How to treat a rash on the face due to nervousness

Each person’s body is unique: for some, the psychological shock passes quickly and unnoticed, while for others a rash appears from the nerves. In addition, against the background of stress, the general well-being and condition of nails, hair, and skin can greatly deteriorate. In this article we will look at what allergic reactions look like and analyze the factors that cause the disease.

Could a rash be caused by nervousness?

This is quite a pressing question, but to this day no one can give a definitive answer to it.

In some countries around the world, doctors diagnose “psychogenic urticaria.” It is based on the results of many years of research on people suffering from long-term depression, vegetative-vascular dystonia syndrome (VSD) and other debilitating disorders.

In mentally unstable people, in addition to the main symptoms, rashes on the hands in the form of blisters (urticaria) were observed.

Most medical researchers claim that stress is a trigger for urticaria due to nerves, since favorable conditions appear in the body for the immune system to malfunction.

Relapses of chronic diseases of the digestive and respiratory systems appear. There is also a high risk of disruption of the endocrine system, which contributes to the development of allergies. Actually, this is how an inadequate reaction mechanism and increased sensitivity to external stimuli are triggered.

Today, scientists have proven that prolonged negative emotions contribute to the deterioration of the body’s condition. However, practicing allergists use an individual approach to treating patients due to the fact that for some, nervousness is a common condition, and for others, it is a trigger for an exacerbation of the reaction.

Photos of skin rashes due to nervousness

Overexertion affects the entire body, including skin, hair, and nails. Nervous rashes due to stress often present with unpleasant redness and pimples. Treatment for the rash depends on the corresponding symptoms and the underlying disease.

Could a rash be caused by nervousness?

Stress can affect more than just your emotional health. The reaction to overexertion causes a wide range of physical symptoms, such as rashes, dystrophic changes in the nails, and exacerbation of chronic diseases. Rashes can appear on any part of the body. After recovery, no traces remain - this confirms that the cause of dermatitis is nerves.

Scientists have proven that strong emotional experiences are associated with the appearance of acne or nettle fever. Areas of skin affected by dermatitis are red, inflamed, and swollen.

Symptoms of a nervous rash

Skin rashes are a common physical symptom of stress. Everyday forms of stressful situations have little effect on the body. Nervous exhaustion leads to dermatitis and allergic reactions, manifested by the following symptoms:

• skin rashes (wet, dry, flaky);
• anxiety;
• itching;
• incessant burning;
• the appearance of blisters;
• shiver;
• decreased mood;
• sneezing;
• drowsiness.

Repetitive stress and facial skin are closely related. Eliminating the main symptoms will restore health to the skin.

Types of nerve rash

Spots and rashes due to nervous stress are localized on one part of the body and move to another, covering a large area. The rash comes in different forms. Stress can prevent existing skin problems (psoriasis, eczema) from healing properly. The affected areas itch and cause discomfort.

A nervous allergy is considered acute if it resolves after 9 weeks. When symptoms cannot be completely and permanently cured, the condition is considered chronic.

Nerve allergies

Research has shown that stress increases allergic reactions. Addressing anxious behavior will reduce sensitivity to allergies.

The following symptoms indicate a nervous allergy:

• chills;
• fever;
• oppression;
• spots and pimples appear on the skin;
• irritation of any area of ​​the body, causing the desire to itch.

To prevent environmental and psychological factors from putting too much strain on the skin, it is necessary to maintain its moisture and elasticity.

Hives

Hives are considered a common type of rash characterized by the formation of raised, red, itchy patches on the skin. The cause and severity of the condition varies; only specialists will be able to find the cause of the spots.

What causes nervous rash in children?

Statistics show that there is a large degree of influence of the baby's age on the development of sensitivity to allergens and nervous rashes.

In children under one year old, a negative situation may be the transition to artificial feeding and cessation of breastfeeding, or the first introduction of complementary foods.

A big stress for a young child is isolation from the mother, lack of attention, and love from loved ones.

Food allergies are most common in children in the first two years of life. This is due to the imperfection of the digestive organs, for example, the pancreas does not secrete enough enzymes to digest foods.

Children with a hereditary predisposition often experience increased sensitivity of the body to certain types of allergens.

