Why Anxiety Can Cause Hives And Rashes, And What To Do About It

Many are aware, from personal experience, that feelings of stress and anxiety can cause physical symptoms too—such as an increased heart rate or a churning stomach. However, some are less familiar with the other potential physical manifestations of these mental states. Skin rashes like hives are another possible result of the experience of anxiety or stress. Below, we’ll explore why this is and discuss treatment options.

What are anxiety-induced hives?

Anxiety-induced hives may appear anywhere on the body but are most commonly found on the face, neck, arms, or chest. They typically look like clusters of raised bumps, welts, or similar irritations that are usually reddish in color and may be itchy. These hives may range from mild to severe in terms of intensity depending on how red and/or itchy they are, how widespread the patches of hives are on the body, and how long they last.

Hives that result from other causes often look the same as or similar to hives caused by anxiety or stress. That means it’s not always easy to pinpoint why a skin rash might be occurring. Other possible causes of hives that may appear similar to those triggered by anxiety can include:

• Overheating
• Sweating
• Chafing
• Allergies to medications, bug bites, foods, soaps, etc.
• Having an infection
• Consuming alcohol
• Thyroid disease, lupus, and other illnesses

If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources. Support is available 24/7.

If none of these apply to your situation, it could be stress or anxiety that’s causing your skin irritation. In addition, such feelings could exacerbate hives triggered by one of the other causes above.

Why do anxiety-related hives happen?

Note also that chronic stress or anxiety can weaken the immune system, potentially resulting in increased vulnerability to environmental triggers of hives as well.

How to treat stress hives and anxiety rashes

While usually harmless, stress hives can be frustrating and may also induce feelings of insecurity and self-consciousness. They usually resolve in a matter of hours or days, so treatment is often not necessary. If the itching or appearance is bothersome and you want them to clear up sooner, however, there are a few methods you can try.

Use antihistamine cream

Over-the-counter antihistamine creams can be effective at treating anxiety-related hives and rashes, especially those that cause mild to moderate itchiness and irritation. Be sure to follow the directions as printed on the product. If the rash does not respond to the cream, you may want to consult with your doctor or dermatologist. They might prescribe a prescription-strength cream that could be more effective in addressing your symptoms.

Avoid irritants

Many lotions, soaps, laundry detergents, and similar products contain alcohol, fragrances, or other ingredients that may irritate sensitive skin. Some can also cause dryness, redness, and flakiness, especially when used to cover a rash. If you’re experiencing an anxiety rash or are prone to developing hives in general, you may want to switch to gentler products to avoid triggering or worsening a reaction. You might look for phrases like “fragrance-free” or “for sensitive skin” on product labels.

Take an oatmeal bath

Oatmeal has long been used topically for its soothing properties. Colloidal oatmeal is finely ground and can be mixed into a warm bath, which can function as an effective at-home remedy for a variety of minor skin complaints. It seems to have anti-inflammatory effects, which can be especially useful for someone who is experiencing anxiety- or stress-related hives.

Reduce stress and anxiety

Of course, another way to potentially address hives caused by anxiety is to reduce anxiety. Though this isn’t always possible, engaging in some healthy coping mechanisms for this feeling could potentially decrease the intensity of and distress associated with your rash. Some of these include:

• Try a relaxation technique. Grounding techniques, deep-breathing strategies, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation exercises can all be helpful for someone experiencing anxiety. Learning the basics of one or more of these simple practices could help you find some measure of calm when you’re stressed or anxious.
• Drink green tea. Natural green tea contains L-theanine, an amino acid that’s been found to have a mentally calming effect. The tea’s antioxidant components can also act as anti-inflammatories to help counteract the body’s stress response.
• Get active. Engaging in regular exercise can have a host of potential health benefits, including helping individuals manage stress and anxiety. However, you might even be able to reap the benefits in the moment when you’re experiencing these feelings. Aerobic exercise can help take your mind off your anxiety, decrease muscle tension, and promote the release of anti-anxiety brain chemicals.

When to seek care for anxiety-related hives

Again, hives related to stress or anxiety typically resolve on their own, but this isn’t always the case. You might consult with your dermatologist or doctor if your rash frequently recurs or is otherwise difficult to live with. You should also see your doctor right away if your hives cover most of your body, if you have open or blistering sores, swelling, pain, or fluid from the rash, and/or if you experience fever or difficulty breathing.

If you’re living with chronic stress or symptoms of an anxiety disorder, you might also meet with a mental health professional to address these. For instance, a cognitive-behavioral therapist can help you learn to recognize and shift distorted thought patterns that may be contributing to distress. A therapist can also help you learn positive coping techniques for difficult emotions, and they can help address any symptoms of a mental health condition you may be experiencing. 

If seeing a therapist in person is not convenient or comfortable for you, you might consider connecting with a provider online instead. With an online therapy platform like BetterHelp, you can get matched with a licensed therapist who you can meet with via phone, video call, and/or in-app messaging from the comfort of home or anywhere else you have an internet connection. Research suggests that online therapy can be as effective as in-person sessions for those experiencing symptoms of an anxiety disorder, so you can typically feel confident in choosing whichever format you might prefer.