Can excessive stress cause hives? What's the mechanism behind it?
Actually, to be precise, it's not that stress itself directly causes hives, but rather that stress changes the body into a state where it's more prone to developing hives.
While food allergies are a well-known cause of hives, there are other causes as well.
- Sudden warming (heat urticaria)
- Sudden exposure to cold (cold urticaria)
- Sweating
- rubbing
Various "skin irritations" can also be a cause.
Hives develop when a certain level of stimulus—called the reaction threshold—is exceeded. Stress lowers this reaction threshold. As a result, the skin reacts to stimuli that wouldn't normally cause hives, making it appear as if stress is the cause of the hives.
When stress lowers the reaction threshold and triggers hives, the body may react to the causative stimulus at times and not at other times, depending on the level of stress. Therefore, it can be surprisingly difficult to identify the direct cause.
If you develop hives, try to find commonalities in what you were doing immediately before the onset. Knowing the cause is very useful for controlling hives, as you can take steps to avoid the trigger, especially when you are tired.
- If the cause is unknown
- When it is difficult to avoid the cause
- Even if you try your best to avoid it, if you stop taking the hives medication, the hives may recur.
For things like that, it's good to find ways to relieve stress effectively in your own way. If you feel like you can't recover on your own, don't hesitate to consult a psychiatrist or other mental health professional.
Once you develop hives, you'll remain prone to them for a while.
If you suffer from chronic hives, consult a dermatologist and aim to control the condition through medication and lifestyle changes.