no hives are not contagious. hives or urticaria are a rash of pink or red raised spots that itch. hives may be due to an allergic reaction an infection or an unknown cause. they generally appear within minutes and disappear within a few hours. most people experience the acute form of hives which goes away on its own. a few people experience chronic urticaria: hives that occur on most days of the week for at least six weeks. infections by viruses bacteria or parasites can occasionally cause hives. this is more common in children than adults. even when hives are due to infection the hives themselves are not contagious.
are hives contagious?