Can Anxiety And Stress Cause Itching?

Published November 18, 2023

Have you experienced an unbearable itch that crawls under your skin once stress strikes? Sweating palms, a pounding heart, and the irresistible urge to scratch through tight deadlines. It’s time to look closer into the perplexing world of stress-induced itching. When someone feels anxious or stressed, it can cause their skin to become red and irritated.

Now, you have two questions: “Can anxiety cause itching?” and “Can stress cause itching?” In this article, we’ll look at how stress and anxiety might cause itchiness.

What Is Stress Itching?

Stress itching, or psychogenic itching, occurs when emotional distress triggers intense skin itchiness. The brain’s connection to the skin highlights how mental health affects physical symptoms. Remember that the way stress manifests varies for each individual. 

When a person is under stress, the body triggers a series of reactions in the brain. When this occurs, the body and skin release chemicals and hormones that result in inflammation. The hormone cortisol can make skin conditions worse and cause bothersome itchiness.

Stress can impact the skin, triggering symptoms like redness, dryness, and scaling. These effects create an environment that increases the risk of itchiness. Remember that acute and chronic psychological stress contributes to the perception of itch. It creates a cycle that may affect mental well-being.

A Close Look At The Cycle Of Itch And Anxiety

In the itch-anxiety-stress cycle, each can worsen the other and stress adds up to the mix. When a person is under emotional distress, such as anxiety, itching happens. Scratching further amplifies the tension, sustaining the cycle of discomfort. 

Sadly, the continuous cycle of anxiety itching can negatively impact mental well-being. This can cause harmful behaviors that damage the skin and make stress worse. 

What Are The Symptoms?

Identifying the various manifestations of stress-induced itching is essential. It’s crucial for an accurate diagnosis and proper management.

Here are some of the symptoms:

• Redness. Increased blood flow and inflammation in the affected site.
• Dryness. Poor skin moisture leads to irritation and itching.
• Scaling. Flaking skin can be a direct response to stress.

These symptoms tend to overlap with various dermatological conditions, though.

What Are The Potential Triggers?

If you have psoriasis or eczema, stress can make your itching worse. 

Acute stress, such as a sudden life event, may trigger an immediate bodily response. As a result, it triggers the release of stress hormones that may impact the skin. However, when stress persists, it can lead to chronic inflammation and weaken the skin’s barrier, making itching more likely. 

Management Of Anxiety And Stress Itching

To effectively manage anxiety or stress, it’s important to address their underlying cause. If you want to know how to stop stress itching, there are some things you can do to help it stop and make it less bothersome.

Home Remedies To Relieve Itchy Skin

• Emollients with ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin help restore moisture to dry skin, reducing irritation.
• Using gel packs or refrigerating creams can cool and soothe the skin, reducing the urge to scratch.
• Menthol-containing creams alleviate the feeling of itchiness, providing a cooling effect. 

Behavioral Measures To Prevent Skin-Damaging Behaviors

• Habit reversal therapy has four steps. It helps stop the itch-scratch cycle by replacing the behavior with a better one.
• Breathing exercises, meditation, and muscle relaxation can help control stress and anxiety triggers and reduce itching.

Professional Treatment 

• Doctors may prescribe antihistamines to treat itching caused by allergies or other reasons.
• Consult a dermatologist or allergist for accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment. 

Preventive Measures For Stress Or Anxiety Itching

Nowadays, many people experience stress due to their busy lives. To reduce stress-related itching caused by anxiety, the best way is to lower stress levels. Unfortunately, this may not always be possible.

Several stressors exist that are challenging to avoid and can cause stress. However, it’s possible to take part in activities that enhance an individual’s ability to manage stress. An approach worth considering is to focus on lifestyle factors. Here are some measures to keep in mind:

• Regular exercise. Engaging in physical activity can boost the production of the brain’s feel-good endorphins. These neurotransmitters help boost your mood and serve as natural stress relievers.
• Healthy diet. A balanced diet comprising fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help you feel good and readily cope with stress.
• Adequate sleep. Getting enough sleep every night can fuel both your body and mind. The feeling of fatigue due to lack of sleep can cause you to think irrationally.
• Time management. Proper time management can help avoid the stress of feeling disorganized and rushed, especially at work.

Managing and reducing stress can be challenging. The effectiveness of preventive measures may vary depending on the individual and the nature of the stressor. If itching occurs, minimizing discomfort and preventing further aggravation is essential.

Wrapping Up: Can Anxiety Cause Itching

It’s crucial to recognize the relationship between anxiety, stress, and itching. To get help with ongoing symptoms, it’s best to see a professional for evaluation and a personalized treatment plan. Managing stress can alleviate itching and enhance mental and skin health. Take control of your life by properly managing stress itching for better health and well-being. 

Author Tracy Gorman

I am Tracy Gorman, an experienced writer dedicated to producing compelling and informative content. With a deep understanding of diverse subjects such as lifestyle, beauty, and wellness, I create valuable articles for everyone.