Breaking Out in Hives Could Be Due To Stress—Here's Why

Physiological representations of anxiety aren’t just in your head.

by Rachel Linder

Dealing with the stress and anxiety that comes ahead of a big class presentation or an important work meeting is bad enough—does your body think it needs to break out in hives too? One of the worst parts of anxiety is that we can’t control it. We can’t help the thoughts that consume us in anticipation of these major events like a presentation or meeting. What seems even worse, though, is when you can’t control the physiological responses that the anxiety brings.

A physiological response—before we get too far into it—relates to the functioning of a living organism and its parts. Essentially, instead of simply addressing the psychological symptoms of anxiety, the physiological symptoms look to explain exactly what specific bodily responses occur in the body and why. In other words, we have answers as to why you’ll break out in hives or some sort of rash when you’re feeling stressed.

It’s simply really, there are many factors that can contribute to the formation of hives on the body—one of which is environmental factors. These can be anything from food allergens to pollen to animal hair or even certain medications. This is why it can sometimes be easier to explain away a rash with one of these factors, rather than investigating whether or not anxiety could be the root of the problem. However, it’s crucial to note that anxiety is yet another environmental trigger that can be at play and ultimately be the cause for your hives.

Let’s break this down further. Similar to an allergic reaction, when anxiety is introduced into the body, the immune system kicks in. It’s this immune system response—which is a histamine reaction—that you’re seeing on your skin in the hives that appear or the blotchiness you experience. It’s important to note that this physiological reaction is more common in women than in men, and specifically women in their 30s and 40s. In addition, if you have experienced hives in the past, it is more likely that they can appear again in this capacity.

So, now that you know why these stress rashes or hives are appearing on your body, it’s important to know the best way to treat them. According to the Cleveland Clinic, there are five main suggestions to soothe the bumps. First, do your best to rule out other environmental factors before jumping to the conclusion that it’s stress. It is possible that it’s actually petting your neighbor’s dog that led to this reaction instead of your nerves. If you do determine that the rash is due to stress, do your best to calm yourself down. Of course, this is easier said than done, but find a coping mechanism that works for you and give it your best shot. Looking to turn to some medications? Antihistamines are the only way to go. Other medications like aspirin and ibuprofen can actually trigger hives, so make sure to stay away from those. And finally, if all else fails do your best to make yourself as comfortable as possible by avoiding hot water and wearing loose clothing. Those annoying bumps and rashes will go away in time, and if they don’t subside in a few days make sure to speak with your doctor.