It is these children who have a high risk of reactions to stress factors that cause an allergic rash. However, stress will not be the true cause of the child’s reaction, but rather is of a provocative nature, aggravating the condition of an already susceptible organism.

Parents with children with allergies should remember that negative emotions experienced by their child can aggravate the development of the disease.

A negative emotional factor for school-age children can be poor grades, problems with relationships between the student and teachers, and peers.

What rashes can be caused by nervousness?

Below we will look at the main types of rashes that occur in people due to stress.

Allergy

Allergies are characterized by so-called “migrating” spots. They appear, soon after emotional upheavals, on the face, torso, and inner thighs. The spots appear and disappear without causing any negative sensations.

Nervous allergies: photo

However, there are other types of manifestations, among them:

• nervous scabies;
• urticaria, asthma attacks;
• psoriasis;
• eczema;
• vitiligo;
• lichen.

Nervous urticaria

Nerve hives are a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. If it appears regularly, then you should have antiallergic drugs (antihistamines) in your medicine cabinet.

Nervous urticaria

Urticaria is characterized by:

• the body becomes covered in rashes almost instantly;
• a rash on the body is characterized by similar blisters on the hands and throughout the body and face;
• the appearance of itching;
• burning, redness;
• swelling, irritation at the affected sites.

Blisters can go away as quickly as they appeared: they usually disappear 24 hours after they appear and nothing remains in their place.

Urticaria is often accompanied by Quincke's edema - swelling and enlargement of the soft tissues of the face, neck, and head. Swelling can develop from a few minutes to several days after contact with the allergen.

Urticaria may be accompanied by symptoms of intoxication:

• dyspnea;
• fever;
• tachycardia (increased heart rate);
• chills;
• diarrhea;
• abdominal pain, etc.

Pimples due to nervousness

Due to the increased production of stress hormones - adrenaline, corticosteroids, norepinephrine, testosterone in the muscles, heat generation increases and catabolism begins.

This process triggers the formation of acne on the skin, which, under the influence of hormones, cannot partially resist bacteria and external infections. It is because of this that inflamed, purulent, painful acne appears on the face.

The hormonal “storm” slows down the functioning of the thyroid gland, which regulates the production of sebum, resulting in blackheads.

In stressful situations, people involuntarily spread infection to the face and injure the surface of the skin, namely:

• uncontrolled touching of the face;
• involuntary scratching of the dermis;
• rubbing cheeks, face;

Due to stress, a person's sweating increases, thus the dermis loses moisture, and bacteria provoke the appearance of new rashes.

Nerve spots on the skin

Often spotty rashes appear on the scalp. Also, the entire body is covered with them: they can change color and size. These symptoms may indicate the onset of dermatitis.

Spots on the body due to nervousness: photo

When spots appear, the following also occurs:

• itching;
• burning;
• peeling;
• bubbles.

Most often, patients develop red spots on the face, neck and groin.

Dermatitis

Dermatitis is an inflammatory process on the skin. Stressful situations and the influence of antigens on adults and children suffering from hereditary allergies provoke increased activity of the immune system.

As a result of complex biochemical processes, inflammatory mediators - histamine and cytoxins - begin to be intensively produced. This process affects the dermis, causing allergic dermatitis.

Allergy treatment

Allergies that arise from nervousness differ in treatment methods from the true ones due to the lack of contact with the allergen and the different nature of the development of the reaction.

For severe skin manifestations, antihistamines are used:

• Cetirizine;
• Suprastin;
• Tavegil;
• Loratadine.

Considering that the provoking factor of the reaction will be nervous overstrain, complex treatment is required aimed at restoring psycho-emotional well-being.

1. Working with a psychologist or psychotherapist.
2. Acupuncture.
3. Physiotherapeutic procedures that harmonize the state of the nervous system: circular shower, hydromassage bath, swimming in the pool, baths with sedative salt.

1. Yoga or qigong will have a beneficial effect.
2. Massage.
3. General strengthening of the immune system.

All of the above treatment methods are highly effective in treating this disease. All remedies can be used regardless of age and general health. General restorative procedures aimed at restoring emotional peace are suitable for children, pregnant women, and adults.

