Are Hives Contagious? Causes & Best 10 Homeopathy Medicines

Hives, also known as urticaria are itchy, raised rashes occurring on the skin.

They can be red, pink or flesh-coloured. They can be itchy and sometimes sting severely.

Hives are usually caused by an allergic reaction to certain medication, food or an irritant in the environment.

In most cases, hives are temporary or acute.

They can be treated easily with allergy medications. Mostly acute hives resolve on their own.

Milder cases can be treated with medicines and with the avoidance of triggers.

In some cases, hives become persistent or occur frequently. These chronic cases require appropriate medical attention.

Are hives contagious?

No, hives themselves are not contagious. It does not spread by coming in contact with the patient.

However, what’s causing them might be contagious that such as a viral, bacterial or throat infection.

Hives Types

Hives can be of different types depending upon a variety of factors.

Let’s take a look at them one by one in detail.

Allergic reactions:

Most cases of hives are caused by an allergic reaction to any irritant.

The allergen sensitivity may vary from person to person. Allergic reactions can occur due to allergens present in substances e.g.,

Anaphylaxis:

A severe life-threatening allergic reaction is known as anaphylaxis.

In these cases, hives are accompanied by breathing difficulties, nausea and vomiting, dizziness and severe swelling.

Dermatographism:

This acute hives and is considered mild. Continuous pressure on the skin and excessive scratching may cause it.

This type of hive can be resolved on its own without medications.

Hives caused by a change in temperature:

People who are sensitive to changes in temperature may develop hives when there is a sudden temperature change.

Cold-induces hives can be caused by cold water or air exposure.

Exercise-induced hives can be caused by body heat during physical activity.

Some people experience solar hives that are caused by exposure to sunlight or tanning beds.

Hives caused by infections:

Viral and bacterial infections can cause hives. Examples of bacterial infections that cause hives are urinary tract infections and strep throat infections.

Chronic hives:

Chronic hives are persistent cases of hives that recur and have identifiable causes.

Chronic hives interfere with the lifestyle of the patient. These can occur from six weeks to several months.

These are not life-threatening but are difficult to treat. These can also occur due to some underlying diseases such as celiac disease, type 1 diabetes, lupus, thyroid and rheumatoid arthritis.

Hives Causes

Hives are caused by allergic reactions to substances a person is allergic to.

When an allergic reaction occurs in the body, histamines are released into the blood.

Histamines are released when the body tries to defend itself from outside infections or allergens.

In some people, histamines cause rashes, swelling and itching.

Hives can be caused by factors such as pollen grains, pet animal dander, food allergies, and temperature changes.

Some people may also experience hives because of stress, exercise, tight clothing, illnesses and infections.

Hives Symptoms

The most commonly noticeable symptom of hives are the raised rashes that appear on the skin.

The welts or rashes can be red, pink or flesh-coloured.

These rashes can be small, round shaped or they can be large and irregular in shape.

The hives sting and itch intolerably. They can be present in groups.

The rashes can become larger in shape, changing the spread and spread.

The hives can appear and disappear according to the duration of the outbreak.

It can last from 30 minutes to 24 hours. Sometimes, they become larger and cover a large part of the skin.

Hives can appear anywhere in the body.

It can become a medical emergency if hives appear on the tongue and throat with breathing difficulties.

Risk Factors for Hives

Certain risk factors can make an individual more prone to get affected by hives.

Allergies:

People who are known to have allergies are at a higher risk of developing hives.

Exposure to allergens:

Some people can be allergic to certain allergens present in the environment such as pollen grains.

Ill-health:

People who are already suffering from underlying systemic diseases such as thyroid problems, type 1 diabetes, lupus etc are at a higher risk.

Diagnosis

In most cases, the doctor can determine hives by physical examination.

The skin will show signs of rashes associated with hives.

The doctor may advise blood tests to determine the cause of hives.

Acute cases which are not associated with allergies or underlying health conditions may not need medications.

Hives Management

Lifestyle management tips can aid in fast recovery and also prevent the recurrence of hives.

Avoidance of known allergies can prevent the recurrence of hives.

Avoiding sudden temperature changes can be helpful.

Wearing tight items of clothing should be avoided.

Avoid scratching and irritating the affected area.

Treatment of the underlying disease and maintaining good immunity can help in fast recovery.

Best Homeopathic Medicines for Hives

Homeopathy offers a very safe, gentle, reliable and quick treatment for patients suffering from hives.

