What Are Stress-Induced Hives And How Do I Treat Them?

Medically reviewed by Melissa Guarnaccia, LCSW and Nikki Ciletti, M.Ed, LPC
Updated October 14, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team

Although many people know that stress can lead to mental health challenges, it’s less widely known that stress can cause physical symptoms and illnesses too. Some of these symptoms may be familiar, like high blood pressure or headaches. However, other symptoms, like stress-induced hives, may be talked about less.  

Hives can be caused by various mental and physical health challenges. Before attributing your symptoms to stress, it can be beneficial to reach out to your primary care provider for evaluation to rule out any underlying causes. If you are experiencing stress-induced hives, read on for more information and tips on soothing your skin. 

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What are hives? 

Hives are a type of rash, usually in the form of raised bumps, which are often centralized on a certain area of your body, like stress bumps on fingers or itchy red patches on your arms or chest. These rashes can sometimes look like a welt or burn. They may itch, sting, or burn. 

Note: If your face, tongue, lips, or any part of your mouth is swelling along with hives, you are likely experiencing an allergic reaction. A swelling throat can be life-threatening, so reach out to emergency services immediately and follow up with your doctor. 

Does stress cause hives? 

Stress on its own can cause hives in some people, but scientists aren’t exactly sure why. Some researchers believe hives are a result of the impact that stress has on the immune system, which can include inflammation in the body. However, the entire connection is not fully understood, and more research is required.  

How long do stress-induced hives last? 

There is no set amount of time hives or stress rashes may last. They could occur for a day or go on for weeks. In some cases, as some of your hives are disappearing, new ones may begin to show up. Hives can also come and go over a longer period of time. If you find that they continue to come back or you've been noticing them consistently for several days, you may want to speak with your doctor. 

How to treat stress-induced hives 

If your hives are significant, causing severe discomfort, or are lasting a long time, it’s recommended that you meet with a doctor or dermatologist for support as soon as possible.  

Otherwise, typically, the first thing to do if you’re breaking out in hives is to determine what's causing them. To do this, think back through the last few days. Have you eaten something new, been exposed to a new fabric, or started using a new soap or laundry detergent? If so, your hives could be the result of a reaction, and avoiding the cause may prevent future outbreaks. 

If not, it could be stress. In this case, it can help to look at what other symptoms you are experiencing. If you’ve noticed other symptoms of stress like muscle tension, irritability, a sense of overwhelm, and trouble sleeping, for instance, your hives might be stress-induced. Once you suspect that stress may be the cause, the following strategies can help you cope with your hives. 

Treatment of the skin itself 

If you’re experiencing hives that are severe or happening consistently over days or weeks, you might want to find a doctor for medical advice. Otherwise, taking an over-the-counter antihistamine as directed may help lessen the symptoms that you are experiencing. Cold compresses and anti-itch lotions could also be helpful. 

Stress-management tips 

If your hives are caused by stress, reducing and/or better managing your stress levels is likely your best option for finding relief. There are many different stress treatments that may help. Here are some you might try. 

Meditation 

Meditation is an ancient practice originating from various cultures in India that’s about cultivating a calm, nonjudgmental awareness of the present moment. Once you’ve built up a consistent meditation practice, you may be less reactive to stress and better able to notice when it’s starting to build so you can take action. Research suggests that mindfulness-based therapy may also be efficient in reducing stress. 

Another common element of meditation is deep breathing. A natural physical response to stress is to take shallow quick breaths, so focusing on slow, deep breaths for a few minutes may help you feel calmer. There are many different strategies that you can use to do this, but the most important thing is usually to make sure that you are filling your lungs and diaphragm with air when you breathe in, holding it for at least a second, and then slowly letting the air out completely. 

If you're interested in practicing meditation, mindfulness, or deep breathing, there are many apps and videos that you can choose from to help you work through the process. Professional counselors can also guide you in how to do these and other stress-relieving exercises.  

Journaling 

Journaling can be an effective way to handle stress as well. It can be helpful to get all your thoughts on a situation out onto paper. This can help you to process the emotions that you're experiencing, gain clarity on the situation, and find calm. Journaling may also help you identify common sources of stress in your life so you can address them. 

Self-care 

Making sure that you eat nutrient-dense foods often, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly can be important for your physical and mental health. If you are experiencing high levels of stress, practicing self-care may not be the first thing on your mind, but these strategies may actually help you find relief. 

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Seeking therapy for stress 

If you’re experiencing stress to the point that it’s causing hives or other physical symptoms, it may be helpful to reach out to a therapist for support in reducing stress. Therapy can be an effective way to learn how to recognize and address stressors in your life and develop healthy coping mechanisms.  

According to research, one of the most effective forms of therapy for stress, anxiety, and depression is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT can generally be conducted online or in person, depending on your preferences, as online therapy is usually as effective as in-person therapy. If you don’t have many mental health providers in your area or don’t have time to commute to and from in-person therapy sessions, online therapy might be a format worth considering. 

Takeaway

Intense and/or ongoing stress can have significant impacts on the mind and body, and the appearance of stress rashes like hives are one possible manifestation. After checking with your doctor to rule out any other underlying causes of a stress rash, such as certain skin conditions, the next step is usually to work on effective, healthy ways to reduce and manage stress in your life. Journaling, meditating, and cultivating healthy lifestyle habits can be helpful, as can meeting with a therapist. 
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