Mild Skin Rashes From Stress
Itchy, red and inflamed skin is the last thing you want while you are feeling stressed. Understanding why the skin irritation is occurring will help you find a way to ease the symptoms and avoid aggravating the situation.
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The Facts
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A stress rash, also called hives, can manifest on your skin as raised, itchy welts. According to the Mayo Clinic, hives "are caused by inflammation in the skin. In some cases, hives and angioedema are triggered when certain cells (mast cells) release histamine and other chemicals into your bloodstream and skin."
There are other skin conditions that may be aggravated by stress including psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis. Having any of these three conditions may make your skin more vulnerable to irritation caused by stress.
Misconceptions
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Whether stress can cause rashes is a topic still debated among medical practitioners. According to Medicinenet.com, mild skin rashes can develop due to stress and emotional disturbance. Whether they are caused or aggravated by stress, rashes and hives are the body's way of reacting to a stimulus and are a medical issue.
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Effects
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Rashes or hives can be central only to one area of your body or you can break out all over; it depends on your individual body chemistry. The skin rises, grows mild red in color and becomes itchy and uncomfortable. Tight clothing and wet or synthetic fabrics should be avoided. Heat aggravates hives, so hot showers or baths should be avoided until the swelling subsides.
Prevention/Solution
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The most effective method of treatment for a stress rash is to treat the stress itself. Take time to consider what your stressors are. Also take note of your eating habits. Do you tend to eat foods high in salt and fat? A food that you only eat while stressed may cause an allergic reaction and be to blame. Writing out your thoughts in a journal, talking things out with a friend or going for a walk may calm your nerves. Topical antihistamine cream, applied sparingly to the irritated skin, will also help.
Also, study the side effects of all prescription and homeopathic medications/supplements you are taking to be sure that they are not the cause of the rash. Look for interactions with foods you may be eating, and check to see that they do not contain something you are allergic to. Many over-the-counter multivitamins contain sulfur, for example.
Warning
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This article is not intended to diagnose or cure. Hives and rashes may be indicative of a more serious condition. If you develop a fever, chills or if there is any fluid associated with the skin problem, seek immediate attention from a medical professional.
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