I used to get a lot of hives and itching, especially when I was stressed out. A lot of my sensitive skin, allergic-type patients do too. 

So, you can imagine that this past year I have supported many people, and notably women, with more frequent hives and itching of their skin.

Psychological stress (anxiety, depression, burnout) is linked strongly linked to allergic responses. 

So much so, it was once believed that allergies were ‘in the mind’ or just reflections of internal anxiety or depression. We know that’s not the full truth, however the relationship is real and does exist. 

What’s happening at the skin surface?

Stress increases our body’s ability to respond to challenges. Adrenaline and cortisol (molecules and hormones involved in the stress response) help our heart to pump faster, and for our skin to vasodilate, or expand, so that we can sweat more easily (if we need to run and respond to a crisis). 

This creates more histamine, a molecule that helps with expanding and attracting fluid. This means  increased body temperature and the release of prostaglandins, or molecules associated with inflammation. 

What does this mean? 

Stress hormones increase inflammation and histamine = itching and swelling in the skin layers.

It’s not all in the head!

Book a complimentary 15 minute call with me if hives and itching have become a challenge. 

I know all of the things women are carrying may not get easier, but the body and mind can be supported to cope with those demands without creating further reactivity of the skin. 

You don’t need a new body, promise!