Homeopathy can cure the case completely and also prevent further complications.

Homeopathic medicines are safe to be given to patients of any age and sex including children, adults and older age group people.

Homeopathic medicines are prepared from natural substances and are very reliable and effective for the treatment of hives.

These medicines are free from any side effects.

Several wonderful homeopathic remedies are very well-known for their beneficial effects in the cases of hives.

Let’s discuss the top indicated medicines in homeopathy for the treatment of hives one by one in detail.

1. URTICA URENS: For hives with burning heat

Symptoms:

Urtica Urens is one of the top-indicated remedies for hives in homeopathy.

It is known for its quick reliving action and permanent cure for cases of hives.

The characteristic feature of this remedy is that the hives are associated with burning heat and formication.

The patient complains of violent itching. It is helpful for the treatment of the consequences of the suppressed nettle rash.

Rheumatism alternates with rashes and can be treated with this remedy.

The rashes appear red with burning and stinging. The patient becomes uncomfortable due to the burning heat.

Potency and dosage:

Urtica Urens 1M can be taken as four pills or drops once a week till improvement occurs. Urtica Urens 200CH can be taken as four pills or drops once daily till improvement occurs.

Urtica Urens in 30CH can be taken as four pills or drops twice daily till improvement occurs.

2. APIS MEL: For hives with burning and stinging

Symptoms:

Apis Mel is a wonderful remedy for the treatment of hives patients in homeopathy.

The characteristic feature of Apis Mel patients is that the hives burn and sting violently.

The skin of the patient becomes sore and sensitive. The rashes are rose-coloured.

The patient complains of sudden puffing up of the whole body. It can be helpful for people who develop hives due to sudden temperature changes.

There is much stinging that compels the patient to scratch the affected area.

When these symptoms match, Apis Mel can cure the case.

Potency and dosage:

Apis Mel 1M can be taken as four pills or drops once a week till improvement occurs. Apis Mel 200CH can be taken as four pills or drops once daily till improvement occurs.

Apis Mel in 30CH can be taken as four pills or drops twice daily till improvement occurs.

3. NATRUM MUR: For hives occurring after exertion

Symptoms:

Natrum Mur can completely cure the cases of hives that occur after exertion. 

Exercise-induced hives can be easily treated by Natrum Mur.

The hives itch and burn. The lesions appear raw, red and inflamed.

The symptoms of a Natrum Mur patient become worse after eating salt.

The patient complains of greasy, oily skin, especially on hairy parts.

The symptoms get worse in a warm room and after any kind of physical and mental exertion.

The bends of limbs and margins of the scalp can be affected. 

Potency and dosage:

Natrum Mur 1M can be taken as four pills or drops once a week till improvement occurs. Natrum Mur 200CH can be taken as four pills or drops once daily till improvement occurs.

Natrum Mur in 30CH can be taken as four pills or drops twice daily till improvement occurs.

4. DULCAMARA: For hives due to cold exposure

Symptoms:

The characteristic symptom of Dulcamamra patient is that he develops hives from exposure to cold or wet weather.

The symptoms of the patient always become worse in cold and wet weather.

Dulcamara can treat hives occurring due to throat infections. The patient complains experiences tickling in the throat with hoarseness and cough.

Rheumatism alternates with skin symptoms. The rashes can be red, pink or flesh-coloured.

They can be small round shaped or larger and irregular in shape.

The symptoms become worse in wet, damp, rainy weather.

Potency and dosage:

Dulcamara 1M can be taken as four pills or drops once a week till improvement occurs. Dulcamara 200CH can be taken as four pills or drops once daily till improvement occurs.

Dulcamara in 30CH can be taken as four pills or drops twice daily till improvement occurs.

5. RHUS TOX: For hives with intense itching

Symptoms:

Rhus Tox is a very popular remedy in homeopathy for hives. 

The characteristic feature of this remedy is that the hives itch intensely.

The patient wants to continuously scratch the affected area as it gives a sense of relief.

The skin becomes red and swollen with intense itching. There is burning with skin in the skin.

The rashes can be red or flesh-coloured. They can be small, rounded in shape or large and irregular.

The symptoms become worse in cold, wet, rainy weather and after rain, at night during rest.

The symptoms are better in warm and dry weather with the warm application.

