How to Get Rid of Stress Hives, According to Doctors

As if the mental toll of stress wasn’t enough, it can also manifest itself in a host of physical symptoms hair loss Unpleasant acne. And an often overlooked way anxiety can manifest is through stress hives, itchy red welts that pop up during times of tension.

A an estimated 20 percent of the population will experience hives – also known as urticaria – at some point in their lives, with women experiencing this skin irritation more often. And while there are no reliable figures on the prevalence of stress hives, especially the connection between your mental state and your skin is well established and experts say stress hives are relatively common.

The good news is that doctors say stress symptoms tend to come and go quickly, so the best thing you can do is try to stay calm and know that the episode will pass. But there are some steps you can take to speed your recovery and reduce your overall stress so that the hives hopefully don’t return.

Experts from this article

Kristina CollinsMD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Austin, TX.

Mirela LoftusMD, PhD, is a mental health specialist and medical director of Newport Healthcare in Connecticut.

What are stress hives?

“(Stress hives) often appear as red, swollen, irregular patches that vary in size and shape. They may itch or feel uncomfortable, sometimes even burning or stinging. The welts can also progress into larger patches of skin,” says dermatologist Kristina Collins , MD. Although stress bumps can pop up anywhere, they are most often seen on the face, neck, chest and arms.

Why does stress cause hives?

You may wonder why your body thinks red bumps should be the answer to an already stressful situation. “Stress can trigger the body’s immune response, causing the release of histamine and other chemicals from mast cells (white blood cells) in the skin,” says Dr. Collins. “These substances increase blood flow and cause small blood vessels to leak, resulting in fluid retention and swelling (edema) in the layers of the skin, which form hives.” People with more sensitive immune systems — such as those with allergies, asthma, or atopic dermatitis — may be more susceptible to stress hives, says Dr. Collins. This also applies to anyone who has previously had allergic hives. But no one is immune, adds Dr. Collins.

Worth noting: The terms “stress rash” and “stress rash” are often used interchangeably. Technically, hives are a type of rash Cleveland Clinic. So any skin irritation caused by stress can be called a stress rash, and sometimes that rash consists of hives Healthline.

How to get rid of stress hives

While some forms of hives, such as chronic spontaneous urticariacan last for days or even years, stress hives are not known to last for long. “They can usually do it independently and quite quickly, within 24 hours,” says Laura Purdy, MD. During that time, you can ice the irritated area or apply topical cortisone to reduce inflammation.

If your symptoms last longer than 24 hours (or get worse), it’s time to contact your doctor. “A person should consult their doctor about stress hives if they last a long time, are severe (itching), affect daily life, and if there are other accompanying symptoms of fever or joint pain,” says Mirela Loftus, MD, PhD. In this case, your doctor may prescribe a treatment such as orticosteroids, a steroid used to reduce inflammation in the body.

How to prevent hives and rashes from stress

No one can live a completely stress-free life, but if you’re prone to stress symptoms, finding ways to manage your mental state and mood can help prevent flare-ups. “Managing stress through techniques such as mindfulnessExercise, exercise or counseling can reduce the likelihood of stress symptoms,” says Dr. Collins. She also recommends keeping a diary or log to track your triggers and symptoms. “This can help identify patterns and prevent future outbreaks ” she says.

Visit a therapist can also help you cope with your daily stressors develop coping mechanisms for all the obstacles that life throws your way. “Anyone can experience stress symptoms when exposed to high stress levels or under intense stress,” says Dr. Loftus. So if you notice those red welts, make sure you consider both your physical and mental health while treating them.

Kells McPhillips is a health and wellness writer living in Los Angeles. In addition to PS, her journalism has appeared in The New York Times, Well+Good, Fortune, Runner’s World, Outside, Yoga Journal and others. On the brand side, she regularly collaborates with Peloton, Calm and Equinox.