As this condition is a multi-factorial disease so it may be associated with some other disease conditions also.

The doctor will also perform an ultra-sonography of your abdomen to find any pathologies behind your complaints.

If the hives are suspected to be caused by an allergic reaction, a doctor may recommend allergy testing. This can involve skin prick tests or blood tests to identify specific agents that may be triggering hives

In some cases, a doctor may order blood tests to check for underlying conditions that may be causing the hives, such as an autoimmune disorder.

In rare cases, a doctor may perform a skin biopsy to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.

Prevention and management of Hives

The management of hives depends on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms.

In most cases, hives can be treated with antihistamines, which help to block the effects of histamine and reduce itching and swelling.

In addition to medication, there are several home remedies and lifestyle changes that may help to alleviate the symptoms of hives.

Identify and avoid triggers that may cause hives, such as certain foods, medications, or environmental factors.

Apply a cool damp compress to the affected area to reduce itching and swelling.

Soaking in a cool bath with added oatmeal or baking soda help to soothe itchy skin.

Avoid certain medications that trigger the development of hives such as NSAIDs.

Some natural remedies, such as aloe vera or chamomile, may help to alleviate symptoms of hives.

Stress can trigger hives in some people, so practicing relaxation techniques, such as yoga or meditation, may be helpful.

Best homeopathic medicines for hives with Dosage and potency

Homeopathy is a holistic system of medicine that treats not only the symptoms of the disease but also the man who is suffering from the disease.

So, after a complete detailed history of present and past disease and considering the family history also, a drug is prescribed which will be based on the individualization of every patient.

In mild cases, improvement can be seen within weeks, whereas in severe cases will take a longer time. Along with homeopathic medicine, patients have to follow a healthy regimen for optimum results.

Now, let’s go through some of the homeopathic medicines that can help to relieve the symptoms of hives. Some of the best homeopathic medicines for the treatment of this condition are mentioned below:-

Apis mellifica
Urtica urens
Rhus Toxicodendron
Sulphur
Natrum muriaticum
Bryonia alba
Arsenicum album
Belladonna
Graphites
Histaminum
Conium maculatum
Dulcamara

1. Apis Mellifica: for urticaria after bites:-

Apis mellifica Is one of the highly indicated medicines for urticaria or hives and is used by many homeopaths in treating this medical condition.

It is indicated when there is swelling on the skin after an insect bite. The skin becomes sore and sensitive. Also, there is burning and tingling pain.

On the mental plane, the patient of apis is indifferent and unconscious. There is jealousy fidgety and there are hard to please.

Dosage and potency- 30c, 200c, 4 globules (pills) dissolved in half a cup of water 2 times a day for 15 days.

2. Urtica urens: for itching blotches: –

Urtica urens is another marvelous remedy for treating urticaria.

It is highly indicated in the condition when there burning heat with formication or a sensation of insect crawling.

Many homeopaths around the world use this medicine when there is violent itching and consequences of suppressed nettle rash.

There is a burning sensation over the urticarial eruption along with violent itching.

Dosage and potency- 30c, 200c, 4 globules (pills) dissolved in half a cup of water 2 times a day for 15 days.

3. Rhus Tox: for red, swollen hives:-

Rhus Toxicodendron is a very effective medicine for urticaria when there is red swollen and intense itching on the skin.

Rhus tox is indicated in patients who are restless with continuous change of position. There is delirium with fear of being poisoned.

This medicine is indicated when urticarial rashes develop in cold, wet, or rainy weather. The urticarial rashes becoming worse at night is one of the major indications for this remedy.

Dosage and potency- 30c, 200c 4 globules in half a cup of water twice a day for 15 days or till the symptoms disappear. Do not take apis mellifica after this medicine as they are inimical to each other.

4. Sulphur: for urticaria develop due to damp weather.

Sulfur is a polychrest remedy and one of the most indicated medicines in treating skin-related complaints.

It is indicated when the urticarial eruption on the skin develops in dry or damp weather. There is violent itching on the eruption and patients feel good when they scratch it.

The skin of sulfur is very unhealthy and any eruption burns intensely and itches violently.

On a mental level, the patient of sulfur is very forgetful, selfish, and irritable. They have stoopy shoulders and are too lazy to arouse themselves.

If these symptoms are seen in any patient he or she can take this medicine for treating urticarial rashes.

