All You Need to Know About Stress Rashes
Discover the link between stress and those bothersome itchy red bumps on your hands, neck, chest, or arms known as stress rashes Learn about the causes, appearance, and effective remedies to relieve and prevent these uncomfortable skin irritations
Sign up for CNN's Stress, But Less newsletter and receive our comprehensive six-part mindfulness guide. Discover effective strategies to reduce stress and learn how to harness its power for personal growth. Excessive stress can have detrimental effects on your overall well-being. It can lead to relentless burnout, sleep problems, a weakened immune system, elevated blood pressure, and impaired cognitive function. Moreover, chronic or acute stress can even impact your skin health.
Stress is a natural response to perceived threats and can have some positive effects, such as the release of hormones that enhance performance in various areas of life, including social relationships. However, excessive and prolonged stress can lead to an increase in cortisol levels, which can make the immune system more sensitive and the skin more reactive, as stated by Allina Health.
Stress-related rashes often result in the development of itchy hives and are quite common. Individuals with pre-existing skin conditions like eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis may experience more severe flare-ups triggered by stress.
What are the causes of a stress rash?
"Stress rash, commonly known as hives or urticaria in medical terms, is often associated with emotional stress or consumption of hot or spicy food," explained Dr. Whitney High, a professor and director of dermatopathology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, in an email. According to a study conducted in September 2022, cholinergic urticaria is a type of rash that can develop under these circumstances. Stress hives may arise due to elevated body temperatures caused by stress and can also be triggered by an increase in histamine, a chemical produced by the immune system, resulting in the formation of hives or welts, stated Dr. Lauren Ploch, a board-certified dermatologist in Augusta, Georgia, and member of the American Academy of Dermatology Association, in an email.
Tired or stressed businessman sitting in front of computer in office
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How to tell when stress is a problem
If you develop hives, it's advisable to consult a doctor as they can be triggered by a variety of factors including a change in laundry detergent, shampoo, or soaps, as well as dietary changes. Eliminating these potential causes initially will help determine if stress is the underlying factor. "While we, as Dermatologists, acknowledge that stress can cause hives, it is not our primary explanation," remarked High, who is also a board-certified member of the American Academy of Dermatology Association, in an email. "If we cannot identify any other cause for the hives, then considering stress is a reasonable approach."
"What does a stress rash look like?" High asked as he explained that, under the pressure of prolonged stress, the condition may progress into neurodermatitis. This condition manifests as an incessant loop of scratching, each scratch making the skin itchier than before.
Dana Santas exhibiting the PMR practice.
Aaron Lockwood/Courtesy of Dana Santas
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Stress rashes manifest as swollen, red bumps that may appear on various parts of the body, however, they typically occur on the face, neck, chest, or arms, as specified by Scripps Health. The size of these hives can vary, ranging from small dots to sizable welts, occasionally forming groups, according to High.
These hives can emerge suddenly and persist for a minimum of one day or extend for several weeks. However, it is important to note that the lesions are constantly moving, as stated by High. A hive may disappear while a new one develops, until the condition subsides naturally or is treated.
Relentlessly itchy hives can occasionally lead to a burning sensation, and there may also be swelling of the eyelids or lips in some cases, according to Ploch.
Methods to alleviate a stress rash:
To avoid a stress rash, the best approach is prevention. However, if you experience itchiness after a challenging work day, there is no need to panic.
According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, approximately 20% of individuals will encounter hives at some point in their lives. In most cases, hives can be effectively managed with oral antihistamines like Benadryl and Zyrtec. Additionally, they may spontaneously disappear once the underlying cause has been eliminated. In the case of stress-related rashes, stress reduction techniques such as relaxation, meditation, and similar cognitive therapies may be recommended.
Courtesy Dana Santas
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According to Ploch, to alleviate swelling and itching when a rash first appears, consider taking a cold shower or a cold plunge. It is also advised to avoid consuming hot foods, alcohol, and using hot tubs and saunas as they may further irritate the rash. Additionally, it is crucial to refrain from scratching, as this can worsen the itchiness and potentially spread harmful bacteria, as suggested by Scripps Health.
If stress is starting to take a toll on your physical health, it's time to make some changes to your daily routine. The World Health Organization suggests some strategies to manage stress, such as staying connected with loved ones and following a daily schedule that includes time for meals, exercise, and leisure activities.
In order to prevent long-term stress, it's important to maintain a healthy diet, get enough sleep, and engage in moderate exercise, according to Ploch. Additionally, immediate stress relief techniques like meditation or breathing exercises can be beneficial.
