Is it possible that the hives on my back and stomach are a result of stress and anxiety?

Question

I'm quite an anxious person (and have been taking medication for this for about 4 years) and have recently had many stressful events in my life. The hives developed 24 hours ago, but their itchiness and noticibility flare up more at sometimes than others.
At what point should I go to a doctor? If it is stress/anxiety related, at what point should I contact my psychiatrist?

Answer 1

You should see an endocrinologist. Stress worsens many skin conditions — such as psoriasis, eczema, hives and acne — and can trigger asthma attacks.
Anxiety and stress are due to hormonal imbalances in cortisol, adrenaline, DHEA, etc.- which then CAUSES imbalances in the brain.
So medicating your brain with anti-anxiety drugs doesn't address or correct the problem, it only masks a couple of the symptoms. (This explains why drugs don't always "work"). Recentl stressful events tax your adrenals, which then raises cortisol levels, and your system is out of whack- so now you have hives.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stress/SR00001
Through a combination of nerve and hormonal signals, this system prompts your adrenal glands, situated atop your kidneys, to release a surge of hormones — the most abundant being adrenaline and cortisol.
Anxiety isn't a brain chemical issue- it's an endocrine issue that causes a brain issue.

Answer 2

Yes hives can be stress related, but more so, if you haven't had these before in stressful times it could be food related. I have found over the years I am allergic to the strangest things. I once ate 1 black grape and had hives for 2-3 afterwards. It was the only thing I had eaten that I had never eaten before....strange. Try to think back if you are eating something that is new to your diet.

Answer 3

A few years ago I was having major anxiety in my life. In the midst of all my troubles, I broke out in hives. These hives had a mind of their own! I'd break out with hives on my back, then a few hours later they'd be all over my chest and legs, it was horrible! I was itchy and miserable. My doc gave me Benadryl and it did nothing for me. I'd call almost every day for about 6 weeks begging him to do SOMETHING for me, finally he just stopped taking my calls. One day I was extra miserable and he just would not talk to me and I went BALISTIC! I was in my living room crying, sobbing, screaming for about an hour I screamed, cried, yelled, I just went beserk. Finally, I was exhausted from all this and I lay on my bed and fell asleep. You're not going to believe this, but after that hour or so of screaming and crying, I have never broken out with hives again. I think I just needed to release my frustration and anxiety. You should try to do the same. Find a way to relieve yourself of all your anxiety, whether it be crying, therapy, a warm bath, do whatever it takes, because I guarantee you it will work a lot better than any medication any doctor can prescribe for you.

Answer 4

Yes hives can be stress related. I would go to the doctor or I noticed they have Claritin for hives at the pharmacy. You could give it a try.

Answer 5

Yes hives can be stressed related. Hives can also be caused by using a different type of product on your body such as lotion or soap. Double check to see if you have used any new products on your body that you haven't used before.

Answer 6

Yes - it happens to my sister all the time. Benadryl will help. They have a spray too. Will stop the itching and swelling.

Answer 7

why you are anxious , no thing in the world deserve to be anxious about .try to have the bills which make you calm and you will be better

Answer 8

Yes.

Answer 9

yes. claritin helps.maybe see your psych to see if you need meds or increase in meds to help with the intital cause...anxiety.
good luck