What are stress rashes and how can you manage them?

Stress can affect your whole body – including your skin. Sometimes, stress can cause a skin rash. It’s your body’s way of saying it needs rest. These rashes are usually temporary but can get worse if you’re stressed for a long time.

Here, you’ll learn what causes stress rashes, what they look like, and how to deal with them.

How does stress affect your skin?

When you feel stressed, your body makes more cortisol and adrenaline. These can make your skin react. This can cause:

• Inflammation – stress can make skin problems like acne, eczema, or psoriasis worse.
• Slower healing – your skin may take longer to get better.
• Stomach problems – stress can upset your digestion, and this can affect your skin too.

What do stress rashes look like?

Stress rashes can look different for each person, but common signs are:

• Red, itchy spots – often on your chest, stomach, neck, or face.
• Itching or burning – especially on the face or scalp.
• Rashes that come and go – they may get worse when you’re under more stress.

Stress can also make some skin conditions worse, like:

• Psoriasis
• Rosacea
• Eczema
• Acne

4 tips to manage stress rashes.

1. Reduce your stress. Try calming activities like walking, yoga, or meditation. Talking to someone can also help.
2. Take care of your skin. Use gentle skin products and moisturizers. Avoid harsh products that can make your skin worse.
3. Eat healthy food. Choose food rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants – good for your skin and overall health.
4. Get enough sleep. Try to sleep 7 to 9 hours every night. Sleep helps your body recover and manage stress better.

When should you get help?

If your rash is making you feel bad or affects your daily life, see a doctor. A doctor can diagnose the problem and give treatment. If stress is a big part of the cause, a psychologist or therapist can help you deal with it.

Understand your stress with a stress test.

There’s a simple tool called the PSS-10 that helps measure how stressed you are. It’s often used by doctors and mental health professionals. Based on your answers, you’ll get a clear picture of your stress level – whether it’s low, moderate, or high – and whether you might need support.

Take the stress test.