An anxiety rash may appear as an itchy rash or hives, which may occur anywhere on the body. It occurs due to high levels of anxiety rather than other causes, such as allergies.

Anxiety can increase the release of certain chemicals in the body, which can produce physical reactions, such as a rash.

Topical treatments or antihistamines may help relieve short-term symptoms, but long-term treatment will involve coping techniques for managing anxiety and reducing stress. Reducing anxiety can help treat and prevent anxiety rash.

In this article, we look at the symptoms, causes, and potential emotional effects of anxiety rash. We also look at treatment and prevention and how to tell if a rash is due to anxiety or another cause.

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An anxiety rash is an itchy rash that may look similar to hives. It develops due to anxiety rather than any other factors, such as certain foods or medications.

Researchhas found that chronic anxiety increases the sympathetic nervous system’s response to stress. This response releases histamine, a substance the body usually releases to respond to inflammation or allergic reactions. An increased release of histamine may lead to a rash or hives.

Emotional effects of an anxiety rash

Anxiety rash may cause people to feel more anxiety or embarrassment, due to the symptoms or appearance of the rash. Although individuals may try to hide the rash, covering the rash with makeup, lotions, or tight clothing may worsen it.

A rash from stress or anxiety usually resolves in 24 hours, and topical treatments may help reduce the rash and any uncomfortable symptoms.

Focusing on calming techniques and tools to reduce anxiety may help people feel less anxious and help treat the rash.

An anxiety rash may affect anyone who experiences anxiety. They may experience anxiety for a number of reasons, which include:

  • Genetics: Research has found people with relatives with an anxiety disorder may also be more likely to experience anxiety.
  • Environmental factors: Stressful life events, trauma, grief, abuse, or prolonged illness may all contribute to anxiety.

If people have an anxiety rash, they may have the following symptoms:

  • a rash that feels itchy or irritated but resolves within 24 hours
  • small bumps or papules on the skin
  • hives, or raised welts on the skin
  • rash may appear in relation to high levels of anxiety or stress, with no other clear factors

Alongside rash symptoms, people may be experiencing high levels of anxiety or stress. Symptoms of anxiety can include:

  • feeling apprehension or dread around non-threatening situations
  • feeling jumpy, tense, or on edge
  • feeling restless or irritable
  • anticipating the worst happening, which mental healthcare professionals call catastrophizing
  • being watchful for any signs of danger, which some experts call hypervigilance

Other physical symptoms of anxiety may include:

If people experience anxiety symptoms on a consistent basis, they may have an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are common and have a range of highly effective treatment options.

To determine whether anxiety is causing a rash or if it is due to another cause, people can try to eliminate all other possible causes. Other factors that may be causing a rash can include:

If people have eliminated all other possible causes and notice a rash develops relating to high levels of anxiety or stress, it may be an anxiety rash.

A 2016 case study notes that controlling anxiety may be an effective treatment for anxiety rash. Although medication may also have been a factor, a female who developed a rash in relation to panic attacks found that it resolved with improved anxiety control.

Treatment for anxiety may include:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is a common form of psychotherapy to treat anxiety disorders. It helps people develop strategies to change thought patterns, beliefs, and behaviors that cause anxiety.
  • Exposure response prevention: This is a type of psychotherapy to treat specific forms of anxiety, such as phobias or social anxiety. It exposes people to the source of their anxiety to develop coping strategies and reduce anxiety over time.
  • Medications: Anti-anxiety or antidepressant medications may help relieve both emotional and physical anxiety symptoms.

Topical treatments may help relieve symptoms and ease a rash, and taking an antihistamine may help control hives. Antihistamine medication works to block the histamine response in the body, which can help prevent new hives from forming.

Applying a cold compress or topical steroid, such as hydrocortisone, to a rash may help relieve itching.

If a rash worsens or does not respond to treatment, people need to consult a doctor.

Individuals also need to speak with a doctor if anxiety is affecting their day-to-day life or if anxiety and any symptoms are negatively affecting their well-being.

A doctor may prescribe topical treatments to relieve symptoms and can suggest a treatment plan for managing anxiety.

A rash can sometimes be a sign of a serious infection or severe allergic reaction. People will need to seek help straight away if they have a rash with any of the following symptoms or features:

  • covers most of the body
  • fever
  • appears suddenly and spreads quickly
  • wheezing or difficulty breathing
  • blistering or open sores
  • pain
  • swelling or warmth around the rash
  • crusting, a red streak, or yellow or green discharge coming from the rash

Managing anxiety may help prevent anxiety rash. A range of lifestyle changes and coping strategies may help. People may want to try the following techniques to find a combination of tools that work best for them:

  • taking regular meditation
  • using breathing exercises
  • taking part in yoga
  • engaging in regular exercise, in particular, aerobic exercise
  • understanding personal triggers
  • listening to music
  • eating a nutritious, balanced diet
  • getting regular, quality sleep
  • limiting alcohol and caffeine, which may trigger panic attacks
  • counting to 10 slowly when feeling anxious
  • finding humor and laughing
  • focusing on replacing negative thoughts with positive ones
  • connecting with a local community, such as finding a support network or volunteering as a break from everyday situations
  • talking with friends, family, or a healthcare professional if feeling overwhelmed

How long do stress rashes last?

Typically, a rash or hives that have developed as a result of stress or anxiety will subside after 24 hours.

How do you get rid of stress hives?

Managing anxiety may be an effective treatment for stress hives. Ways a person may reduce their stress include meditating, doing exercise, and listening to music.

If those are ineffective, cognitive behavioral therapy or anti-anxiety medication may be helpful.

How do you stop red blotches due to anxiety?

Hives can occur due to stress and may appear as tiny skin-colored spots or blotches.

To prevent these red blotches from occurring, a person might consider ruling out other allergies or trying stress reduction techniques, such as meditation or breathing exercises.

Anxiety or stress can cause an increase in certain chemicals in the body, such as histamine. This can lead to physical reactions in the body, including a rash or hives.

Topical treatments can help treat the rash in the short term, while long-term management of anxiety can help treat and prevent anxiety rash from reoccurring.