Hives rashes are not contagious, meaning you won’t develop the rash by touching hives on another person. However, some contagious infections can cause hives.

Hives, or urticaria, causes welts on the skin. It is a type of itchy rash.

While the rash itself is not contagious, the underlying cause may be. For example, it can develop due to a bacterial infection or vial infection.

Read on to learn more about whether hives is contagious, what can cause it, prevention tips, and more.

A hives rash itself is not contagious. However, the underlying cause may be.

Causes that are contagious

Some viral and bacterial infections can cause hives. Examples of these conditions include:

  • colds or other viruses like COVID-19
  • infectious mononucleosis (mono)
  • hepatitis
  • strep throat

According to Seattle Children’s, viral infections are the most common cause of widespread hives, or a hives rash that affects more than one part of the body.

Some infections that can cause hives are not contagious. For example, you may develop hives if you have a urinary tract infection (UTI), but a UTI is not contagious.

Causes that are not contagious

Some causes of hives are not contagious. For example, hives can develop due to:

  • allergic reactions, with common allergens including:
    • food
    • latex
    • plants such as poison ivy and poison oak
    • some medications
  • stress
  • sweating
  • heat
  • cold temperatures
  • wearing tight clothing
  • scratching the skin

As there are numerous causes of hives it may not be possible to completely prevent the condition.

You can do the following to help prevent hives in certain cases:

  • Avoid eating foods or other substances you are allergic to.
  • Carry an EpiPen in case of allergic emergencies.
  • Take any allergy medications as prescribed, but consult your doctor to find alternatives if the medications themselves contain allergens.
  • Avoid using harsh soaps that could cause irritation.
  • Avoid wearing tight clothing.
  • Wear protective clothing in cold weather or sun exposure.

Here are a few tips you can try to prevent getting a bacterial or viral infection that may cause hives:

  • Wash your hands regularly.
  • Practice good hygiene.
  • Get vaccinated for preventable infections.
  • Limit contact with people who have an infection.
  • Avoid contact with other people if you have an infection.

Mild hives typically resolves within a few days. Contact a doctor if hives does not go away in this time.

You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following alongside hives:

Hives refers to an itchy rash characterized by welts on the skin. The hives rash is not contagious, but their causes could be.

For example, if you have hives caused by a virus or bacterial infection, a person can contract the virus and also develop hives.

Taking steps to avoid the spread of infection may help prevent hives. Contact a doctor if hives do not resolve within a few days.

Seek immediate medical help if hives occurs alongside wheezing, shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing, throat tightening, or fever.