How do you tell if hives are from stress or allergy

Hives: Pictures, Causes, and How to Treat Them

Hives typically occur as an allergic response to something in your environment or something you ate. But they may sometimes happen because of an underlying health issue.

Hives, also known as urticaria, are itchy, raised welts that are found on the skin. Theyre usually red, pink, or flesh colored on lighter skin and may be flesh colored or slightly lighter or darker than your skin tone on brown or black skin.

Sometimes they sting or hurt. In most cases, hives are caused by an allergic reaction to a medication or food or are a reaction to an irritant in the environment.

In many cases, hives are an acute (temporary) problem that may be alleviated with allergy medications. Most rashes go away on their own. However, chronic (ongoing) cases, as well as hives accompanied by a severe allergic reaction, are larger medical concerns.

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Hives are usually caused by an allergic reaction to something that you have encountered or swallowed. When you have an allergic reaction, your body begins to release histamines into your blood. Histamines are chemicals your body produces in an attempt to defend itself against infection and other outside intruders.

In some people, histamines can cause swelling, itching, and many of the symptoms that are experienced with hives. In terms of allergens, hives can be caused by factors such as pollen, medications, food, animal dander, and insect bites.

Hives might also be caused by circumstances besides allergies. Its not uncommon for people to experience hives as the result of stress, tight clothes, exercise, illnesses, or infections.

Its also possible to develop hives as the result of excessive exposure to hot or cold temperatures or from irritation due to excessive sweating. Because there are several potential triggers, many times the actual cause of hives cant be determined.

People who are known to have allergies are more likely to get hives. You may also be at risk of developing hives if youre taking medication or if youre unknowingly exposed to things you may be allergic to, such as food or pollen. If youre already ill with an infection or a health condition, you may be more vulnerable to developing hives.

The most noticeable symptom of hives is the welts that appear on the skin. Welts may be red but can also be the same color as your skin. They can be small and round, ring-shaped, or large and of random shape. Hives are itchy, and they tend to appear in batches on the affected part of the body. They can grow larger, change shape, and spread.

Hives may disappear or reappear over the course of the outbreak. Individual hives welts can last anywhere from half an hour to a day. Hives may turn white when pressed. Sometimes the hives may change shape or form together and create a larger, raised area.

Hives can occur in a variety of places on the body. Call 911 or get medical attention immediately if you develop a hives outbreak around your throat or on your tongue or have trouble breathing along with hives.

Hives can occur in response to an allergic reaction or may not have an identifiable cause.

Allergic reactions

The most common causes of hives are allergic reactions. These can be caused by any allergen you might be sensitive to, including:

• foods (such as nuts, milk, and eggs)
• pet dander
• pollen
• dust mites
• insect bites or stings
• medications (primarily antibiotics, cancer drugs, or ibuprofen)

Mild cases of hives caused by allergies are typically treated with long- or short-term allergy medications and avoidance of the trigger.

Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a severe, life threatening allergic reaction. In this condition, hives are often accompanied by breathing difficulties, nausea or vomiting, severe swelling, and dizziness. Call 911 or your local emergency services immediately if you suspect youre experiencing anaphylaxis.

Chronic hives

Chronic hives are ongoing cases that dont necessarily have an identifiable cause. Also called chronic urticaria, this condition is marked by recurring hives that can interfere with your daily life. Chronic cases can last between weeks to several months or years.

You may suspect chronic hives if you have welts that dont go away within 6 weeks. While not life threatening, this form of hives can be uncomfortable and difficult to treat. Chronic hives may also be a symptom of an underlying health problem, such as:

• an autoimmune disorder
• celiac disease
• lupus
• type 1 diabetes
• rheumatoid arthritis
• thyroid disease

Dermatographism

This form of acute hives is considered mild. Excessive scratching or continuous pressure on the skin causes it. Dermatographism usually clears up on its own in a short period of time without treatment.

Temperature-induced hives

Sometimes changes in temperature can induce hives in people who are sensitive to such changes. Cold-induced hives may occur from cold water or air exposure, while body heat from physical activity may cause exercise-induced hives. Exposure to sunlight or tanning beds may also bring about solar hives in some people.

Infection-induced hives

Both viral and bacterial infections can cause hives. Common bacterial infections causing hives include urinary tract infections and strep throat. Viruses that cause infectious mononucleosis (mono), hepatitis, and colds often cause hives.

The first step in getting treatment is to figure out if you actually have hives. In most cases, a doctor will be able to determine if you have hives from a physical exam. Your skin will show signs of the welts that are linked with hives.

A doctor may also perform blood tests or skin tests to find out what may have caused your hives especially if your hives were the result of an allergic reaction.

