Can stress result in hives?

Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT on May 10, 2023

When you feel stressed, your body may react by causing hives to appear on your skin as if you were having an allergic reaction. It can also cause an itchy rash that could then turn into hives. This is known as a stress rash or anxiety rash.

Read on to learn about the causes of a stress rash, what it looks like, the treatment options available, and how you can help prevent it.

What can cause a stress rash?

Anyone can develop a stress rash. However, it is more common in people with underlying skin conditions, including:

• rosacea
• eczema
• environmental allergies, such as pollen and animal dander

A 2018 study found a connection between being under psychological stress and developing skin conditions, including a stress rash and itchy skin.

When you are under a lot of stress, your body typically starts releasing hormones in your system, including a compound called histamine. When you have high histamine levels in your body, you may experience symptoms such as itching. You may also develop a skin rash and hives.

What does a stress rash look like?

If you have a stress rash, you may notice some raised red bumps on your skin called hives. These can develop on any part of your body. However, they usually appear on certain areas of the body, including the:

• face
• chest
• neck
• arms

The size of hives can range from large bumps covering a big portion of your skin to small dots. They usually form in groups and may feel itchy, or they may cause a burning or tingling sensation. In some people, hives always develop in the same areas. But this can vary from person to person.

How can you treat a stress rash (hives)?

If you have stress hives, you should avoid scratching them even if your skin is itching. This is because scratching your hives could trigger an additional release of histamine, which may increase the itchiness and lead to the development of new hives.

There are several ways to help treat a stress rash, including:

• Cold compresses or a soothing cream: These remedies can help reduce your discomfort during a stress rash.
• Topical medications: This can help to reduce any itching and swelling.
• Taking an antihistamine: This may help block histamine and prevent the formation of new hives on your skin.

If you experience discomfort, consider speaking with a healthcare professional. They can recommend the most appropriate treatment for your skin condition to help improve your symptoms.

How can you prevent a rash from stress?

To prevent this type of rash, it can be helpful to try to reduce your stress levels. Doing regular physical exercise and activities that you enjoy may help improve your overall stress levels.

In some instances, a healthcare professional may be able to prescribe medication to help you reduce the symptoms of stress. This may include:

• sleeping pills
• minor tranquilizers
• antidepressants, for people with anxiety or depression

Types of medications that a healthcare professional may prescribe for reducing stress and anxiety can include:

• alprazolam (Xanax)
• lorazepam (Ativan)
• chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
• oxazepam (Serax)
• hydroxyzine (Atarax)
• buspirone (Buspar)

Talk therapy may also reduce your stress levels by helping you become aware of your feelings and thoughts. This can help you manage anxiety and stress in a healthier way.

Practicing yoga and meditation may also decrease some stress and improve your overall well-being.

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When should you speak with a doctor?

When left untreated, stress can lead to several physical and psychological complications, including:

• fatigue
• headache
• diarrhea and nausea
• muscle tension and pain
• decreased efficacy of the immune system
• clenched jaw and grinding teeth
• chest pain and rapid heartbeat
• difficulty sleeping

If you regularly experience stress rashes or if you often develop hives without a known reason, consider speaking with a healthcare professional. They can help diagnose the cause of your rashes and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

Summary

When you feel stressed or under pressure, your body tends to release hormones, including a compound called histamine. This compound can cause itchiness and, in some cases, hives.

This body reaction is typically more common in people with allergies or other skin conditions, but anyone can experience a stress rash.

A stress rash can appear on any part of the body, though it is usually more common on the face, arms, and neck. Reducing stress levels may help reduce the frequency of a stress rash.

A healthcare professional can recommend strategies to help reduce stress in your day-to-day life. They may also be able to prescribe medications to help improve the quality of your sleep and reduce any anxiety symptoms.

Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on many prescription medications. Plus, you can now get them delivered to your home in as little as 3 days. Search for your medication here.