Is there a cure for stress-related hives?

Stress can cause acute urticaria and it can make the symptoms of chronic urticaria worse.¹ It doesn’t help that having hives is itself very stressful, which only increases the stress levels causing your symptoms such as itch to get worse.

There is no cure for hives from stress-related causes because it is impossible to remove stress entirely from your life. However there are ways to help manage stress:

• Identify what you get stressed by and reduce or avoid these situations where possible
• Exercise, even 10 minutes a day can decrease stress and anxiety
• Practise relaxation techniques such as mindfulness, meditation and yoga to help you to cope in challenging situations
• Talk to a friend or family member about some of the challenges you are facing
• Try to get enough sleep

• Find a relaxing activity such as knitting, gardening, reading etc
• Interact with a pet.

Try to remember that hives is due to your immune system over reacting. It is not your fault. Reducing stress can be helpful but it is likely that you will also need other treatments to help with the redness, swelling and itch.

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