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Stress can cause a rash or hives, and it can also worsen existing skin conditions. Treatment options may include cold compress, antihistamines, steroids, and more.
In isolation, mild forms of stress have little impact on the body. However, frequent or chronic exposure to stress can trigger adverse side effects.
In this article, we discuss the causes of stress rashes. We also explore how these are identified, treated, and prevented.
While often thought of as psychological, stress has physical manifestations as well.
One of the places where stress may have an impact is on a person’s skin. Stress can affect the skin in a number of ways.
Hives caused by stress
Stress can trigger an outbreak of hives that can make up a stress rash.
Hives are raised, red-colored spots or welts. They vary in size and can occur anywhere on the body.
Areas affected by hives can feel itchy. In some cases, they cause a tingling or burning sensation when touched.
These hives can occur due to a variety of different causes, such as:
- cold or heat exposure
- certain medications, including antibiotics
The most common cause of hives is an allergen entering the body. For example, an individual with hay fever may develop hives as a result of exposure to pollen.
It is also possible for emotional stress to trigger an outbreak of hives. There can be a number of hormonal or chemical changes that occur in response to stress.
These changes can trigger blood vessels to expand and leak, causing red and swollen patches of skin. The resulting hives can be made worse by:
- consumption of alcohol or caffeine
- exposure to warm temperatures
Stress may worsen existing skin conditions
Stress rashes may be considered acute if they clear up in less than 6 weeks. If they persist for longer, they are deemed to be chronic.
Typically, rashes will clear up after a few days and it is not necessary to seek treatment. Help should be sought if the rashes take longer than this to clear up.
Experiencing an outbreak of hives can be uncomfortable regardless of when it clears up. In such cases, an individual should seek treatment to ease the irritation caused by hives.
Similarly, most stress rashes are fairly mild, but taking action to manage an outbreak is recommended to lessen its impact.
Particularly, a rash may cause feelings of unhappiness. This may amplify an individual’s stress and worsen the rash further.
Hives may sometimes cover the entire body or be accompanied by:
- skin peeling or blisters
If so, it could indicate a more serious condition or allergy, and a doctor should be consulted immediately.
Treatment for a stress rash can usually be done at home, using nonprescription antihistamines. These should help to relieve the itching.
Antihistamines are available for purchase over-the-counter or online.
Alternatively, cooling the skin can also relieve itching. This can be achieved by taking a cool bath or using a cold compress, available for purchase online.
In more severe cases, a doctor may prescribe a short course of:
- stronger antihistamines
- antibiotic tablets
If the rashes continue, a doctor may refer a person to a skin specialist, who will continue to prescribe medication while trying to identify triggers for the hives.
Some people may also find their rashes are related to the development of other conditions, such as angioedema or anaphylaxis. This will affect how the rashes are treated, according to the nature of the complication.
It maybe that a rash is the result of a factor other than stress, such as:
- Heat rash: Exposure to a hot and humid climate can cause heat rashes to develop.
- Eczema: This chronic condition can occur at any age. It is characterized by small bumps on the skin that can spread to form dense red patches, known as plaques.
- Contact dermatitis: This is caused by an allergen, such as particular soaps or jewellry, coming into contact with the skin.
- Pityriasis rosea: This is a common skin condition typified by a large rash often surrounded by smaller bumps or rashes.
- Rosacea: Rashes due to rosacea often (but not always) appear on the face and may persist for weeks or months. There is no cure for this condition and rashes can reoccur despite treatment.
It is common to experience stress. The best way to prevent stress rashes is to reduce exposure to stress. Unfortunately, this is not always possible.
Certain stressors, causing the stress, may be unavoidable. These include difficult work situations or relationships. However, it is possible to do things that aid a person’s ability to deal with stress.
One approach is to work with lifestyle factors to minimize the impact of the stress, by:
Stress can also be addressed through therapy or relaxation techniques, which are known to be helpful. One such technique is mindfulness meditation.
Eliminating or reducing the impact of stress can be a difficult task. The most effective strategies will vary depending on the nature of the stressor and the individual.
It will not be possible to always prevent stress from taking a toll on the body. In such circumstances, a stress rash may be unavoidable.
Should a stress rash occur, it is important to minimize the discomfort that it causes and prevent the condition from worsening.
Here are some frequently asked questions about stress rashes.
What does a stress rash look like?
A stress rash can look like raised patches or bumps on the skin. The rash can look pink or red on light skin. It can be harder to see on dark skin.
