Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsAppearanceLinkTreatmentsManaging AnxietyOngoing Symptoms
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Table of Contents
Appearance
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Treatments
Managing Anxiety
Ongoing Symptoms
An anxiety rash often appears on the body as hives (urticaria). Hives are inflamed patches of skin that result from histamine, a chemical your body produces in response to a physical or mental stressor. Allergic reactions (including allergic hives) are an example of your body’s response to a physical stressor, while anxiety is a mental stressor that can result in a rash.Hives from anxiety can occur anywhere on the body but are most common on your face, chest, and down your arms.
Learn about anxiety rash, anxiety symptoms, how to soothe the rash, and more.
Tatsiana Volkava / Getty Images
How Anxiety Rash Looks
An anxiety rash looks like small, inflamed patches, bumps, or speckles on the skin.Sometimes, it can be itchy, and scratching the skin can increase inflammation, worsening the appearance of the affected area. An anxiety rash can resemble other rashes, like those from allergic reactions.
A Word From VerywellStress may be associated with hormonal changes that could potentially exacerbate certain skin conditions, while anxiety may heighten symptoms associated with skin disorders or be exacerbated as a result of the appearance of skin.—BRENDAN CAMP, MD, FAAD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
Stress may be associated with hormonal changes that could potentially exacerbate certain skin conditions, while anxiety may heighten symptoms associated with skin disorders or be exacerbated as a result of the appearance of skin.—BRENDAN CAMP, MD, FAAD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Stress may be associated with hormonal changes that could potentially exacerbate certain skin conditions, while anxiety may heighten symptoms associated with skin disorders or be exacerbated as a result of the appearance of skin.
—BRENDAN CAMP, MD, FAAD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
10 Warning Signs to Seek Immediate Care for a Rash
Link Between Anxiety and Rash
Hives can be a symptom of anxiety. Specific mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, andsomatoform disorders(obsessive thoughts about your physical health and related symptoms) increase the risk of anxiety rash.Anxiety activates the stress response in the sympathetic nervous system, which causes the body to release histamine, resulting in hives.
There are other causes ofhives, too, and anxiety rash can happen in different situations that increase stress and anxiety. For example, anxiety rash can occur along with a panic attack.Hives can also be a part of an allergic reaction. Many people with allergies may experience an increase in anxiety in response to an allergic reaction.
Anxiety can worsen some skin conditions. Examples include:AcneEczema (atopic dermatitis)PsoriasisRosaceaAdditionally, stress and anxiety can slow your skin’s ability to heal.
Anxiety can worsen some skin conditions. Examples include:
Additionally, stress and anxiety can slow your skin’s ability to heal.
Anxiety Rash Treatments to Clear a Breakout
Experiencing an anxiety rash can become cyclical, meaning that anxiety makes the rash worse and rash increases anxiety. Therefore, it is ideal to seek treatment for both symptoms.
Preventing and treatinganxiety may involve talk therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), lifestyle changes,relaxation techniques, and sometimes, medications. Treatment and home remedies for a rash or hives may include oatmeal baths, soothing lotions, and medications.
How to Prevent and Treat Anxiety
CBTis effective in treating anxiety, with 64% of people in treatment experiencing long-term remission and results lasting years after treatment has ended.Medications can also be effective at treating anxiety, but there is a risk of side effects, especially when they are used long-term.In addition totalk therapyand medications, there are many ways to prevent, treat, and cope with anxiety.
How to Treat and Soothe Hives and Rashes
While hives typically go away independently, healthcare providers may recommend treating them with over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription antihistamine medications.If you have hives covering a significant surface area of your body, severe symptoms, or symptoms for more than a few days, consult a healthcare professional. You may be experiencing an allergic reaction. Beyond medications, there are many ways to soothe allergy rash at home.
Ways to Manage Anxiety Easier
Itching due to an anxiety rash can make itdifficult to sleep, worsening mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression.
