Hives Stress Connection - Discussion and Remedies

How does the hives stress connection come about, and what are some ways to deal with it naturally?

Hives (urticaria) is an ailment of the skin caused often by the unknown and characterized by red welts that come and go at random. They are generally brought on by allergens (or allergies) -either environmental or food - but it can be the result of the body's own system attacking itself (autoimmune reaction) as well.

There are an estimated 15% of people afflicted with hives in the US and, of those, 80% never fully understand why they have them. These are referred to as idiopathic hives, meaning 'cause undetermined'. Of these, it is estimated that the majority are undergoing emotional stress in their lives.

Of the known offenders, allergens such as pollen, pet dander, dust and mold are the most likely. Common foods that plague people are shellfish, tomatoes, nuts, wheat, chocolate, eggs, dairy (cow's milk), yeast and strawberries.

Many drugs are known to cause rashes, of which the ones most responsible for hives are pain relievers like ibuprofen and aspirin, antibiotics like penicillin or sulfa antibiotics, anticonvulsants, codeine, diuretics and / or quinine.

Diseases like lupus, lymphoma, as well as thyroid disorders can be responsible for hives; also, certain infections like sinusitis, urinary tract infection, hepatitis B or mononucleosis all over stimulate histamine production, which is the indirect reason hives appear.

Sufferers complain that exposure to hot, cold or sunlight can set them off; or even exercising, working in the garden, or scratching their own skin. Many women cannot wear makeup, use hair products or use certain cleaning products without an outbreak.

Histamine, the compound responsible for hives, causes fluid to leak from the blood vessels into an area, which in turn leads to swelling. The same principle is responsible in the case of a sinus infection, where excess fluid and swelling are both involved. For this reason, both are usually treated with antihistamines.

So, what about the hives stress connection? How does hives stress come about?

It is believed that the body's natural reaction to stress (fight or flight response) may be responsible for some cases of hives. Prolonged periods of stress weaken the immune system in its defense against illness and disease, and actually cause more stress. In turn, this causes the production of chemicals known as cortisol and adrenaline. This imbalance in hormones triggers the outbreak of hives.

What then are some natural remedies and treatments for hives stress?

Relaxation therapy (deep breathing and / or meditation) as well as techniques such as yoga and / or hypnosis can not only benefit the body, but can also aid against the outbreaks of hives.

When dealing with chronic hives related to stress (last longer than 6 weeks), concentrate on treating the stress in an attempt to be rid of the side effect of the hives, thus breaking the hives stress connection. It will be imperative that you learn to manage your stress before you can be successfully freed from the long term effects of hives.

Certain homeopathic remedies have also shown much progress in the success of assisting the body in recovery. Their goal has been to reduce stress from the beginning. This in turn increases the natural immune function, which helps to heal skin problems.

More and more doctors are recommending massage therapy, acupuncture and / or counseling over medication as a way to help in stress management in cases concerning stress hives.

Having read about the hives stress link, you could learn more about this skin ailment by reading the other related hives articles and pages.

Click here for more pages and articles on Hives.

Some Related Hives Pages
What Causes Hives - Possible Triggers
Natural Hives Treatment - Avoiding Triggers
Natural Remedy for Hives - Herbal Cures, Home Remedies and Other Treatments

What Do Hives Look Like - Some Signs and Symptoms
How to Treat Hives Naturally - Treatments and Remedies for Relief

Hives Stress Connection - Discussion and Remedies
Natural Cure for Hives - Home Remedies and Treatments

Signs and Symptoms of Hives
Get Rid of Hives Using These Simple Tips and Remedies