How To Tell If Your Rash Is From Stress & What To Do About It

The effects of stress span well beyond emotional health: Acne, hair loss, and weight gain can all be side effects of chronic stress. And beyond worsening existing skin rashes from conditions like psoriasis or eczema, stress can also cause new skin flare-ups and irritations. Here's what skin care experts have to say about stress-induced rashes and how to manage them.

For people with existing skin conditions, stress can also worsen symptoms or cause more flare-ups. One 2013 medical review found that stress seems to exacerbate atopic dermatitis2 by impairing the immune response and skin barrier function, while another 2018 review concluded that it's a big trigger for both the onset and exacerbation of psoriasis3.

Stress-related rashes are typically an exacerbation of underlying conditions, says Zeichner. So if you struggle with skin issues like eczema or psoriasis, you're likely already familiar with stress-induced flares. But stress rashes aren't completely limited to people with pre-existing skin issues: "Those prone to allergic reactions can experience hives due to stress alone," Villafranco adds.

Stress-induced rashes don't always stand out from non-stress-induced ones, but there are some clues that can help you identify them. "If you're under a great deal of stress and you notice your skin behaving strangely, those two facts are probably related," explains Villafranco. That's particularly true if you're breaking out in hives and can't pin it to environmental triggers, food allergies, or a new medication.

In most cases, stress rashes aren't a big deal and can be treated at home. One caveat is that any rash that is blistering or spreading rapidly should be checked out—especially if it's accompanied by fever or labored breathing. If you don't have those kinds of symptoms but your rash doesn't seem to be improving with home remedies and you're getting concerned, Zeichner recommends seeking medical care too.

The best way to prevent itchy, uncomfortable stress-induced rashes is to lean on your favorite stress management tools. "You can't prevent stress, but you can train yourself to respond to it more successfully," says Villafranco.

If you already have a rash and suspect stress is involved, there are a few ways to find relief: You can apply a cool compress to itchy, inflamed patches or soak in a lukewarm bath or cool shower. Again, if your rashes don't improve with home triage, it might be time to check in with your doctor to see if they can recommend any anti-inflammatory creams or other treatments.

The stress in our lives has a way of playing out our skin. And while we have limited control over stressors like work, money, and relationships, we can take steps to mitigate how we react to them. By managing our response to stressors that are beyond our control, we can limit their effects on the body, rashes included.