Hi & Welcome. I appreciate your concern for the efficacy of leprosy medication in the treatment of hives. Incomplete data: Age, gender, duration of your symptoms, exact diagnosis? Yes, Dapsone is used to treat skin conditions (with hives) like Dermatitis herpetiformis and Pemphigus (IgA). In your case it is used as anti inflammatory drug. Because Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may exacerbate dermatitis herpetiformis hence Dapsone is preferred. The anti inflammatory action is thought to be due to inhibition of neutrophil migration and function. In case if you been diagnosed to have Dermatitis herpetiformis, it is not an infectious disease caused by either virus or bacteria. It occurs in people with Coeliac disease, which is an allergy or intolerance to Gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and oats. So, you must avoid taking the food stuff mentioned above. There is no need to test for VOC s. Hope to have answered your query.