Stress related hives?

Question

A few months ago, I started to have what i thought was an allergic reaction to laundry detergent, however, I have changed them several times only to find it isn't working.
My symptoms vary, mostly my legs, arms or hands will itch and what looks like misquito bites will show up for a little while. It doesn't last long, but every few days it appears in those areas. It started with my feet and hands, and it did burn and tingle and itch, but anymore it is on my neck, arms, legs and sometimes my feet. I take Benedry but I hate doing that beause it makes me so tired and groggy.
I have had a lot of stress in my life such as job changes and other things, could that be part of it? I don't think it could be diet or an allergic reaction, unless I am now suddenly allergic to my pets, though I have no other symptoms but the itching and the bumps that appear yet go away.
I also know I can go to the doctor, but I am currently awaiting medical insurance due to my job change.

Answer 1

Stress is definately a reason you could have hives.

I too have experienced hives related to anxiety or stressful situations in my life. I used Benadryl also, but as a child it had an idiosyncratic reaction too it. (Didn't make me drowsy instead I was wired--Bet my mother loved that. lol.) Benadryl spray and cream should also do the trick without the side effects.

I would like to share with you some of the ways I have reduced the occurance or rid them altogether. (last time I had hives was when I was about 15 1/2 or 16 years old)

First thing that comes to mind, is a good/great support system. Everyone needs someone they can vent or let off all the stress/anxiety they have built up over the day. For me, it has always been a good friend who will allow me to talk about my day. I recently went through nursing school and if it were not for my friends I would have never made it through. (that was the most stressful situation in my life--and I survived) lol

Secondly, exercise comes to mind. Exercise works wonders in more ways than one. (Remember sex is exercise and it releases all the feel good stuff too) =)

Also sometimes when my plate is overloaded it helps me to write out everything I have going on in my mind. Whether it is all the things I must do or if it's just all the thoughts I have about a recent occurance. This almost always helps me to prioritize and get back on top of my game. (I always make To-Do List in writing--It feels great to be able to mark things off)


A few other things I do are:


* Make Time For Myself -- pedicure/manicure/massage (even if I'm broke and have to do it myself)

* Hanging Out With My Girlfriends -- watch a movie/go to lunch

* Taking My Vitamins (definately helps me because I don't always eat healthy -- Oh, here is a thought...maybe I should just eat healthier. lol.)

* Getting more sleep (sleep is something I'm always lacking in...I have always had trouble going to sleep but I found that exercising and taking a nice long bath help me to get to bed earlier)


I'm sure there are many more ways of managing your stress that are tailored to your lifestyle. I hope I was able to help. E-mail me, if you would like to chat. G'luck with your new job!

Answer 2

I had the same thing the beginning of the year. Right away when you get a hive, put anti-itch cream on it so you don't scratch. Take Benedrol or some other allergy medicine. Take baths with Aveeno oatmeal bath solution and that somewhat soothes the itch. Also, use creamy liquid soap for sensitive skin. I tried many anti-itch solutions and they were pretty much the same result which was they helped for awhile but the itchiness came back and I had to apply more. Whatever you do, try not to scratch them, although that is very difficult to do because they are so itchy sometimes that they nearly drive you mad. I learned the hard way, and still have a lot of scars from scratching and they will probably take a year or so to go away. Don't waste your money on the scar remover ointment because it sure didn't work for me. When the itching subsides, keep a creamy lotion on your skin until any scars that you do have go away. I feel sorry for you because it's so miserable. Mine lasted about 3 months, then went away. I do think they were stress related.

Answer 3

Well hives can be casued by a variety of different allergies and an allergy can develop at any point in ones life jsut liek one can grow out of an allergy. Hives can als obe casued by stress. If you feel you have a very stressful life try some types of stress management like meditaion, exercise or counseling. If the problem persists see a doctor about getting alergy tests or to be directed on how to manage stress better.

Answer 4

I'm not a doctor but I have been there and actually still am although not as bad...I think it may be a combination of both, with stress being the major factor. I would keep taking Benadryl and if the rashes get too bad try Calamine lotion to the affected area. I was once, so bad that I had my forearms scratched raw, after the death of my daughter, I was not even aware that I was continuously scratching it all the time. I went to the doctor and was given the equivalent to Calamine lotion. Nerves and Stress can really raise havoc on the body and mind......Best of luck in all!!

Answer 5

Stress related hives are a real life problem. Until you can get to the doctors you can take Benedryl for the itching just be sure to watch the drowsy factor

Answer 6

Yes, definitely stress can cause hives, itching, bumps and everything else you describe. It can be related to chronic asthma, and all sorts of other things.

One prescription that helps me a lot is cleocin-t lotion, when you get your insurance squared away your doc will be the best source to help mitigate the symptoms.

Best to you.

Answer 7

Sometimes when I am stressed, I will break out with just one hive either on my chin or my cheek (on the face, not bum). It sound like that's what it is though

Answer 8

It is very likely that is what is going on. I have an abundance of stress in my life and I have the same problem. Definitely go see a doctor as soon as you get your insurance. Other than that, try to relax a little. It took more of me making things easier on myself than any medicine or treatments.

Answer 9

I get the same thing when I'm stressed. I first starting seeing those the first time I got married.

Answer 10

That might be part of it but it might be an allergic reation to something else. Have you been eating a different brand or type of food a lot that you usually don't?