Potency and dosage:

Rhus Tox 1M can be taken as four pills or drops once a week till improvement occurs. Rhus Tox 200CH can be taken as four pills or drops once daily till improvement occurs.

Rhus Tox in 30CH can be taken as four pills or drops twice daily till improvement occurs.

6. BOVISTA: For chronic hives occurring on the excitement

Symptoms:

Bovista patient complains of the development of rashes and hives after excitement.

The hives occur with rheumatic pains, palpitations and diarrhoea.

The skin itches on getting warm. Bovista can treat hives occurring due to tight clothing.

The hives appear on walking in the morning or after bathing.

The rashes cover the whole body. 

Bovista is helpful for the treatment of chronic hives that occur frequently.

When these symptoms match, Bovista can cure the case.

Potency and dosage:

Bovista 1M can be taken as four pills or drops once a week till improvement occurs. Bovista 200CH can be taken as four pills or drops once daily till improvement occurs.

Bovista in 30CH can be taken as four pills or drops twice daily till improvement occurs.

7. SULPHUR: For hives worse on scratching

Symptoms:

Sulphur is the skin leader in homeopathy. It is helpful for dry, scaly and unhealthy skin.

The patient complains that every little injury suppurates. The hives itch and burn and are worse scratching and washing.

Hives can appear after some local application of medications.

The symptoms of a Sulphur patient are worse from damp weather and the warmth of bed.

Washing and bathing make the symptoms worse. The hives are better in dry and warm weather.

The rashes can be red, pink or skin-coloured. The patient complains of violent itching.

Potency and dosage:

Sulphur 1M can be taken as four pills or drops once a week till improvement occurs. Sulphur 200CH can be taken as four pills or drops once daily till improvement occurs.

Sulphur in 30CH can be taken as four pills or drops twice daily till improvement occurs.

8. MERC SOL: For hives occurring due to perspiration

Symptoms:

Merc Sol is popular for the treatment of chronic hives. The patient complains of excessive perspiration.

The mouth is always full of saliva. The skin of the patient remains constantly moist.

The perspiration of the Merc Sol patient is very offensive. The rashes are large and irregular in shape.

The itching gets worse due to the warmth of the bed. The skin itches constantly during the night and evening.

When these symptoms match, Merc Sol can cure the case.

Potency and dosage:

Merc Sol 1M can be taken as four pills or drops once a week till improvement occurs. Merc Sol 200CH can be taken as four pills or drops once daily till improvement occurs.

Merc Sol in 30CH can be taken as four pills or drops twice daily till improvement occurs.

9. CHLORALUM: For hives occurring due to alcoholic drinks

Symptoms:

Chloralum has a marked effect on the skin. It is a powerful remedy for the treatment of hives patients in homeopathy.

The rashes are red covering the whole body. The hives are worse at drinking alcoholic drinks and warm drinks.

The surface of the body is stone-cold. The hives itch intolerably. 

The symptoms become worse at night and after eating.

The patient experiences emotional excitability with hallucinations.

When these symptoms are present, Chloralum can cure the case.

Potency and dosage:

Chloralum 1M can be taken as four pills or drops once a week till improvement occurs. Chloralum 200CH can be taken as four pills or drops once daily till improvement occurs.

Chloralum in 30CH can be taken as four pills or drops twice daily till improvement occurs.

Chloralum Q (mother tincture) can be taken as 10 drops in half a cup of water twice daily for 3-4 weeks.

10. ASTACUS: For hives occurring with liver disease

Symptoms:

Astacus is helpful for patients who suffer from hives with liver affections.

The rashes can be red, pink or flesh-coloured. The hives cover the whole body.

The patient becomes extremely uncomfortable as the hives interfere with the lifestyle.

The rashes can be small and round or they can be large and irregular in shape.

When these symptoms match, Astacus can completely cure the case.

Potency and dosage:

Astacus 1M can be taken as four pills or drops once a week till improvement occurs. Astacus 200CH can be taken as four pills or drops once daily till improvement occurs.

Astacus in 30CH can be taken as four pills or drops twice daily till improvement occurs.

Remember that homeopathic remedies are prescribed based on individual symptoms and characteristics. It’s crucial to consult with a qualified homeopath for proper evaluation and personalized treatment. Homeopathy focuses on treating the whole person, so a detailed case study is necessary to select the most appropriate remedy.

Homeopathic medicines should be taken only when prescribed by a homeopathic physician. Self-medication may aggravate the original conditions.