Traditional medicine is used as an auxiliary therapy:

Nervous rash: symptoms

An allergic rash is no different from pathologies caused by other factors. In addition, the direct connection between stress and rashes on the body is not always monitored in time. Typically, symptoms are identified much later, when the trigger of depressing emotions has already been eliminated. When a critical, tense situation has already passed, the patient’s body recovers, but it is at this stage that illness awaits him.

Main symptoms:

• Dermatological manifestations on the body of an adult: from local to general reactions. The localization of lesions is varied: nervous skin rashes can appear on the face, neck, chest, limbs, mucous membrane of the mouth, genitals, and respiratory tract.
• Respiratory manifestations: all kinds of respiratory disorders caused by changes in the nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi. The most common are: rhinitis, allergic cough, asthma. Changes in the respiratory tract include the appearance of abundant secretion and bronchospasms.
• Gastroenterological manifestations: pathological reactions from the digestive system. They are considered a “mask” for many therapeutic diseases, including emotional allergies. The disease manifests itself in the form of lack of appetite, heartburn, and diarrhea.

Nervous urticaria: 7 photos, treatment, causes and symptoms

Urticaria due to stress is a negative response of the body, manifested in the form of a skin rash and developing due to prolonged physical, psychological and emotional stress.

Short-term papules or blisters form on the skin surface, often accompanied by intense itching. The disease is caused by increased excitability of the nervous system. May become chronic.

Urticaria from nerves. What is the reason?

To the question whether urticaria can be caused by nervousness, the answer is yes. Urticaria occurs when the body lacks compensatory and adaptation mechanisms. As a result, emotional stress gradually develops into pathologies of a mental and somatic nature.

The main reason is the active release of histamine and serotonin by cells in response to an irritant. The blood vessels in the body expand, and their walls become more permeable. Since the condition of the skin is interconnected with the central and autonomic nervous system, it instantly reacts to a provocateur in the form of inflammation.

Prolonged stress leads to such an increase in sensitivity, which has a negative effect on the central nervous system.

Therefore, among the main causes of such urticaria are the following:

• excessive excitability and irritability;
• prolonged emotional stress;
• prolonged depression;
• chronic stress;
• neurosis;
• increased fatigue.

Stress can be both negative and positive. For example, losing a job, getting married, going on a roller coaster ride, or exercising can all equally trigger hives.

In addition, nervous urticaria can develop against the background of other diseases. Among them:

• problems with the gastrointestinal tract (especially gastritis, ulcers, enterocolitis);
• pathologies of the genitourinary system;
• sexual dysfunction;
• cardiovascular diseases (especially arterial hypertension and coronary heart disease);
• endocrine disorders.

Since women are more emotional, they develop this type of urticaria more often. In addition, young children, whose nervous system is not yet fully formed and is unstable, are predisposed to pathology.

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Symptoms

The main symptoms of the pathology are as follows:

• profuse skin rashes in the form of blisters or papules of a reddish hue (photos of nervous urticaria and different degrees of symptoms are available online);
• intense itching in affected areas;
• general weakness and malaise;
• reluctance to eat;
• nausea, migraine and dizziness;
• trembling in the limbs;
• pain in the joints;
• temperature increase (up to 39°C);
• dyspnea;
• pressing sensations in the heart area;
• anxiety.

In most cases, everything is limited to rash and itching. Most often, rashes appear in the areas of the neck, chest, back, as well as on the limbs and mucous membranes. Often individual formations merge into larger ones. The standard duration of symptoms is up to 5-6 days. The rash may be irregular and vary in shape and size.

In serious cases and with chronic pathology, the rash becomes dark in color and may not go away for several weeks. At the same time, attacks are repeated more often.

Photos will demonstrate different degrees of nervous urticaria; symptoms and treatment depend on the severity of the disease. However, if the rash does not go away for more than 6 weeks, most likely it is another type of hives and stress has nothing to do with it.

It is important to know that the rash can appear on the mucous membranes of the mouth, larynx and bronchi. In the last two cases, this can lead to suffocation and subsequent death. Therefore, if during attacks the patient is bothered by a strong cough and hoarseness, it is also impossible to postpone going to the hospital.

Diagnosis

You should consult a doctor if you notice the first symptoms of urticaria due to stress - itching and rash. You can go for a diagnosis even if the symptoms of the disease have already gone away. The main goal in this case is to identify the provoking factor.

