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Can Stress Cause Rash Symptoms On Your Face?
Medically reviewed by Dakari Quimby, PhD
Facial rashes, characterized by discoloration, hives, swelling, and itching, can occur for many reasons. Stress can activate an immune response and contribute to new or worsening facial rashes.
This article will discuss the link between facial rashes and stress, provide an overview of stress-induced rash symptoms, and offer options for treating and managing sudden and chronic rashes.
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Facial Rash and Stress: What's the Link?Stress impacts various physical and mental health issues. When you experience stress, your stress response system—known as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA)—and autonomic nervous system (ANS) create an immune system response to try to attack the perceived threat, causing a number of potential reactions.
The skin has its own HPA axis that activates the immune system under stress, leading to physical reactions like facial rashes.
For some people, psychological stress can also worsen current skin conditions like:
Eczema: An inflammatory skin condition that can cause itchiness or changes to skin texture or color.
Hives: A skin reaction with a sudden onset characterized by intensely itchy, discolored, raised bumps or patches of skin.
Psoriasis: An autoimmune skin condition that causes patches of skin to become scaly or inflamed.
Rosacea: An inflammatory skin condition that causes facial flushing, which can progress to a rash, visible blood vessels, skin thickening, and eye irritation.
Vitiligo: An autoimmune condition that causes the skin to lose pigment, resulting in areas patches of skin that appear lighter than your natural skin color.
Acne: A skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become plugged and bacteria begins to grow, developing into a pimple or cyst.
Alopecia areata: An autoimmune disorder that occurs when the immune system attacks hair follicles, causing patches of hair to fall out.
Stress is also compounded by other life situations, such as a lack of sleep, which can add to the immune system response and cause or worsen skin rashes.
Perceived vs. Actual StressResearch shows that perceived stress causes worse skin reactions than actual stressful events. Anticipating a stressful situation allows more time to think and brings in past similar experiences, thus causing more adverse reactions.
Related: How to Identify and Treat a Stress Rash
Rash Symptoms on the Face From StressFacial rashes can look different in different people and situations. Some common symptoms of a stress rash on the face include:
Visible discoloration or redness
Burning or stinging sensation
Swelling in small or large areas of the face
Itching
Pain
Dryness or scaling
These symptoms usually occur on the face but can also be located on other body parts. Facial rashes from stress often have symptoms similar to those of different skin conditions, such as dermatitis, rosacea, and psoriasis. A healthcare provider can help distinguish between acute (short-term) stress-related symptoms and those due to other illnesses.
Related: Alphabetical List of Common Rashes and Their Causes
Mental Illness and Skin DiseaseThere is a significant connection between skin disease and depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. The relationship between mental illness and skin diseases—a field known as "psychodermatology" is an emerging area of research and practice in the United States. While complex, researchers categorize the connection into one of three categories:
Skin problems exacerbated by stress or psychological problems
Psychological problems that result from skin disorders
Psychiatric disorders that manifest via the skin
Acute skin stress may cause reactions that last minutes or hours but don't typically continue for over a week. When a facial rash appears suddenly, treatment should aim to decrease symptoms. This can include:
Use a moisturizer with calming ingredients, especially if you are stinging or in pain.
Use mild cleansers to keep the skin clean.
Opt for moisturizing cosmetics that do not contain harsh chemicals or ingredients.
Skin rashes can be caused or worsened by internal and external factors, including psychological stress, environmental stressors like cold or pollution, and habits like nutrition and sleep.
When these stressors are not managed, skin conditions like rashes and hives can become chronic and require long-term management. You can manage rashes and hives by addressing the symptoms and making lifestyle adjustments.
Managing Rash SymptomsYou can manage rash symptoms by keeping your skin clean and using gentle skincare products. Contact a healthcare provider for support with long-term rash management. Symptoms differ from person to person, and a healthcare provider can work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan.