Preventing and relieving the symptoms of anxiety rash can help improvesleep quality. Setting aside time every day to relax, especially before bed, is a great way to manage anxiety. Journaling, meditating, or talking to a trusted friend or family member about your concerns can help you understand your thoughts and feelings. When managing anxiety on your own is not enough, it is essential to seek the support of a qualified professional, such as a therapist or psychologist.
Ongoing Anxiety and Rash Symptoms
It is completely normal to feelanxiousat times. However, generalized anxiety disorder anxiety is a seriousmental healthconcern. It can significantly interfere with your quality of life and may increase the risk ofsuicidal thoughtsand attempts.
An anxiety rash can be a symptom of a serious anxiety disorder. If you experience any of the following, speak to a healthcare provider for support and treatment options:
At-home treatments are insufficient to address these symptoms.
Suicide Prevention HotlineIf you or someone you know are having suicidal thoughts, dial988to contact the988 Suicide & Crisis Lifelineand connect with a trained counselor. For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Suicide Prevention Hotline
If you or someone you know are having suicidal thoughts, dial988to contact the988 Suicide & Crisis Lifelineand connect with a trained counselor. For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Summary
An anxiety rash happens when the stress response is activated, increasing histamine and causing hives—raised, inflamed spots on the skin. It can be uncomfortable and itchy and sometimes interfere with sleep, worsening anxiety.
Healthcare providers recommend treating the anxiety and soothing the rash to manage anxiety rash. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of anxiety rash that last longer than a few days, interfere with daily life, or include more severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, seek the support of a healthcare professional.
10 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.The American Institute of Stress.What to do when stress gives you hives.Shebak SS, Pinkston J, Ali R.Rash associated with panic attacks.Prim Care Companion CNS Disord. 2016. doi:10.4088/PCC.15l01822Huang Y, Xiao Y, Jing D, et al.Association of chronic spontaneous urticaria with anxiety and depression in adolescents: a mediation analysis.Front Psychiatry. 2021;12:655802. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2021.655802Chen Y, Lyga J.Brain-skin connection: stress, inflammation and skin aging.Inflamm Allergy Drug Targets. 2014;13(3):177-90. doi:10.2174/1871528113666140522104422.Heisig M, Reich A.Psychosocial aspects of rosacea with a focus on anxiety and depression.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2018;11:103-107. doi:10.2147/CCID.S126850.Sanders KM, Akiyama T.The vicious cycle of itch and anxiety.Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews. 2018;87:17-26. doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.01.009Krause K, Zhang XC, Schneider S.Long-term effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy in routine outpatient care for youth with anxiety disorders.Psychother Psychosom. 2024:1-10. doi:10.1159/000537932Garakani A, Murrough JW, Freire RC, et al.Pharmacotherapy of anxiety disorders: current and emerging treatment options.Front Psychiatry. 2020;11:595584. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2020.595584American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hives: diagnosis an treatment.Bentley KH, Franklin JC, Ribeiro JD, Kleiman EM, Fox KR, Nock MK.Anxiety and its disorders as risk factors for suicidal thoughts and behaviors: a meta-analytic review.Clinical Psychology Review. 2016;43:30-46. doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2015.11.008
10 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.The American Institute of Stress.What to do when stress gives you hives.Shebak SS, Pinkston J, Ali R.Rash associated with panic attacks.Prim Care Companion CNS Disord. 2016. doi:10.4088/PCC.15l01822Huang Y, Xiao Y, Jing D, et al.Association of chronic spontaneous urticaria with anxiety and depression in adolescents: a mediation analysis.Front Psychiatry. 2021;12:655802. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2021.655802Chen Y, Lyga J.Brain-skin connection: stress, inflammation and skin aging.Inflamm Allergy Drug Targets. 2014;13(3):177-90. doi:10.2174/1871528113666140522104422.Heisig M, Reich A.Psychosocial aspects of rosacea with a focus on anxiety and depression.