You may not need prescription treatment if youre experiencing a mild case of hives not related to allergies or other health conditions. In these circumstances, a doctor might suggest that you find temporary relief by:

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that needs to be treated immediately by a physician. If you think you may be experiencing anaphylaxis, contact 911 or your local emergency services.

Simple changes to your lifestyle may be able to help you prevent hives from reoccurring in the future. If you have allergies and you know which substances are likely to cause an allergic reaction, a doctor will suggest that you avoid any possible exposure to these factors. Allergy shots are another option that may help you reduce the risk of experiencing hives again.

Avoid being in high humidity areas or wearing tight clothing if you have recently had a hives outbreak.

Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about hives.

Are hives contagious?

No, hives are not contagious and cant spread from one person to another.

Do hives mean Im allergic to something?

In many cases, hives are the result of an allergic reaction to something you have been exposed to, such as certain medications or pollen. It could also be caused by an infection, stress, or wearing clothes that are too tight. If you have hives that persist for more than a few days, contact a doctor to see if an allergy test is needed to determine the cause of your symptoms.

How long do hives last?

A hives outbreak can last anywhere from several hours to up to a week or two. If the hives are the result of an allergic reaction, they may last longer and require medical treatment. In some cases, chronic hives can last for months or even years. Talk with a doctor if you experience hives that dont go away on their own.

Are there any home remedies for hives?

Yes, there are several home remedies that may help alleviate the symptoms of hives. Taking an antihistamine is one option, as well as taking a cool or lukewarm bath with colloidal oatmeal or baking soda. Avoid hot water, as this may aggravate the hives. Also, try to avoid any potential irritants or allergens that may have caused the hives in the first place.

Although hives can be itchy and uncomfortable, usually theyre not severe and will disappear after a period of time. However, be aware that as some hives go away, new ones may pop up.

Mild cases of hives are considered harmless. Hives can be dangerous if you are having a serious allergic reaction and your throat is swelling. Prompt treatment for a severe case of hives is important for a good outlook.

Stress Rash: Tips for Identification, Treatment, and More

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Stress rashes often appear as raised discolored bumps called hives. They are commonly found on the face, chest, neck, or arms, and may itch, burn or tingle.

Everyone deals with stress from time to time, and stress can have an effect on more than just your emotional health. Stress can also cause physical symptoms, such as a rash, that can amplify your stress.

Luckily, a stress-induced rash generally isnt cause for concern. In fact, it can often be treated easily at home. Read on to learn how to identify a stress rash and the best way to treat one.

Stress rashes often take the form of hives, also called wheals or welts. Hives can appear anywhere on the body. Areas affected by hives are generally raised, itchy, and swollen and are sometimes warm to the touch. These blotchy areas can be as small as a pencil tip or as large as a dinner plate.

Sometimes these patches may connect to form even larger welts. These wheals can range in size from less than a centimeter to big patches covering large areas of the skin.

• In Black or Brown skin, hives may appear as a raised patch thats slightly pink or a slightly darker shade than your natural skin tone.
• In white or pale skin, hives usually appear as red or pink discolorations.

Hives usually appear as raised, swollen, itchy plaques anywhere on the body. They tend to come and go. They may show up on one part of the body then resolve and reappear somewhere else. They typically resolve within 2 to 3 hours, but it can take up to 1 day for you to feel full relief.

Areas affected by hives will likely itch. You may also experience a tingling or burning sensation when touching the affected areas.

A single hive generally fades in about 24 hours. But new hives may form as old hives disappear. If you have multiple appearances of hives, you may experience these symptoms for about 6 weeks. This is considered acute hives.

Though less common, your symptoms may persist beyond 6 weeks. If this happens, your hives are considered chronic.

Hives are often the result of your immune system reacting to an allergen (such as food or pollen). Hives can also be caused by other factors such as viral infections, other illnesses, drug reactions, or environmental triggers. Stress is considered to be an environmental trigger.

Stress can come from anywhere, but common triggers for stress rashes are:

• starting college, getting married, or other major life events
• new jobs or challenging promotions
• an overly ambitious new exercise routine
• quitting smoking or a drastic change to your diet
• a death in the family or other sources of grief
• anxiety over friends or loved ones going through hard times
• a period of insomnia or poor sleep hygiene

In addition to these common events, a history of anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, somatoform disorder, or other mental health conditions can cause chronic stress that leads to hives.

When youre stressed, it isnt uncommon to experience a flare up related to an existing skin condition. This happens because your body releases extra chemicals, such as neuropeptides and neurotransmitters, when youre under stress or anxiety. Stress can also cause an increase in immune cells, resulting in an autoimmune reaction and hives.

These chemicals can change how your body responds to various functions. This change in response can cause inflammation, sensitivity, and other discomforts to the skin.