You can use medications, such as antihistamines or anti-itch lotions, to treat specific symptoms, like itching. Over-the-counter medications usually will not make a rash go away but can help alleviate the discomfort associated with the rash. Check with a healthcare provider before starting any new medication.
Rash From Allergic ReactionAllergic reactions can cause a sudden rash with hives, swelling, or itchiness. Seek immediate medical attention if you have a rash with:
Mouth or throat swelling
Difficulty swallowing
Light-headedness
Dizziness
Heart racing
Some behaviors can worsen chronic rashes and hives. The following can help with rash management:
Getting enough sleep each night
Eating a healthy, balanced diet
Exercising regularly
Limiting alcohol use
Wearing sunscreen on your face each day
Avoiding spending prolonged periods in polluted areas
Avoiding spending prolonged periods in harsh temperatures that are very hot or very cold
Limiting spicy foods
The skin is your body's first line of defense against potential threats to the body; it is often the first thing to respond when physical or psychological stress occurs. These stressors can cause damage to the skin, which leads to problems, including:
Dryness
Hives
Skin color changes
Slow wound recovery
Acne
Premature aging
Itching
Hair loss
Oily, waxy, or flaky skin patches
Scaly skin
Rash on body areas other than the face, such as the hands
Stress is not the only cause of skin rashes. Contact a medical provider if skin symptoms develop suddenly, don't show signs of improvement after several days or after the stressor has passed, or cause discomfort, pain, or other concerns. A mental health provider can help with managing stress and mental illness symptoms.
Related: A Guide to Which Rashes You Should Worry About
SummaryStress is a common cause of facial rashes, which can bring about symptoms including eczema, hives, psoriasis, and rosacea. You can manage sudden rashes by keeping the area clean and moisturized, avoiding harsh chemicals, and taking over-the-counter medications.
Chronic rashes may require lifestyle changes like getting more sleep, modifying your diet, and avoiding harsh environmental conditions. A healthcare provider can help you determine the cause of facial rashes and provide treatment options.
Read the original article on Verywell Health.
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Stress, Genetics And Other Medical Causes Of Infertility In Both Men And Women
Understanding the primary factors contributing to infertility in both men and women is crucial for couples struggling to conceive. Infertility, defined as the failure to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse, affects around 10 to 15 percent of couples worldwide. While the numbers have remained relatively stable, there has been a noticeable shift in causes and age demographics associated with infertility.
In assessing infertility, it's important to recognise that both male and female factors can contribute, with each accounting for approximately 35 percent of cases, says Dr Monica Jani, Gynaecologist & Obstetrician, Bhailal Amin General Hospital, Vadodara.
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Additionally, Jani says that about 20 percent of cases are attributed to issues involving both partners, while 10 percent remain idiopathic, lacking a clear identifiable cause.
Female factors
Cervical factors: Issues like cervical stenosis, abnormal mucus, or impaired sperm interaction hinder sperm transport to the uterus. These factors create a barrier that sperm must overcome to reach the egg, impacting fertility, says Jani.
Uterine factors: Conditions such as endometritis, fibroids, or structural abnormalities can affect implantation and embryo development. The uterus provides the environment for the embryo to implant and grow, so any abnormalities here can lead to infertility or miscarriages.
Ovarian causes: Ovulation disorders, hormonal imbalances, or ovarian cysts disrupt the release of eggs needed for fertilisation. Ovulation is a crucial step in conception, and any irregularities in this process can result in infertility.
Tubal factors: Blockages or adhesions in the fallopian tubes impede the journey of sperm to meet the egg. The fallopian tubes are where fertilisation typically occurs, so any obstruction here can prevent the sperm from reaching the egg, leading to infertility.
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Male factors
Pretesticular factors: Hormonal imbalances or disorders involving the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, or adrenal glands can affect sperm production. Hormones play a crucial role in sperm production, so imbalances in these glands can impact fertility.
Testicular factors: Conditions like testicular failure, trauma, varicocele, or exposure to radiation/medications impair sperm production or quality. The testes are where sperm are produced, and any damage or abnormalities in this area can lead to issues with sperm quantity or quality.
