Stress Rash on Stomach – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

In our lifetimes, people often face issues and situations that make us stressed. Problems and challenges that lead to stress can be encountered at home, work, school and many other places we frequent in our day to day life. The effects of feeling low and not seeing a way out can manifest as a stress rash on stomach and back. Let us have an in-depth look at how such a rash manifests itself and how to treat it.

What is a Stress Rash?

A stress rash is an elevated or flat rash that is itchy and reddish. It can appear on the stomach, the back, the neck and on facial skin. You may also feel a burning sensation over the area affected by a stress rash.

Can Stress Cause a Rash on Stomach?

Stress due to increasing demands in modern professional and personal lives is a common occurrence. There are an increasing number of cases of stress and its associated effects noted by medical professionals. Severe stress can lead to depression. When you are stressed, your body’s immune system gets weak. Allergy chemical histamine is released, causing the rash. Being stressed and anxious can cause a rash on your stomach. The rash could also be found on other body parts as aforementioned.

Stress Rash on Stomach Causes

Severe stress has been found to cause stress rash on the stomach. In 2005, a study in a Taiwanese University found that chronic skin rashes can result from stress. When your stress levels go above average, you have a higher likelihood of showing stress related rash on your stomach. Other studies in 2012 and 2013 drew the same conclusion that stress often leads to stress rash on stomach and back.

A 2010 Plymouth University study linked chronic rash with post traumatic stress. The study found that patients suffering chronic rash are twice as likely to later develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Stress Rash on Stomach Symptoms

Both genders are prone to stress rash on their stomach and other body parts, although women are more susceptible. You may see the rash or feel it while taking a shower. Itching accompanies a stress rash on any part of your body. The rash may disappear after a number of hours or persist for up to 12 hours. Stress rash can become chronic in 10% of all cases reported. Persons between the ages of 30 and 50 are more prone to stress related rash on the stomach than the rest of the population.

In some cases, a number of secondary symptoms accompany the stress rash on face, stomach or back. Such secondary symptoms are headaches, coughing, sore throat, sweating and a running nose.

A stress rash is not life-threatening. However, if you note changes in your level of consciousness and alertness, you should seek medical attention fast. Other reasons to rush to the hospital are pain and stiffness in your joints, sudden swelling of the lips, tongue or face, and high fevers or chills.

How to Get Rid of Stress Rash on Stomach

When you have a stress rash, make sure to see either a dermatologist or a doctor. There are a number of ways to get rid of stress rash on your stomach. Some of them are medical and others are not. The medical professional you consult will guide you on the medical remedies to a stress rash. These include but are not limited to

• Use of Antihistamines: These are medicines that are used to counter the effect of histamines in allergic reactions. Antihistamines should be used only under the prescription and dosage given by a doctor.
• Deep Breathing Controls Stress: It is both a preventive and curative measure. Preventive because it prevents stress from reaching harmful levels, and curative because it relieves stress.
• Cold shower relieves you from the discomfort you experience with a stress rash.
• Seek relief for the cause of your stress: A session with a therapist will help you identify and address whatever is causing you to be stressed.

Have adequate rest when you have stress rash on your stomach. A day or two off work is a great idea for your rest and recuperation. Additionally, your mental health is important. You should not be so much after physical wellbeing that you forget to take care of your mental health. A stress rash is a physical manifestation of an emotional and mental problem.

Positive lifestyle changes should accompany medication and other steps you take to relieve stress rash. Without a good lifestyle, the rash on your stomach and back will recur and turn chronic.