Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsFacial Rash & StressSymptomsTreatmentManaging the RashOther Causes
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Facial Rash & Stress
Symptoms
Treatment
Managing the Rash
Other Causes
This article will discuss the link between facial rashes and stress, provide an overview of stress-induced rash symptoms, and offer options for treating and managing sudden and chronic rashes.
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Facial Rash and Stress: What’s the Link?
Stressimpacts various physical and mental health issues. When you experience stress, your stress response system—known as thehypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis(HPA)—andautonomic nervous system(ANS) create an immune system response to try to attack the perceived threat, causing a number of potential reactions.
The skin has its own HPA axis that activates the immune system under stress, leading to physical reactions like facial rashes.
For some people, psychological stress can also worsen current skin conditions like:
Perceived vs. Actual StressResearch shows that perceived stress causes worse skin reactions than actual stressful events. Anticipating a stressful situation allows more time to think and brings in past similar experiences, thus causing more adverse reactions.
Perceived vs. Actual Stress
Research shows that perceived stress causes worse skin reactions than actual stressful events. Anticipating a stressful situation allows more time to think and brings in past similar experiences, thus causing more adverse reactions.
What Causes a Stress Rash and How to Prevent It
Rash Symptoms on the Face From Stress
Facial rashes can look different in different people and situations. Some common symptoms of a stress rash on the face include:
These symptoms usually occur on the face but can also be located on other body parts. Facial rashes from stress often have symptoms similar to those of different skin conditions, such as dermatitis, rosacea, and psoriasis. A healthcare provider can help distinguish between acute (short-term) stress-related symptoms and those due to other illnesses.
Alphabetical List of Common Rashes and Their Causes
Mental Illness and Skin Disease
There is a significant connection between skin disease anddepression,anxiety, andsuicidal ideation.The relationship between mental illness and skin diseases—a field known as “psychodermatology” is an emerging area of research and practice in the United States. While complex, researchers categorize the connection into one of three categories:
How to Treat Sudden Stress Rash
Acute skin stress may cause reactions that last minutes or hours but don’t typically continue for over a week.When a facial rash appears suddenly, treatment should aim to decrease symptoms. This can include:
Managing Chronic Rash or Hives
Managing Rash Symptoms
You can use medications, such asantihistaminesor anti-itch lotions, to treat specific symptoms, like itching. Over-the-counter medications usually will not make a rash go away but can help alleviate the discomfort associated with the rash. Check with a healthcare provider before starting any new medication.
Rash From Allergic ReactionAllergic reactionscan cause a sudden rash with hives, swelling, or itchiness. Seek immediate medical attention if you have a rash with:Mouth or throat swellingDifficulty swallowingLight-headednessDizzinessHeart racing
Rash From Allergic Reaction
Allergic reactionscan cause a sudden rash with hives, swelling, or itchiness. Seek immediate medical attention if you have a rash with:Mouth or throat swellingDifficulty swallowingLight-headednessDizzinessHeart racing
Allergic reactionscan cause a sudden rash with hives, swelling, or itchiness. Seek immediate medical attention if you have a rash with:
Lifestyle Changes
Some behaviors can worsen chronic rashes and hives. The following can help with rash management:
When Stress Isn’t Causing Face Rashes
The skin is your body’s first line of defense against potential threats to the body; it is often the first thing to respond when physical or psychological stress occurs. These stressors can cause damage to the skin, which leads to problems, including:
Stress is not the only cause of skin rashes. Contact a medical provider if skin symptoms develop suddenly, don’t show signs of improvement after several days or after the stressor has passed, or cause discomfort, pain, or other concerns. A mental health provider can help with managing stress and mental illness symptoms.
10 Warning Signs to Seek Immediate Care for a Rash
Summary
Chronic rashes may require lifestyle changes like getting more sleep, modifying your diet, and avoiding harsh environmental conditions. A healthcare provider can help you determine the cause of facial rashes and provide treatment options.
15 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.
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American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hives: overview.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease.Psoriasis.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Rosacea.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Vitiligo: overview.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Acne.
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Passeron T, Zouboulis CC, Tan J, et al.Adult skin acute stress responses to short-term environmental and internal aggression from exposome factors.J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2021;35(10):1963-1975. doi:10.1111/jdv.17432
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