Hives vs. other rashes

Hives are a kind of rash. If someone has hives, the rash typically has these features:

• It is raised and itchy.
• There may be swelling under the affected skin.
• There may be papules or plaques.
• The affected areas of skin can expand and join together.
• The rash may be pink, red, or skin-colored.
• The center turns pale in the middle if someone presses on it.
• Each bump may last less than 24 hours, but other bumps may replace it.
• The bumps can seem to appear and disappear and change shape or location suddenly.

Is it contagious?

Hives is not contagious. However, if it stems from an underlying infection, that infection could be contagious. Examples of these infections include the flu, the common cold, glandular fever, also known as mono, and hepatitis B.

Also, if hives result from pests, such as dust mites, other people nearby might have the same reaction.