Hives, medically known as urticaria, are a common skin reaction characterized by red, itchy, raised welts that can appear suddenly on any part of the body. These welts vary in size and shape, often appearing in batches and sometimes changing location before fading. While many factors can trigger hives, some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can also cause skin rashes, including those resembling hives.
STDs That Can Cause Hives
While hives are not a typical symptom for most STIs, some infections can cause skin manifestations that may appear hive-like or include urticarial elements.
Syphilis, a bacterial infection, commonly causes a skin rash during its secondary stage. This rash is often described as rough, red, or reddish-brown spots, frequently appearing on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, and is usually not itchy, though it can sometimes be. Although not always presenting as classic hives, the varied appearance of the secondary syphilis rash can sometimes be mistaken for them.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) can also cause a rash during its acute phase. This rash is typically maculopapular, meaning it consists of flat, red spots with small bumps, and can sometimes have an urticarial or hive-like appearance. The rash may appear on the face, chest, and sometimes on the hands and feet.
Hepatitis B and C, viral infections, can also be associated with skin manifestations, including urticaria, particularly during their acute phases. While acute urticaria can be observed with both hepatitis B and C, it is more commonly associated with Hepatitis B.
Recognizing Other Symptoms
When an STI causes a skin manifestation like hives, it is almost always accompanied by other, more specific symptoms characteristic of that particular infection.
For secondary syphilis, the rash often occurs alongside other signs such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, a sore throat, muscle aches, and sometimes patchy hair loss. These systemic symptoms help differentiate the syphilis rash from other skin conditions.
In the case of acute HIV infection, the rash is typically part of a broader flu-like illness. This can include symptoms such as fever, fatigue, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, muscle and joint aches, and headaches. The presence of these combined symptoms, rather than a rash alone, would suggest a possible acute HIV infection.
For hepatitis B and C, accompanying symptoms during the acute phase can include fatigue, nausea, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), and abdominal pain. While skin rashes, including urticaria, can occur, they are often part of this larger clinical picture involving liver inflammation. Recognizing these additional symptoms is important for proper evaluation.
When to Seek Medical Care
If new or unexplained hives appear, particularly if accompanied by any of the other symptoms mentioned, or if there has been recent unprotected sexual activity, seeking professional medical evaluation is important. Hives can have many causes, including common allergic reactions or other infections, but an STI should be considered and ruled out if risk factors are present. Self-diagnosis can be misleading, so accurate diagnosis is necessary for timely and effective treatment.
A healthcare provider can assess the symptoms, consider potential exposures, and recommend appropriate testing to determine the underlying cause of the skin reaction. Early diagnosis and treatment of STIs are essential to prevent potential long-term health complications and further transmission.