Hives caused by stress or anxiety?

Question

When i get stress or have increased anxiety i break out into red blotchy hives on my neck and chest. I'm not itchy, just red . It's very frustrating and embarassing. What causes this and what can i do when i have a break out.
Any help would be appreciated.
THANKS!

Answer 1

Check out Reducing Stress
( http://www.reducingstress.net )
They have the best info I have found on how to understand and reduce stress.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

Hives Caused By Anxiety

Answer 4

One thing to remember: without seeing you or knowing your medical this is not professional advice and you should consult wiht a doctor or other health professional or mental health professional for treatment advice.

That said these are common things supported for helping with stress or medical things related to stress in some cases.

This is very common and normal. We all have predisposition to certain physical issues and while a stress reaction (any illness has an emotional and stress component) does not cause illness alone, it can be part of all the factors and a tipping point. What you describe could be hives....or simply exaggerated extended blush type reaction like how we turn red when embarrassed. It's a reasult of adrenaline and stress chemicals. Hives is slightly different.

First rule out any physical issues that can be contributing with a good physical including skin issues, immune issues, allergies, etc. Treat those. BUT even if medical, stress can worsen conditions so it is part of good treatment to lower stress. And make sure you are healthy enough for things like yoga or exercise for stress, etc.

Several suggestions:

Figure out what kind and type of stressors lead to this. Rate stress on 0 none and 10 total panic scale daily and also your peak of the day.

Note if you had a stressor (a test, a reprimand, difficult coworker, family stuff)

Ask yourself if you tend to be more tense in general; everyone is different.

Get a good relaxation CD or tape (Relaxation for Wellness is good; "google" it "relaxation for wellness" and you will find online stores selling it). Practice as often as you can but try for minimum 3 times a week.

If that's not your style, yoga, gardening, any stress activity or thing you do -- do it regulary not just when stressed but "just because" to keep your base level of stress lower -- that way you have more room to roll with stress without reacting because you start at a lower level.

Cooler showers can keep blood flow next to the skin lower

Deep breaths can trigger the body's calming response.

Try the Stress Reduction Workbook or similar. Make sure any workbook you find is by a reputable psychologist (PhD).

IF you have stressors in your life, decide what's the priority and figure out how to lower them. Are you having trouble saying no to extra responsibility? do you struggle with delegating? Are there financial issues (finanancial counseling at a NON PROFIT NON LOAN providing financial counseling service can help you get on track and negotiate with creditors) that stress you....deal with them one at a time.

If you have trouble implementing stress management seek out a clinical psychologist who takes a problem solving straightforward "cognitive behavioral" approach. You don't have to be depressed or anxious to get a little help with 2-3 sessions for stress management. Your companies EAP may have programs as well.

Socialize; get social support.

Get enough sleep. Set sleep "rules" like regular bedtimes, "sleep hygiene" behavior practices. If you have trouble and before trying medication for sleep, go to a sleep clinic for adequate diagnosis.

Accupuncture might help but I'm not sure. It might help with stress management.

Without knowing more I don't know what's right for you. But it's not crazy. Mind and body cannot be separated. Even heart problems, cancer, surgery recovery, physical therapy all are influenced by stress and the chemicals and muscle tension that go with it.

Go to www.apa.org for ideas and tips

Answer 5

40000 Cured Social Anxiety : http://SocialAnxiety.uzaev.com/?QgRD

Answer 6

see a doctor