⏱️ 4 min read

Hives and Stress: Understanding the Connection and Natural Relief Options

Share:

Is my stress level causing my skin rash?

A skin issue can sometimes seem like an unsolvable mystery but just look at the incidence of hives to consider this common condition as the cause of that rash you are experiencing. Did you know that approximately 20% of people experience hives at some point in their lives? (Nature) In 2019 alone, about 65 million people worldwide were affected by hives, with a prevalence rate of 842 cases per 100,000 individuals (PMC). Individual hives typically last less than 24 hours, but new ones can continue to appear, extending the overall duration. When hives persist for more than six weeks, the condition is classified as chronic urticaria (AAD).

Hives—those itchy, red, and sometimes painful welts that appear on the skin—are often linked to stress. Stress is a significant trigger as it prompts the release of hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, leading to inflammation and skin irritation. If you’ve ever had a big deadline looming or been overwhelmed by life’s demands, you might have noticed your skin reacting in uncomfortable ways. Stress doesn’t only show itself through the common symptoms we all know of like mental fatigue, poor sleep and higher blood pressure, but can also commonly take a serious toll on your skin, leading to conditions like hives. But don’t worry - there are effective ways to manage both stress and its impact on your skin.

Let’s dive into the connection between stress and hives, explore common treatments, and discuss why a natural solution like CBD might be a game-changer for your skin.

The Impact of Stress on Your Skin

When your body is under stress, it releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. While these hormones are part of your body’s natural “fight or flight” response, they can also cause inflammation and disrupt your skin’s natural barrier. This is commonly the case when we are experiencing chronic regular high stress levels or suddenly find ourselves in a very stressful situation. These situations can lead to hives, which are your skin’s way of reacting to internal or external irritants.

Chronic stress can also make existing skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or acne worse. Studies show that prolonged stress lowers your immune system’s ability to fight inflammation, leaving your skin more vulnerable to flare-ups and irritation.

Stress-induced hives are particularly tricky because they’re not caused by an external factor but rather by your body’s internal reaction to stress hormones. If untreated, they can persist for days or even weeks, making it difficult to focus on your daily life.

• Stress
• Allergies (food, medication, or environmental)
• Infections
• Heat or cold exposure

Stress-induced hives are particularly tricky because they’re not caused by an external factor but rather by your body’s internal reaction to stress hormones. If untreated, they can persist for days or even weeks, making it difficult to focus on your daily life.

Traditional Treatments for Hives

When it comes to managing hives, most people turn to over-the-counter or prescription treatments, and home remedies such as:

• Antihistamines: These are the most common option for relieving itchiness and reducing the size of hives. However, they can sometimes cause drowsiness.
• Topical Steroid Creams: These reduce inflammation and can provide fast relief. While effective, prolonged use of steroids can thin your skin and end up being the cause of skin irritation or sensitivity. A vicious cycle.
• Cold Compresses: Applying a cold pack can soothe itchiness and reduce swelling. Not always an accessible option, cold may also have limited effects.

While these treatments can offer relief, they often address the symptoms rather than the root cause. For stress-related hives, tackling the underlying stress is key to solving the issue for long-term skin health.

The Importance of Stress Management

If stress is triggering your hives, managing your mental health is just as important as treating your skin. Here are some proven strategies to help:

• Meditation and Breathing Exercises: Regular mindfulness practices are a great way to lower your stress. Sometimes sticking to the practice can be challenging with a busy stressed out life so find an app to help guide you through to develop a new helpful routine.
• Regular Exercise: Activities like yoga, walking, or swimming not only boost your mood but also improve circulation, which benefits your skin. Keep in mind that you don’t want to engage in activities that irritate the local area of active hives.
• Adequate Sleep: Poor sleep can worsen both stress and skin conditions. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. See our article on Sleep.

Nourishing Your Skin From Within

Your diet plays a huge role in your skin health. Consider if foods you are eating may be contributing to your skin irritation. Eating a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods can also make a big difference. Consider incorporating:

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds, these help reduce inflammation.
• Antioxidants: Fruits and vegetables like berries, spinach, and broccoli fight free radicals and promote skin healing.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and support its natural barrier.

