Hives appear as red lumps on the surface of the skin. They vary in size. Sometimes they can be very small, but at other times they can be as big as the size of a saucer. Hives can be itchy, or they can give a burning sensation. In most cases, hives result from allergic reactions when a person exposes themselves to an allergen, but stress can also be a possible cause of hives. Has your chronic stress gotten out of control? To learn more about how to manage stress or our anxiety treatment program in Laguna Beach, contact Oceanfront Recovery at 877.279.1777 today.
Can Stress Cause Hives?
If you are developing hives and have no idea what is causing them, it makes sense to do a thorough reflection and check if, in the past days, you have exposed yourself to any known allergen. If not, then perhaps you need to analyze your mental well-being.
Women are at a higher risk of developing hives as a result of stress. This is especially in the case where the woman has experienced these hives before. Hives appear on our bodies when we experience stress because of histamine production. Stress increases the production of this compound, which cells normally release when we have injuries.
So, can stress cause hives? Yes, this is true. But you have to exhaust all other possible causes before you settle on stress as the ultimate factor. If you experience stress because of anxiety issues, you can check into an anxiety treatment program that will help manage the issue.
Treatment For Stress Hives
Stress hives typically last for 24 hours before they disappear. But only if you are not stressed too much. They can be persistent in other instances lasting from a few days to several weeks, depending on the individual.
The treatment options available include:
- Taking strong antihistamine medication to manage the production of histamine. You should only do this after a recommendation from a doctor.
- Using antibiotic tablets or steroids to reduce the hives.
- Consulting a dermatologist. The hives may not only be due to stress but other conditions such as angioedema. Stress only acts as an accelerant.
Preventing Hives
Experiencing stress is normal for everyone. The only thing that we have to be aware of is our stress levels. If you let stress overwhelm you, it will negatively affect your mental well-being. You will have to seek the services of a mental health treatment center for professional help.
You can learn to manage your stress levels by yourself too. Simple daily activities such as exercising and maintaining a healthy balanced diet can help you improve your ability to cope with stress. Therapies and other forms of relaxation can also reduce the adverse impact of stress on your health.
What You Can Do on Your Own to Prevent Stress
Some helpful tips for preventing stress on your own include:
- Avoid things that trigger your stress whenever possible.
- Set “me-time” aside daily to unwind from the stress of the day.
- Try yoga, mindful meditation, or light exercise to ground yourself.
- Take up a new hobby that you’ve been curious about.
- Don’t underestimate a simple distraction like a movie or taking a walk.
There are plenty of things you can do to manage your stress on a daily basis, but if your stress becomes overwhelming or your anxiety becomes unbearable, it is time to reach out for professional help. Even if you have already had your life negatively impacted by stress and anxiety, help is available to you.
Chronic Stress Management At Oceanfront Recovery
The center has programs that can help you deal with stress. In managing the stress, you will be able to control the appearance of hives on your skin. These programs will also help you learn skills that will strengthen your ability to handle stressful situations. Other programs address conditions such as anxiety that are stress triggers.
Some of these programs are:
- PTSD treatment program: Past trauma affects our present lives. These traumas can trigger and act as stress causes in our bodies. The program will help you deal with past trauma and its triggers. By doing so, you will be less stressed and enjoy a healthy lifestyle.
- ADHD treatment program: ADHD can make you act impulsively. Impulsivity can disrupt the normal flow of your daily activities, thus making you feel stressed. Treating it will help manage stress, and this program can help you with that.
- Residential treatment program: This program enables you to get treatment while you stay at the facility. Staying at the facility is beneficial since you are under the care of professionals throughout.
- Aftercare program: We all need a shoulder to lean on at our lowest moments. This program connects you with other recoverees for such support.
Discover Stress Management and Mental Health Treatment at Oceanfront Recovery
Can stress cause hives? The answer is not straightforward. Hives can appear for several reasons, stress being one of them. Too much stress can morph into serious mental health issues such as anxiety or depression. If you or your loved one is experiencing unmanageable stress, it is better to see a doctor before it is too late. Contact Oceanfront Recovery by calling 877.279.1777 or filling out our online form, and we’ll help you understand and manage your situation.