Dosage and potency- 200c, take 4 drops of dilution directly on the tongue twice a day for 15 days or till the symptoms disappeared.

5. Natrum muriaticum: for hives itching after exertion

Natrum mur is another polychrest medicine and it has great action in treating skin-related issues especially dry eruption and urticaria.

Natrum mur is indicated when the skin of the patient is greasy, and oily, especially on the hairy parts. The urticarial eruption burns and itch intensely.

One of the characteristic features of natrum mur in skin complaints is that the hives itch after exertion. If this symptom is seen in any patient, then he may take this medicine.

On a mental level, the patient is depressed, irritable, and awkward.

Dosage and potency- 200c, take 4 drops of dilution directly on the tongue twice a day for 15 days or till the symptoms disappeared.

6. Bryonia alba: for hot and painful hives

Bryonia is a highly indicated medicine in curing skin complaints and other mucus membrane-related issues.

Bryonis medicine can be given when there is painful hives develop on the skin making the patient irritable and burning intensely.

The hives eruption gets worse by warmth application or in hot weather. The patient wants to apply cold water on the eruption or any cold application makes him feel better.

Bryonia is indicated on the mental plane when there is delirium seen in the patients and he wants to go home and also talks about business affairs.

Dosage and potency- 200c, take 4 drops of dilution directly on the tongue twice a day for 7 days or till the symptoms disappeared.

7. Arsenicum album: for hives that become worse on scratching.

Arsenicum album holds a significant role among homeopathic medicines in skin-related issues, especially urticaria.

It is indicated to treat urticarial eruption when there is a burning sensation on the skin is marked and there is great restlessness is also present.

Arsenicum album is indicated in skin eruptions that become worse on scratching although the patient wants to scratch them until it bleeds. The skin becomes hot, red, and swollen.

This medicine can be given to a patient who is sensitive, restless, and changes position continuously. There is fear of death and fear of being alone is also seen in the mental sphere of the patients.

If all these symptoms are seen in the patient along with hives then the symptoms call for this medicine that is Arsenicum album.

Dosage and potency-30c, 200c 4 globules in half a cup of water twice a day for 15 days or till the symptoms disappear.

8. Belladonna: for hives after an allergic reaction

Belladonna is a remedy that is known for its effectiveness to treat skin complaints. Belladonna patients have very delicate and sensitive skin and they are prone to skin allergies.

It is highly indicated in hive complaints develop after allergic reactions. The hives are dry, hot, burning, and impart a burning sensation.

The eruption of the belladonna is perfectly smooth and shiny.

On the mental plane, the patients of belladonna are very fearful. There are lots of hallucinations, fear of imaginary things, and, wants to run away from them.

Dosage and potency-1m, 4 globules in half cup of water one time a day for one week only.

9. Graphites: for unhealthy skin and eruption become worse at night

Graphites are indicated when the skin of the patient is very unhealthy and there is an eruption on the hands, between the fingers and toes.

On case taking if there is any history of stress, or depression seen in the patient and after that hives develop then this medicine will act marvelously in treating hives.

On the mental plane, the patients are sad, and despondent, don’t like music at all because it makes them weep, and thinks of nothing but death.

If all these symptoms are seen in any patient then the medicine graphites can be given.

Dosage and potency- 200c, take 4 drops of graphite dilution directly on the tongue twice a day for 15 days or till the symptoms disappeared

10. Histaminum: hives develop due to pollen allergies.

Histaminum is a well-known medicine to treat the reaction due to pollen allergies. It is highly effective in those cases of urticaria that develop due to allergies.

Many homeopaths recommend histaminum to control allergic reactions like sneezing, nasal allergy, and skin allergy, especially urticaria.

The urticarial eruptions are red and hot with violent itching of the skin.

Dosage and potency- 30c, 200c 4 drops of dilution in half a cup of water twice a day for 15 days or till the symptoms disappear.

11. Conium mac: for exercise-induced urticaria

Conium is a marvelous remedy for treating urticarial eruption especially when it is triggered by violent exercise.

Violent physical activity or exercise produces more sweat that results in the development of hives that itch violently and get aggravated by scratching.

Eruptions are red, burning, hot, andseverey itching the whole night. This medicine can be given to a patient who takes no interest in anything, weak memory, and is unable to sustain any mental effort.