Chronic stress affects more than your mental health; it can also affect your skin. If you have pre-existing conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and rosacea, stress can exacerbate them and cause a flare-up. Even worse, watching that stress rash on your neck spread to your face can cause more stress and anxiety, leaving you stuck in a never-ending cycle of discomfort. The most common ways to manage the itchy red welts that are a sign of a stress rash are to use topical creams and antihistamines. While these treatments are generally effective, they do not address the underlying causes of stress that lead to anxiety-related hives in the first place.
According to the American Institute of Stress, a stress rash—raised, puffy welts on your skin that may spread or itch—might look like an allergic reaction but can occur as a result of being overly stressed.
Stress affects people's skin in different ways. The term "rash" is broad and may describe skin that is covered in small, irritated red bumps. Stress hives may occur if your skin gets red or itchy. If you have a skin condition, such as acne, psoriasis, or eczema, stress can worsen your symptoms.
Stress rashes occur when your sympathetic nervous system becomes overstimulated. This causes histamine release, leading to hives or itchy skin welts. Histamine is a compound released during inflammatory and allergic reactions.
Most of the time, a stress rash will clear on its own within a few days. However, new welts may form if you remain under stress.
If you are looking for a natural, holistic way to deal with a stress rash, consider how Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can help you manage both stress levels and skin health.
TCM is based on the belief that vital energy (qi) flows along meridians and ensures optimal physiology. Blocked qi creates an imbalance between yin and yang, compromising health and making the body prone to toxins and pathogens.
As Senior TCM physician Brandon Yew explains, "Stress can disturb the flow of qi, increasing toxins and pathogens. These wreak havoc, particularly on the lungs, which are directly related to skin health in TCM. Skin issues often arise when you're stressed."
Keep reading to discover five ways to ease the discomfort of stress rashes and prevent them from recurring.
Acupressure involves applying pressure to specific points on the body to restore energy flow and balance yin and yang.
Scientific studies show promising results, but acupressure alone is unlikely to cure stress rashes. It is a helpful complementary therapy that you can try at home.
Located on the inner thigh when the knee is bent.
Found at the outer elbow crease when bent.
Located on the radial side of the midpoint of the first metacarpal bone.
Found on the wrist at the ulnar end of the transverse crease.
Located four finger-breadths below the knee cap.
Found on the dorsum of the foot between the first and second metatarsal bones.
Herbs play a key role in TCM, targeting underlying issues rather than surface symptoms. Examples include American ginseng tea and chrysanthemum to reduce inflammation and restore skin health.
In TCM, foods are classified as heating or cooling. Eating cooling foods like watermelon and leafy greens helps balance excess heat and soothes the skin.
Acupuncture, cupping, and tuina (medical massage) are TCM treatments that promote qi flow and address stress-related skin issues.
Mindfulness practices like meditation, tai chi, or qigong can help reduce stress and its impact on your skin.
Small lifestyle changes and seeking professional advice can significantly reduce stress rash flare-ups.