The Role of Topical Skin Care Products

For immediate relief, using the right topical products can help soothe your skin. Traditional options include:

• Steroid Creams: While effective, overuse can lead to thinning skin and sensitivity.
• Moisturizers: Look for fragrance-free and hypoallergenic options to avoid further irritation.

However, many people are now turning to natural, plant-based alternatives for long-term relief. One standout option is CBD.

Why CBD Could Be a Game-Changer for Your Skin

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a natural compound derived from the hemp plant. It’s known for its anti-inflammatory and calming properties, making it an excellent choice for soothing stressed-out skin. Here’s why CBD is worth considering:

• Reduces Inflammation: CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system to calm overactive immune responses (Journal of Inflammation Research). The endocannabinoid system is found through the body but importantly it has a big presence in the skin. This means CBD applied topically can help reduce redness and swelling associated with hives.
• Soothes Itchiness: Its calming properties help relieve the discomfort that comes with itchy skin. Research shows that CBD has antipruritic effects, with research finding that 90.9% of patients reporting significant improvement in itchiness after using CBD-based treatments (Springer).
• Supports Skin Repair: CBD is rich in antioxidants, which help protect your skin from damage and support its natural healing process (Pharmaceuticals).

You can learn more in this article about CBD and how it interacts with receptors in your skin that form part of your immune response. 

Try Dr. Kerklaan’s Natural CBD Skin Cream

For those looking for a natural alternative to steroids and other harsh creams, Dr. Kerklaan Therapeutics’ Natural CBD Skin Cream is a perfect choice. Formulated with high-quality CBD and soothing ingredients, it’s designed to:

• Calm inflammation
• Reduce redness
• Provide deep hydration

Importantly it is formulated specifically to be fragrance free, easy on the skin, and well absorbed even over irritated hives. Whether you’re dealing with hives, eczema, or general skin irritation, this cream offers targeted relief without the drawbacks of synthetic treatments.

Conclusion

Now you know; stress and anxiety can cause skin rashes, wreak havoc on your skin, but understanding this connection and taking proactive steps can make a big difference. By managing your stress, eating well, and choosing the right skincare products, you can keep hives and other skin conditions under control. Natural options like CBD offer a safe and effective alternative to traditional treatments, giving your skin the care it deserves.

Ready to try a natural solution? Explore our Natural CBD Skin Cream today and experience the difference for yourself.

References

• Maurer, M., Schoepke, N., Bergmann, KC. et al. "Urticaria: Overview." Nature Reviews Disease Primers 8, 61 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41572-022-00389-z
• Gonçalo M, Gimenéz-Arnau AM, Ferrucci SM, Asero R, Toumi A, Balp MM. "Global Prevalence of Urticaria: A Systematic Literature Review." The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice. 2023 Nov 8;12(2):660-671.e7. doi: 10.1016/j.jaip.2023.10.037. PMID: 37953143; PMCID: PMC10636626.
• American Academy of Dermatology Association. "Hives: Overview." American Academy of Dermatology, https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/hives-overview.
• Wójcik P, Garley M, Wroński A, Jabłońska E, Skrzydlewska E. "The anti-inflammatory effects of cannabidiol (CBD) on acne." Journal of Inflammation Research. 2021;14:6549-6556. https://doi.org/10.2147/JIR.S344617
• Tóth KF, Ádám D, Bíró T, Oláh A. "Cannabidiol as a potential therapeutic agent for cutaneous inflammatory conditions: a comprehensive review." Phytochemistry Reviews. 2023 Jun 19;22:2179-2210. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11101-023-09860-5
• Scheau C, Badarau IA, Mihai LG, Scheau AE, Costache DO, Constantin C, Calina D, Caruntu C, Costache RS, Caruntu A. "Cannabinoids in the Pathophysiology of Skin Inflammation." Pharmaceuticals. 2022; 15(2):210. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph15020210