Can stress cause hives? This is a question often asked by people dealing with pressure or anxiety, and the response isn't necessarily what they might want to hear. Yes, stress can cause hives, as stress plays a role in the quality of health, causing a multitude of problems, including high blood pressure and heart related issues.

It is suspected that hormonal imbalances, which release excessive amounts of histamines into the body due to stress, compromise the immune system. This results in hives or rashes breaking out on the skin. Allergies related to certain foods, food additives and certain medications can also result in hive outbreaks.

Symptoms
Hives present themselves as raised red welts in various sizes or as a rash. Breakouts occur on the arms, feet, chest, back, genital area and face.

Swelling around the eyes, lips, throat or extremities may signify a condition known as angioedema. This condition causes difficulty in breathing do swelling in the throat and requires attention by medical personnel.

There is no minimum amount of time for the breakouts to last. They may appear for a few minutes or several days. Seek medical attention for outbreaks lasting longer than one week.

Medications for hives relief are available by prescription or over the counter medications. Consult your doctor before taking any medications to prevent drug interaction and to ensure there is no underlying health problem other than hives.

Utilizing a stress management regimen to control anxiety and stress can aide in preventing or lowering the recurrence of hives.

Stress Prevention
Hives and rashes can be triggered even when stress and anxiety are at minimal levels. Monitor situations in your daily life, including work and family, and find alternative ways to ease stress. Exercise and a healthy diet can lower stress levels and reduce the number of itchy outbreaks.

Be aware of stress related triggers and remove those triggers. This will help counter those hormonal imbalances that help break the cycle of hives and rashes.