How to Get Rid of a Stress Rash

Your brain has a strong influence on your body, and prolonged stress, anxiety, and other factors can manifest in unpleasant reactions. Add to that a pre-existing skin condition, and you have the effects of a potentially severe and uncomfortable flare-up on your skin. Some of that stress no doubt finds its way into your daily life in some unpleasant ways. Although stress-related skin disorders may seem severe, there are many ways to treat them.

Stress rash is a rash or problem on the skin caused by stress and anxiety. A common stress rash reaction is the appearance of hives, known as urticaria. These are raised itchy bumps that appear on the infected area and can appear anywhere on your body. In addition to itching, those with pre-existing skin conditions, such as eczema and rosacea, may experience more frequent recurrences. Stress rash is widespread, affecting millions of people in the United States every year. When cortisol levels rise in response to stress, your body's histamine response kicks in, manifesting as swollen skin, inflammation, and an overall increase in oil production. This oil can lead to severe acne.

What Does a Stress Rash Look Like? Typically, a stress rash is an itchy, red bump called hives. Hives can be as small as the tip of a pencil or as big as a dinner plate. Hives tend to appear in clusters and, although they can appear on any part of the body, they most commonly appear on the neck, face, arms, or chest. While usually itchy, hives can also cause a burning or tingling sensation. Stress rashes, itching, and the like can be treated with home care. The hives and other rashes usually only last a few days and are overall a mild outbreak. Depending on the severity and length of the outbreak, you'll want to seek help to relieve symptoms in addition to your anxiety. Here's how to deal with a stress rash.

Antihistamines

Treatment may even be as simple as needing a stronger remedy than over-the-counter medication. Antihistamines are the most effective way to relieve stress rashes. You can find many antihistamines sold freely. This antihistamine relieves uncomfortable symptoms such as itching and inflammation. If you experience severe itching, you may need to take an antihistamine just to reduce the discomfort. If your reaction is more intense, your doctor may recommend treatment involving stronger antihistamines and steroids.

There are two main kinds of antihistamines: topical and oral. Depending on the severity of your stress rash or hives, topical antihistamines may not be powerful enough to relieve your symptoms. That's why taking oral antihistamines, like Allegra, Claritin, and Benadryl, can relieve itching and discomfort.

Over-the-counter antihistamines are often the best way to treat stress rashes. However, cool compresses and hydrocortisone creams might help, too. Top over the counter antihistamines for a stress rash are: Zyrtec, Benadryl, Allegra, Claritin. If you aren't getting sufficient relief from these methods, you may want to talk to a doctor about other options.

Stronger Medication

Although stress rashes may resolve on their own, some people may experience more severe rash symptoms that require more potent treatment. The impact of skin rashes can be severe enough to require the use of steroid medication.

If you find yourself feeling itchy during periods of stress, know you are not alone and that stress may be contributing to your hives or general itching. Consider self-care strategies to reduce stress, such as meditation or exercise. If self-care doesn't work or you are concerned about your symptoms, reach out to a healthcare provider for advice. Healthcare providers can work with you to determine an effective treatment plan to reduce your itchiness and help soothe your skin.