Why am I suddenly getting stress rashes?
A person may suddenly get a rash in response to emotional stress. This is because stress causes the body to release adrenalin, which can contribute to the development of hives. If stress is frequently causing a rash, a person may wish to contact their doctor for advice on ways to manage stress. Relaxation techniques, meditating, and breathing exercises may help.
How do you get rid of a stress rash?
Antihistamines may help resolve a stress rash. Taking steps to manage stress can also help reduce symptoms or prevent further stress rashes.
How long does a stress rash last?
A stress rash typically lasts 30–60 minutes, though hives can also last for a number of hours or days. A person should contact a doctor for advice if the rash persists for longer. They should seek immediate medical help if they experience a rash alongside other symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Anaphylaxis: Symptoms and what to do
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be life threatening. The symptoms develop suddenly and include:
- swelling of the face or mouth
- fast, shallow breathing
- a fast heart rate
- clammy skin
- anxiety or confusion
- blue or white lips
- fainting or loss of consciousness
If someone has these symptoms:
- Check whether they are carrying an epinephrine pen. If they are, follow the instructions on the side of the pen to use it.
- Dial 911 or the number of the nearest emergency department.
- Lay the person down from a standing position. If they have vomited, turn them onto their side.
- Stay with them until the emergency services arrive.
Some people may need more than one epinephrine injection. If the symptoms do not improve in 5–15 minutes, or they come back, use a second pen if the person has one.
Tunajumuisha bidhaa ambazo tunafikiri ni muhimu kwa wasomaji wetu. Unaponunua kupitia viungo kwenye ukurasa huu, tunaweza kupata tume ndogo. Hapa ni mchakato wetu. Kwa hivyo, kwa sababu ya kuwa na bidhaa na bidhaa ambazo tunasimama nyuma yao, timu yetu inachunguza na kutathmini mapendekezo tunayofanya kwenye tovuti yetu. Ili kuamua kama bidhaa hizo zinahitajika kwa ajili ya usalama na ufanisi, tunapaswa kuchunguza viungo vya bidhaa na kuamua ikiwa zina uwezo wa kusababisha madhara. - Chunguza ukweli wa madai yote ya afya: Je, yanapatana na uthibitisho wa kisayansi wa sasa? - Tathmini ya brand: Je, inafanya kazi kwa uadilifu na kufuata mazoea bora ya sekta? Mkazo waweza kusababisha mchochota au uvimbe, na pia waweza kuharibu hali za ngozi zilizopo. Njia za matibabu zaweza kutia ndani compress baridi, antihistamines, steroids, na mengineyo. Kwa kujitenga, aina ndogo-ndogo za mfadhaiko hazina athari kubwa kwa mwili. Hata hivyo, mfadhaiko wa mara kwa mara au wa kudumu waweza kusababisha madhara mabaya. Katika makala hii, tutazungumzia visababishi vya mchochota wa mkazo. Pia tunachunguza jinsi ya kuzitambua, kuzitibu, na kuzizuia. Ingawa mara nyingi huonwa kuwa ya kisaikolojia, mfadhaiko una dalili za kimwili pia. Mojawapo ya sehemu ambazo mfadhaiko waweza kuwa na uvutano ni kwenye ngozi ya mtu. Mkazo waweza kuathiri ngozi kwa njia mbalimbali. Ugonjwa wa kibofu cha kibofu unaosababishwa na mkazo unaweza kusababisha mkojo wa kibofu cha kibofu cha kibofu cha kibofu cha kibofu cha kibofu cha kibofu cha kibofu. Vimelea huinuliwa, na huwa na madoa au nywele nyekundu. Zinaweza kuwa na ukubwa tofauti-tofauti na zinaweza kutokea mahali popote