Sometimes hives go away on their own without treatment. Otherwise, the condition can generally be treated at home. The most common treatment for hives is an over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine. Antihistamines can relieve symptoms such as itching.

Common OTC treatments include:

Shop for OTC antihistamines online.

Natural home remedies for a stress rash

There are plenty of at-home treatments to experiment with, and you probably dont even have to go to the store. To relieve your stress rash you can try:

• placing a cool compress on the affected areas
• taking a lukewarm shower or a soothing oatmeal and milk bath
• using fragrance- and dye-free lotions
• staying hydrated and limit your alcohol and caffeine intake
• making an herbal poultice to lower the amount of skin inflammation
• avoiding hot showers or high humidity
• avoiding tight clothing or anything that rubs on your skin

Managing your stress

If your rash is caused by stress, this may be a sign that you need to lower the number of stressors in your life. There are many methods to help ease your mind and relieve stress, including:

Once you identify techniques that help you relax and reframe your outlook, you may find that your skin condition improves.

In the meantime, you can try using OTC medications as needed to alleviate any inflammation and irritation. If your symptoms persist or if you think theyre the result of an underlying condition, consult a doctor. They can work with you to determine your next steps.

Medical treatments for a stress rash

If your symptoms worsen or last longer than 6 weeks, you should consult a doctor. Hives that last beyond 6 weeks are considered chronic and may or may not go away on their own within a year.

A doctor may prescribe one of the following to treat severe or chronic hives:

• prescription-strength antihistamines
• corticosteroids, such as prednisone
• a monoclonal antibody, such as omalizumab (Xolair)
• cyclosporine, which can be used to treat inflammation
• montelukast (Singulair), or other allergy medications
• other medications that lower the amount of redness and swelling
• immunosuppressant medications, which would rarely be used

If you experience swelling of the lips or face, trouble breathing, or wheezing, you should use 911 or local emergency services. These can be life threatening complications, and you may need an epinephrine shot for treatment for anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction.

If your rash is tied to a preexisting condition, such as psoriasis or rosacea, talk with a doctor. They can look over your current treatment regimen and may be able to make adjustments if needed.

Its possible to confuse a stress rash with other common skin conditions. These include:

• Heat rash. If you live or work in hot, humid conditions, you may be experiencing a heat rash. This happens when your pores become blocked and sweat is unable to escape.
• Stress acne. This is acne thats triggered by stress and anxiety, and it has most of the same symptoms as standard acne.
• Pityriasis rosea. This is a common type of rash that often goes away on its own. Pityriasis rosea typically starts with a large patch of red, raised skin but isnt usually itchy.
• Rosacea. This is another common skin condition. Depending on the type, rosacea often causes small, red sometimes pus-filled bumps to form on the skin. The skin can thicken in these areas. In some cases, rosacea can be caused by stress.
• Contact dermatitis. This is usually an acute condition that causes a red, itchy rash to appear on the skin. You may also experience bumps or blisters, swelling, and tenderness with contact dermatitis.
• Eczema. This is a chronic condition that may be triggered by stress that can also make your skin red and itchy. Although eczema begins most commonly in children, it can occur at any age.

If you have a preexisting skin condition, such as psoriasis or rosacea, you may also find that stress worsens your symptoms. If this occurs, stress is considered a trigger for these conditions.

If youre experiencing itchy welt-like patches that resolve in several days or with OTC treatment, then theyre probably hives. However, if youre unsure, a rash can be a symptom of something else, such as an underlying medical condition or an allergy to a medication, and should be looked over by a doctor.

If the bumps are hard or filled with pus or something other than clear fluid, they may be a sign of an underlying medical condition or a serious allergic reaction.

You should also consult a doctor if you have:

• a rash over your whole body
• a fever or swollen lymph nodes
• pain stemming from your hives
• blisters that leak yellow or green fluid
• peeling skin alongside your hives
• bumps that are hard or filled with pus
• hives that involve a mucous membrane
• a rash that doesnt resolve

If you develop a rash or hives after taking a new medication, you should consult a doctor immediately.

If you suspect your rash is the result of a preexisting condition for which youre currently finding treatment, you may benefit from a consultation. A doctor can confirm your suspicions and take the appropriate next steps.

Contact a doctor if you suspect the rash is caused by an allergen. Severe allergic reactions may result in anaphylaxis, which requires immediate medical treatment.

Rashes caused by stress may vary in how theyre treated and how long they last. A stress rash with hives will likely disappear with time and mild to moderate treatments.

You may need to see a doctor or therapist to treat stress-related skin conditions such as acne, dermatitis, or severe or long-lasting hives. If you have chronic conditions such as psoriasis and rosacea, you should work with a doctor to develop an appropriate treatment plan.