How to Get Rid of Stress Hives
When raised bumps appear on the skin, they may be stress hives. However, an itchy rash can also be the result of an allergic reaction. Pay close attention to rashes on the skin, monitoring for further discomfort or any trouble breathing. There are ways to treat stress rashes at home, but if they persist for weeks, it’s time to visit a specialist.
The allergy and immunology department at Bergen Medical Associates offers medical services for patients in northern New Jersey. We offer appointments at several convenient office locations. Here, we discuss stress hives and how to treat them.
What Are Stress Hives?
Hives are also known as urticaria. They are often hot, itchy, and uncomfortable. Stress can cause hives to appear on the skin. In addition, if another skin condition, such as eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea, is present, a person may have a greater tendency to contract stress hives. The color of stress hives depends on the appearance of the person’s skin. Black or brown skin may exhibit pinkish hives, for example, while hives appear as reddish bumps on white skin. These itchy masses may take the form of many small bumps, streaks of welts, or a larger, more generalized patch.
When humans undergo stress, especially for extended periods, cortisol levels can increase. This increased hormonal activity can lead to inflammation, which sometimes appears as stress hives. The rash can appear anywhere on the body, including the face and hands. There may be swelling that also causes pain in the area. Stress hives are commonly described as itchy, burning, and painful.
What Are Home Treatments for Stress Hives?
When hives are noticed on the body, some home remedies or treatments can be tried at first. But if the rash is related to a known allergy or seems to be connected to a food that was recently consumed, watch out for any dangerous signs associated with allergic reactions. These may include trouble breathing or swelling in the mouth or throat.
It’s always a good idea to take a temperature and check whether a fever is present, as well. If there are symptoms related to respiration, call 911 for an ambulance, notify a medical professional, or go to a hospital emergency room as soon as possible.
In the absence of dangerous symptoms, here are some home remedies for stress hives:
- Cold compresses without placing ice directly on the skin
- Oatmeal baths to help soothe the skin
- Witch hazel or aloe vera, which may help calm the skin
- Wear loose clothes, as keeping cool can help reduce inflammation
Some over-the-counter medicines in pill, lotion, or cream form may help, as well.
Should I See a Specialist About Stress Hives?
If home remedies aren’t helping, or the hives last more than a few weeks, it’s a good idea to consult with an allergy and immunology practitioner. An experienced medical specialist can further diagnose the condition. If stress hives aren’t the problem, it might be angioedema, which is a swelling beneath the skin related to allergic reactions. Allergies can be serious and may need medications to break the cycle of symptoms. Other causes of hive-like rashes include shingles and other viruses, as well as bacteria. Contact dermatitis and eczema can also result in visible hives. When hives continue to be a problem, get the condition checked by a qualified medical practitioner.
Find the Care You Need at Bergen Medical Associates
Bergen Medical Associates offers multiple specialties within one practice. We take a whole-patient approach, and our board-certified physicians, nurses, and other medical specialists work collaboratively to improve the health of our patients. These are just a few of the many good reasons to choose Bergen Medical Associates for comprehensive health care.
Patients in northern New Jersey can get convenient medical care at our many convenient locations. Our allergy and immunology department can help diagnose stress hives and other skin conditions, finding the root causes. We offer regular health screenings with primary care physicians, as well as specialists in a variety of fields. For more information, contact us today.
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