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2018;11:103-107. doi:10.2147/CCID.S126850.Sanders KM, Akiyama T.The vicious cycle of itch and anxiety.Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews. 2018;87:17-26. doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.01.009Krause K, Zhang XC, Schneider S.Long-term effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy in routine outpatient care for youth with anxiety disorders.Psychother Psychosom. 2024:1-10. doi:10.1159/000537932Garakani A, Murrough JW, Freire RC, et al.Pharmacotherapy of anxiety disorders: current and emerging treatment options.Front Psychiatry. 2020;11:595584. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2020.595584American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hives: diagnosis an treatment.Bentley KH, Franklin JC, Ribeiro JD, Kleiman EM, Fox KR, Nock MK.Anxiety and its disorders as risk factors for suicidal thoughts and behaviors: a meta-analytic review.Clinical Psychology Review. 2016;43:30-46. doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2015.11.008
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
The American Institute of Stress.What to do when stress gives you hives.Shebak SS, Pinkston J, Ali R.Rash associated with panic attacks.Prim Care Companion CNS Disord. 2016. doi:10.4088/PCC.15l01822Huang Y, Xiao Y, Jing D, et al.Association of chronic spontaneous urticaria with anxiety and depression in adolescents: a mediation analysis.Front Psychiatry. 2021;12:655802. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2021.655802Chen Y, Lyga J.Brain-skin connection: stress, inflammation and skin aging.Inflamm Allergy Drug Targets. 2014;13(3):177-90. doi:10.2174/1871528113666140522104422.Heisig M, Reich A.Psychosocial aspects of rosacea with a focus on anxiety and depression.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2018;11:103-107. doi:10.2147/CCID.S126850.Sanders KM, Akiyama T.The vicious cycle of itch and anxiety.Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews. 2018;87:17-26. doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.01.009Krause K, Zhang XC, Schneider S.Long-term effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy in routine outpatient care for youth with anxiety disorders.Psychother Psychosom. 2024:1-10. doi:10.1159/000537932Garakani A, Murrough JW, Freire RC, et al.Pharmacotherapy of anxiety disorders: current and emerging treatment options.Front Psychiatry. 2020;11:595584. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2020.595584American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hives: diagnosis an treatment.Bentley KH, Franklin JC, Ribeiro JD, Kleiman EM, Fox KR, Nock MK.Anxiety and its disorders as risk factors for suicidal thoughts and behaviors: a meta-analytic review.Clinical Psychology Review. 2016;43:30-46. doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2015.11.008
The American Institute of Stress.What to do when stress gives you hives.
Shebak SS, Pinkston J, Ali R.Rash associated with panic attacks.Prim Care Companion CNS Disord. 2016. doi:10.4088/PCC.15l01822
Huang Y, Xiao Y, Jing D, et al.Association of chronic spontaneous urticaria with anxiety and depression in adolescents: a mediation analysis.Front Psychiatry. 2021;12:655802. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2021.655802
Chen Y, Lyga J.Brain-skin connection: stress, inflammation and skin aging.Inflamm Allergy Drug Targets. 2014;13(3):177-90. doi:10.2174/1871528113666140522104422.
Heisig M, Reich A.Psychosocial aspects of rosacea with a focus on anxiety and depression.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2018;11:103-107. doi:10.2147/CCID.S126850.
Sanders KM, Akiyama T.The vicious cycle of itch and anxiety.Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews. 2018;87:17-26. doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.01.009
Krause K, Zhang XC, Schneider S.Long-term effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy in routine outpatient care for youth with anxiety disorders.Psychother Psychosom. 2024:1-10. doi:10.1159/000537932
Garakani A, Murrough JW, Freire RC, et al.Pharmacotherapy of anxiety disorders: current and emerging treatment options.Front Psychiatry. 2020;11:595584. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2020.595584
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hives: diagnosis an treatment.
Bentley KH, Franklin JC, Ribeiro JD, Kleiman EM, Fox KR, Nock MK.Anxiety and its disorders as risk factors for suicidal thoughts and behaviors: a meta-analytic review.Clinical Psychology Review. 2016;43:30-46. doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2015.11.008
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