mwilini. Maeneo yanayoathiriwa na kibofu cha mimea yaweza kuhisi kukwaruza. Katika visa fulani, husababisha hisia ya kunyooka au kuchoma unapoguswa. Uvimbe wa kibofu unaweza kutokea kutokana na sababu mbalimbali, kama vile: - baridi au joto - dawa fulani, ikiwa ni pamoja na antibiotics Sababu ya kawaida ya kibofu ni allergen kuingia katika mwili. Kwa mfano, mtu mwenye homa ya nyasi aweza kupata kibofu cha kibofu kwa sababu ya kuathiriwa na chavua ya maua. Pia huenda mkazo wa kihisia-moyo ukachochea ugonjwa wa kibofu. Kuna mabadiliko kadhaa ya homoni au ya kemikali yanayotokea kwa sababu ya mkazo. Mabadiliko hayo yanaweza kusababisha mishipa ya damu kupanuka na kuvuja, na kusababisha sehemu nyekundu na zilizovimba za ngozi. Ugonjwa wa kichefuchefu unaweza kuongezeka kwa sababu ya kunywa pombe au caffeine, na kuathiriwa na joto kali, na inaweza kuharibu hali ya ngozi ya kawaida, na inaweza kuonekana kuwa kali ikiwa itatoweka kwa muda wa wiki sita. Ikiwa huendelea kwa muda mrefu zaidi, huonwa kuwa ya kudumu. Kwa kawaida, mlipuko huo hutoweka baada ya siku chache na si lazima utafute matibabu. Msaada unapaswa kutafutwa ikiwa mlipuko huchukua muda mrefu kuliko huo ili kuondolewa. Kuugua kichefuchefu cha kibofu cha mimea kunaweza kuwa jambo lisilo la kawaida bila kujali ni lini kitapotea. Katika visa kama hivyo, mtu anapaswa kutafuta matibabu ili kupunguza uchungu unaosababishwa na kibofu. Vivyo hivyo, maambukizo mengi ya mkazo ni ya kiasi kidogo, lakini kuchukua hatua za kudhibiti mlipuko hupendekezwa kupunguza athari zake. Hasa, mchochota wa ngozi waweza kusababisha hisia za kutoridhika. Hilo laweza kuongeza mkazo wa mtu na kuzidisha ugonjwa huo. Hives inaweza wakati mwingine kufunika mwili wote au kuambatana na: - ngozi peeling au blisters Kama ni hivyo, inaweza kuonyesha hali mbaya zaidi au mzio, na daktari anapaswa kushauriana mara moja. Kwa kawaida matibabu ya kifafa cha mkazo yanaweza kufanywa nyumbani, kwa kutumia dawa za kuua viini zisizo na dawa. Hizi zapasa kusaidia kupunguza kukwaruza. Dawa za antihistamini zinapatikana kwa ajili ya ununuzi juu ya-the-counter au mtandaoni. Vinginevyo, kupoza ngozi kunaweza pia kupunguza kukwaruza. Hii inaweza kupatikana kwa kuchukua kuoga baridi au kutumia compress baridi, inapatikana kwa ajili ya ununuzi mtandaoni. Katika kesi kali zaidi, daktari anaweza kuagiza matibabu mafupi ya: - antihistamines kali - antibacterial vidonge - ikiwa mlipuko unaendelea, daktari anaweza kumpeleka mtu kwa mtaalamu wa ngozi, ambaye ataendelea kuagiza dawa wakati akijaribu kutambua sababu za kibofu. Watu wengine wanaweza pia kupata kwamba mlipuko wao unahusiana na magonjwa mengine, kama vile angioedema au anaphylaxis. Hilo litaathiri jinsi vidonda hivyo vinavyotibiwa, kulingana na hali ya tatizo hilo. Ugonjwa wa joto unaweza kutokea kwa sababu nyingine kama vile joto kali au joto kali, na kuathiriwa na hali ya hewa ya joto na unyevu inaweza kusababisha joto kali. - Eczema: Hali hii ya kudumu yaweza kutokea katika umri wowote. Inaonekana kama madoa madogo kwenye ngozi ambayo yanaweza kuenea na kutokeza madoa mekundu yenye rangi nyekundu. - Ugonjwa wa ngozi: Huo husababishwa na kichocheo, kama vile sabuni au vito fulani, vinavyogusa ngozi. - Pityriasis rosea: Hii ni hali ya kawaida ya ngozi inayoonyeshwa na mlipuko mkubwa mara nyingi kuzungukwa na bumps ndogo au mlipuko. - Rosacea: Mara nyingi (lakini si mara zote) mlipuko unaosababishwa na rosacea huonekana usoni na waweza