Can Stress Cause Skin Rashes? Dermatologists Explain

There’s a direct correlation between high levels of chronic stress and skin outbreaks. Known as a stress-induced skin rash, it could potentially affect anyone. Stress can also exacerbate pre-existing skin conditions too.

The effect of stress on the body is fascinating. Well, maybe fascinating is the wrong word to use, but it describes the continually evolving medical understanding of what excessive stress does, both psychologically and with physical manifestations.

Before we talk further about stress and anxiety skin reactions, let’s quickly define what we mean by excessive levels.

Small, self-limiting periods of stress, like feeling nervous before an event or the need to pull out all the stops to meet a deadline, can help us perform and reach goals. It does this by stimulating the release of hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, both of which prime the brain and body to push boundaries. However, when stress becomes prolonged, AKA chronic, this can significantly disrupt the natural hormonal balance. This can result in many unwanted forms, one of which is a skin rash, or hives.

Understanding Stress Hives: Treatment and Prevention

Hives present as raised red spots or welts. They can appear anywhere on the body. Allergies and infections are the most common causes, but excessive stress can create the same internal physiology behind the rash. 

Whatever the reason for hives, they are the result of liquid moving from inside the blood vessels. The blood vessels expand, causing them to leak, and the fluid sits in pockets that show up on the surface of the skin as a swollen rash. They are often itchy and sensitive. Certain stimulants and environments, such as sugar, caffeine, alcohol, and heat, can make them worse.

While most stress-induced skin rashes are mild and fade over a few hours or days, a more severe outbreak could potentially become self-perpetuating. Let’s face it, if you’ve got a sore, itchy rash, it’s going to make you feel pretty miserable. In turn, this encourages the body to release more stress hormones, and you end up with a vicious circle of cause and effect.

Treating anxiety skin reactions: self-care and professional help

Mild stress skin issues can be treated at home and with OTC medication. Options include:

• Using cold compresses.
• Taking OTC antihistamines.
• Having a cool shower.

You might also use stress-reduction techniques, such as exercise, meditation, and eating a healthy diet.

However, if such steps fail to have an effect, you might need to seek advice from a dermatologist. These medical professionals have a whole arsenal of treatments available. But they will first want to determine that there isn’t another underlying cause, such as:

• An allergy.
• Heat rash.
• Contact dermatitis.
• Any other skin condition, including psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, or pityriasis rosea, for example.

Your skin doctor will examine your rash and ask many questions. These might feel a little personal, but when considering if stress is the root cause, it requires delving into what could be some awkward areas. It’s very common not even to realize that your body is in a constant heightened state of alert, especially if it’s chronic. And it’s human nature to shrug off trigger events as having no effect. But we’re all susceptible, which is why your dermatologist will potentially ask questions that you might think aren’t relevant.

Once a diagnosis of a stress-induced skin rash is made, your doctor will likely use a two-pronged approach. This could include some or a combination of the following:

• Stronger antihistamines.
• Oral antibiotics.
• Steroids.

They are also likely to talk to you about stress-reduction techniques. This could include:

• Encouraging you to take regular exercise.
• Helping you with dietary choices.
• Recommending mindful techniques, like meditation, massage, or yoga.

The thing is, stress and how it affects the body are unique to each of us. What might cause excessive or chronic stress to one person might be something that doesn’t bother you in the slightest, and vice versa.

Partner with a Great Dermatologist for the Ultimate Skin Rash Care

Whatever the underlying cause, the first step to treating a rash is to seek professional help. Rashes and hives are some of the most common issues we see at Bayou City Dermatology. Whether the cause is physical, emotional, or a combination of the two, our expert team has a wealth of experience—and we truly believe that everyone should be able to love the skin they’re in. 

Visit Services | Bayou City Dermatology for more information and call today to book an appointment.