Are you feeling itchy and worried, wondering if your skin might be breaking out in hives? You may think this is a normal sign of stress or anxiety but have no fear – hives from anxiety are actually quite rare.
In fact, the vast majority of cases involving an outbreak of mysterious red bumps or welts can oftentimes be further attributed to various other medical conditions. That said, it is worth knowing that hives can sometimes arise due to particularly strong emotional upheavals like unchecked panic attacks and extreme frustration. Read on to learn more about why and how this condition occurs as well as what steps should be taken for proper diagnosis and treatment.
What are hives?
Hives, also known as urticaria, are red or skin-colored welts that appear on the surface of the skin. They are raised and can vary in size from very small to large blotches across the body. Hives may be itchy or cause a burning sensation on the affected area. They usually occur due to an allergic reaction to something and can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days.
Hives are often caused by an allergic reaction to food, medication, or other environmental factors. Allergic reactions can lead to the release of histamine, which is the chemical responsible for causing hives.
It is possible that hives may also be caused by stress or anxiety. The body reacts to stress and anxiety by releasing hormones known as catecholamines, which can trigger an inflammatory response in the skin. This inflammation can lead to hives, but it is not a common occurrence.
What are the symptoms of hives?
- Itchy or burning sensation on the skin
- Skin-colored or red welts on the surface of the skin
- Welts can be small to large in size
- Can occur due to an allergic reaction or stress/anxiety
How do you know if you’re having an allergic reaction or an anxiety attack?
Allergic reactions tend to occur quickly after exposure to the allergen, whereas anxiety attacks may manifest at any time.
A typical allergic reaction will cause hives as well as other symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and swelling of the face or throat. Anxiety attacks tend to cause physical symptoms such as rapid heart rate, sweating, and nausea.
It is important to note that both allergic reactions and anxiety attacks can cause hives. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is essential to speak with a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
What are some common causes of hives?
- Allergic reactions to food, medication or environmental factors
- Stress or anxiety-induced hormone release
- Infection
- Physical contact with certain materials
- Exposure to extreme temperatures
- Sun exposure
It is important to note that hives can be caused by a variety of underlying conditions and not just stress or anxiety. It is important to speak with a doctor if you are experiencing hives as they can help determine the underlying cause and provide treatment accordingly.
What’s the difference between stress and anxiety?
Stress is your body’s response to a demand or pressure, while anxiety is an imbalance in the brain chemistry that causes feelings of fear and worry. Stress can cause physical symptoms such as rapid heart rate, sweating, and nausea while anxiety can cause mental symptoms like racing thoughts and difficulty concentrating.
When Should You See a Doctor?
It is important to seek medical advice if you experience hives, regardless of the cause. Your doctor can help diagnose the underlying issue and provide appropriate treatment for your condition. If you are experiencing hives due to an allergic reaction or other medical condition, it is important to identify the trigger so that you can avoid it in the future.
If your hives persist for more than a few days or are accompanied by other symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention. If you think your hives may be caused by anxiety, your doctor may recommend therapy or medications such as antidepressants to help manage symptoms.
How can you treat hives caused by anxiety?
Identify triggers: The first step in treating hives caused by anxiety is to identify any potential triggers that may be causing the condition. This could include emotional stressors, physical activity, or environmental factors.
Stress Management: Once you have identified potential triggers of your hives, it is important to manage and reduce any stressors in your life. This can involve practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, yoga, or mindfulness meditation. It may also be helpful to talk with a mental health professional about any underlying issues that are causing anxiety or distress.
Treat the Symptoms: If your hives persist for more than a few days, your doctor may recommend a course of medication to help reduce the symptoms. This could involve an antihistamine to reduce itchiness, or a corticosteroid cream to help minimize swelling.
Follow Up: Once your hives have been treated, it is important to keep up with regular follow-up appointments with your doctor. This can help ensure that your hives remain under control and any underlying issues causing the condition are properly managed.
Conclusion:
Hives can be caused by a variety of medical conditions, including allergies and anxiety. It is important to seek medical advice if you experience hives as they can help diagnose the underlying issue and provide appropriate treatment for your condition. Stress management techniques such as deep breathing exercises, yoga or mindfulness meditation may also be helpful in managing hives caused by anxiety. Regular follow-up appointments with your doctor should also be kept to ensure hives remain under control and any underlying issues causing the condition are properly managed.