kudumu kwa majuma au miezi. Hakuna tiba ya hali hii na mlipuko waweza kutokea tena licha ya matibabu. Ni jambo la kawaida kuwa na mfadhaiko. Njia bora ya kuzuia mchochota wa mkazo ni kupunguza mfiduo wa mkazo. Kwa kusikitisha, si mara zote jambo hilo linawezekana. Huenda mambo fulani yanayosababisha mfadhaiko yasipeweke. Hizi zinatia ndani hali ngumu za kazini au mahusiano. Hata hivyo, inawezekana kufanya mambo yanayoweza kumsaidia mtu kushughulika na mfadhaiko. Njia moja ni kufanya kazi na mambo ya mtindo wa maisha ili kupunguza athari za mkazo, kwa: Mkazo unaweza pia kushughulikiwa kupitia tiba au mbinu za kupumzika, ambazo zinajulikana kuwa na msaada. Mbinu moja kama hiyo ni kutafakari kwa uangalifu. Kuondoa au kupunguza athari za mfadhaiko kwaweza kuwa kazi ngumu. Mbinu zenye matokeo zaidi zitatofautiana ikitegemea hali ya kichocheo na mtu binafsi. Hawezekani sikuzote kuzuia mkazo usichukue sehemu kubwa ya mwili. Katika hali kama hizo, huenda ukosefu wa mkazo usipuuzwe. Ikiwa mchochota wa mkazo utatokea, ni muhimu kupunguza maumivu unayosababisha na kuzuia hali hiyo isiwe mbaya zaidi. Hapa kuna maswali kadhaa yanayoulizwa mara nyingi kuhusu mchochota wa mkazo. Uvimbe wa mkazo huonekanaje? Mlipuko wa mkazo waweza kuonekana kama madoa yaliyoinuka au vidonda kwenye ngozi. Mlipuko huo waweza kuonekana kuwa wa rangi ya waridi au nyekundu kwenye ngozi nyepesi. Inaweza kuwa vigumu kuona kwenye ngozi nyeusi. Kwa nini ghafula ninapata maambukizo ya mkazo? Mtu aweza kupata mchochota ghafula kwa sababu ya mfadhaiko wa kihisia-moyo. Hii ni kwa sababu mkazo husababisha mwili kutolewa adrenaline, ambayo inaweza kuchangia maendeleo ya kibofu. Ikiwa mara nyingi mkazo husababisha mchochota, huenda mtu akaomba ushauri wa daktari wake kuhusu jinsi ya kushughulikia mkazo. Mbinu za kupumzika, kutafakari, na mazoezi ya kupumua yaweza kusaidia. Unapotezaje mchochota wa mkazo? Dawa za kupambana na histamini zaweza kusaidia kutatua mchochota wa mkazo. Kuchukua hatua za kudhibiti mfadhaiko pia kunaweza kusaidia kupunguza dalili au kuzuia maambukizo zaidi ya mfadhaiko. Mlipuko wa mkazo huendelea kwa muda gani? Ugonjwa wa kichefuchefu wa kawaida huchukua dakika 30 hadi 60, ingawa kibofu cha kibofu cha kibofu cha kibofu cha kibofu cha kibofu cha kibofu cha kibofu cha kibofu cha kibofu cha kibofu cha kibofu cha kibofu cha kibofu cha kibofu cha kibofu cha kibofu cha kibofu. Mtu anapaswa kumwuliza daktari ikiwa mchochota huo unaendelea kwa muda mrefu. Wanapaswa kutafuta msaada wa daktari mara moja ikiwa wanapata mchochota pamoja na dalili nyingine za mmenyuko wa mzio. Anafylaxis: dalili na nini cha kufanya Anafylaxis ni athari kali ya mzio ambayo inaweza kuwa hatari kwa maisha. Dalili za ugonjwa huu ni: - uvimbe wa uso au mdomo - kupumua kwa haraka, kwa kina - msukumo wa moyo wa haraka - ngozi yenye unyevunyevu - wasiwasi au kuchanganyikiwa - midomo ya bluu au nyeupe - kuzimia au kupoteza fahamu - Ikiwa mtu ana dalili hizi: - Angalia ikiwa ana kalamu ya epinephrine. Ikiwa ni hivyo, fuata maelekezo yaliyo kwenye upande wa kalamu ili uitumie. - Piga simu ya 911 au nambari ya idara ya dharura iliyo karibu zaidi. - Weka mtu chini kutoka nafasi ya kusimama. Ikiwa wametokwa na kutapika, wageuzeni upande. - kukaa pamoja nao mpaka huduma za dharura kufika. Watu fulani huenda wakahitaji sindano zaidi ya moja ya epinephrine. Ikiwa dalili hazibadiliki baada ya dakika 5 au 15 au zinarudi, tumia kalamu ya pili ikiwa mtu ana moja.