Post-testicular factors: Obstructions in the vas deferens or ejaculatory ducts, infections, or surgical interventions may disrupt sperm transport or ejaculation. Even if sperm are produced normally, issues with transport or ejaculation can prevent them from reaching the egg.
Lifestyle and environmental influences on fertility
Impact of lifestyle: Factors such as obesity, poor diet, smoking, alcohol, drug use, and exposure to chemicals/radiation affect reproductive health. Unhealthy lifestyle choices can have a significant impact on fertility, affecting hormone levels and sperm quality.
Genetic factors: Inherited disorders, chromosomal abnormalities, or mutations can contribute to infertility in both men and women. Some individuals may inherit conditions that directly affect reproductive function, leading to infertility.
Advancing age: As couple delay childbearing, age-related declines in fertility become more pronounced, particularly in women due to decreased egg quantity and quality. Fertility naturally declines with age, especially after the age of 35 for women, making it more challenging to conceive.
Stress: Stress disrupts hormonal balance and interferes with reproductive processes in both men and women. High levels of stress can impact hormone production, ovulation, and sperm production, making conception more difficult.
Nivedita is a Delhi-based journalist who writes on health, fashion, lifestyle and entertainment. Views expressed are personal.
The Most Common Signs Of Stress — And How To Quickly Get Rid Of It
By Alyssa BradfordAlyssa is a trending desk writer for the Deseret News. She covers health and travel.
National Stress Awareness Month was made to highlight the negative effects of stress. Effective stress management can improve day-to-day life mentally and physically, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Recently, WalletHub released a report about the most stressed states within the United States. Louisiana, Mississippi and Nevada all came out on top due to violent crime rates, low job security, failing health and parenting problems.
Stress is part of life. Learning more about the common signs and how best to reduce symptoms will be valuable when you encounter stressful situations and periods.
What are the signs and symptoms of stress?Stress can have physical and emotional symptoms. Often, unhealthy behaviors may also be a sign of chronic or increased stress, per Cleveland Clinic.
Emotional symptoms, per WebMD:
Physical symptoms, per Mayo Clinic:
Unhealthy behaviors, per Cleveland Clinic:
According to The Washington Post, you can improve your emotional state and become more adept at preventing stress symptoms by accessing your body's natural capacity to soothe itself. Here are the Post's suggestions:
1. Relax your faceWhen stressed, different areas of our bodies can tighten, cause tension and make us feel stressed. Facial tension, specifically, is said to cause anxiety, headaches and overall negative emotions, per Healthline.
The Washington Post suggests trying to half-smile, which automatically releases some tension in your face. Studies have also reported that getting Botox injections will help ease areas of your body that are held tight and reduce negative emotions.
Massaging your face or other body parts can help relax muscles. Here are different stretches you could try, per Popsugar:
According to a study published in the journal Comprehensive Psychoneuroendocrinology, receiving physical touch from yourself or others, through hugs, reduced cortisol levels.
Examples of things to touch for comfort:
During times of stress, the body's fight-or-flight response causes pupils to dilate, reducing both literal and figurative perspective. However, intentionally noticing distant viewpoints and surroundings can help alleviate the feeling of being overwhelmed by challenges, per The Washington Post.
4. Breathe through your noseAccording to The Washington Post, stress increases blood pressure. Breathing through your nose, however, is associated with lowered blood pressure and improved heart rate variability.
Often, when I am doing yoga or meditation, the class is invited to breathe through their nose. Teachers have said it would help with focus and relaxation.
In general, meditation or yoga is said to have many emotional and physical benefits, per Mayo Clinic.
The Washington Post suggests creating stressful situations in advance, before an actual stressful situation, in a safe environment. In the safe environment, you might understand more about how you react to certain situations, how they make you feel, get used to them and ultimately build up courage to overcome them or relax.
Welcome panic in therapy is called interoceptive exposure. Proven benefits, according to Positive Psychology, include:
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