Stress allergy: Symptoms, Causes, How to Prevent And Treat It

Stress allergies can affect the quality of life of those who suffer from them, so it is vital to see a specialist to receive the appropriate treatment.

When there is a heavy workload, academic or daily stress, the body can react to this emotional stress. In some people, it can generate what is commonly known as stress allergy.

However, the correct medical term is urticaria. This is a condition that can be triggered by several factors, including stress.

According to experts, if this condition lasts more than six weeks, it becomes chronic urticaria. The causes of this disease are often unknown. In addition, there are several cases of this disease where stress is determined to be the trigger.

Why can stress cause allergies?

The axis that handles this problem is the Psycho-Immuno-Neuro-Endocrine-Cutaneous (PINEC), says Guatemalan dermatologist Carlos Cordero. This means that when there is a skin reaction to stress, there are psychological, immunological, neurological, hormonal, and dermatological factors at play, which is why it is important for the patient to have adequate treatment from the specialists they require.

Cordero mentions that all the stress contained in the brain can be directed towards the skin, causing intense itching that is difficult to regulate, especially when it comes to nocturnal pruritus (itching).  

What are the symptoms of stress allergies?

According to doctor Luis Alejandro Domínguez, from the Guatemalan Social Security Institute (IGSS), the symptoms vary, as some are mild and others more severe. The most common are:

• Itchy skin
• Redness in the area
• Erythema (skin lesions)
• Blisters that may be painful
• Other, more serious symptoms can affect a patient’s quality of life. According to the Mayo Clinic, one of them is angioedema, a painful swelling around the lips, cheeks, or eyes.

Treatment

“Treatment should be combined, with the support of a psychiatric colleague to manage the impulsiveness and obsession of the affected person,” says dermatologist Cordero.

This means that the patient should seek dermatological help firsthand, but in the case of urticaria caused by stress, the dermatologist will refer the patient to a mental health specialist, either a psychologist or a psychiatrist.

How to prevent stress allergies?

Prevention goes hand in hand with stress reduction. However, consider also wearing appropriate clothing to avoid skin damage. According to Cordero, clothing made of semi-synthetic fibers is among the materials to avoid. Black clothing is also not recommended during hot weather.

As for stress reduction, Dominguez and other experts say there are useful techniques for this, including:

• Take regular breaks and get a good night’s sleep
• Practice conscious breathing, meditation, and/or yoga
• Using humor to lighten emotional burdens
• Maintain close and healthy interpersonal relationships
• Listen to music of your liking
• Delegate responsibilities when necessary
• Reduce work overload
• Seek professional help if you are unable to manage your stress on your own. Remember that you can go to private specialists or go to public health centers for free or low-cost therapy.

Finally, remember to go to the doctor if you have hives. On the other hand, if you have a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) accompanied by dizziness, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the tongue, lips, mouth, or throat, go immediately to a nearby health center for treatment.