Diagnosis of stress-induced urticaria may include the following examinations:

• physical examination of the skin and assessment of medical history, including stress;
• allergy testing;
• general analysis of urinary and fecal compositions;
• analysis of blood composition (general analysis, as well as tests for antibodies, red blood cells, C-reactive protein and complement component);
• tests for the presence of hepatitis, syphilis and parasites;
• ECG and ultrasound of the cardiac zone;
• skin biopsy (tissue collection for study in the laboratory).

The patient may also be sent for examinations and tests to rule out other diseases such as various infections, autoimmune disorders and metabolic disorders.

As a rule, stress urticaria is difficult to diagnose and is practically no different from the allergic type. Due to the psychological nature of the pathology, the patient may also be referred to a psychotherapist to confirm the diagnostic results and subsequently undergo a course of psychotherapy.

Directions of therapy

In many cases, stress-induced urticaria goes away on its own. Especially in the absence of stress factors for a long time.

However, in some cases of nerve hives, treatment is necessary. In general, therapy includes the following areas:

• Maximum protection from stress. The patient needs to be provided with comfort and peace.
• Drug therapy. Includes products for both internal and external use.
• Psychotherapy. It is prescribed in courses and in cases where a possible cause has been identified. For example, neurosis. The patient is also taught how to manage stress in difficult and emotionally intense situations. In more serious cases, a trip to a sanatorium is recommended.
• Diet. It will be beneficial even if the urticaria is non-allergic. Foods that have a stimulating effect on the nervous system are excluded from the diet. This includes alcohol, caffeine-containing foods and drinks, sweets, and seasonings. A vegetable-dairy diet will also be useful. It is advisable to drink more clean water at room temperature.
• Supporting measures. Herbal medicine and folk methods. You can also wipe the patient's skin with a damp towel from time to time.

Drug therapy usually includes:

• Ointments, creams, gels. Designed to soothe the skin and eliminate the inflammatory process. Individuals with mild symptoms can manage with these medications alone. Many of them can be purchased without a prescription.
• Antihistamines.
  Both external and internal types. The second ones are more effective. Antihistamine treatment combats symptoms. However, in the next stressful situation, the latter may return.
• Hormonal agents.
  Usually in the form of creams containing corticosteroids to reduce the intensity of the rash. In severe cases, drugs are prescribed orally. Both of them have many contraindications and side effects. Therefore, they are rarely prescribed.
• Immunosuppressants. Sometimes prescribed to people with severe manifestations of the disease.
• Sedatives and antipsychotics. To reduce stress levels and calm the nervous system.

When the disease is chronic, they most often resort to antihistamines, as well as pyrogenic drugs.

Diagnosis of nervous skin rashes

Stress is not the initial cause of the disease: it only contributes to the triggering of the disease in combination with other factors. Therefore, the patient examination algorithm includes standard methods:

• Collecting the patient's medical history. This is the collection of general information about the events that preceded the development of symptoms: how the manifestation of the disease began, its duration, systematicity. It is at this stage that the patient should report similar pathologies in close relatives.
• Laboratory research. Swabs are taken from the site of the lesion to identify the pathogen: bacteria, rods. In case of nervous stress, the tests are “clean”, that is, pathogens are not detected.
• General blood and urine analysis;
• Biochemical blood test for hormones and liver function;
• Skin tests for antigens. Groups of allergens are applied to the arm or back and the skin is punctured; after 15 minutes, the results are assessed. By the way, this method 100% helps to identify the group of allergens in adults, but for children under 12 years of age it is not very informative.

High-quality diagnostics does not imply a huge number of tests and samples. A competent dermatologist or allergist can make a diagnosis based on medical history, and laboratory data is needed to ensure the accuracy of the diagnosis.

Treatment for nervous disorders

When nervous rashes appear, antihistamines are prescribed, as they block the production of histamine. The main task of the patient is to avoid neurosis and emotional overstrain, be it joy or irritation.

For this they recommend:

• visit a psychologist;
• change the environment, place of work;
• use sedatives of plant origin;
• in severe cases, take antidepressants;
• reconsider your life values ​​and spend more time with your loved ones.

Treatment methods depend on the severity of skin lesions. For example, psoriasis requires specialized treatment, hormonal ointments, etc. You should be careful, treat your body and listen to the recommendations of your doctor.