Does GAD cause itching and other skin issues like redness / warmth? My GAD is really bad right now due to the pandemic and other issues I’ve noticed more itching overall lately. I used some lotion that I have used for along time after a shower and my arms went crazy. They started itching and got red and warm. I’m worried that years of high stress and anxiety are finally catching up with me
Generalized anxiety disorder - does anxiety cause itching?
Question posted by Lizzy36 on 4 Feb 2021
Last updated on 7 February 2021
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4 Answers
WildcatVet
5 Feb 2021
This might be helpful:
"The weight of mental or emotional stress can also lead to some serious itching.
Your brain is always communicating with nerve endings in your skin. When anxiety kicks in, your body’s stress response can go into overdrive. This can affect your nervous system and cause sensory symptoms like burning or itching of the skin, with or without visible signs.
You can experience this sensation anywhere on your skin, including your arms, legs, face, and scalp. You might feel it only intermittently or it could be quite persistent. The itch can happen at the same time as symptoms of anxiety or it can occur separately."
"Although people tend to think of anxiety as a mental health issue, it can also have physical effects on the body. Some people with anxiety may experience an itchy sensation in the skin, alongside other symptoms.
Anxiety and itching can also lead to a vicious circle in some cases. Some symptoms of anxiety disorders can cause an itching sensation, and this itching sensation can become a source of irritation and even anxiety.
This cycle of anxiety and itchiness can be hard to break. Anxiety may also cause underlying skin conditions to flare up in some people, causing more itchiness.
Treating the underlying cause of anxiety and itchiness may help relieve symptoms and could break the cycle. Anyone who has symptoms of an anxiety disorder that are affecting their quality of life should speak with a doctor or mental health professional."
"Anxiety on its own can cause itching skin; it is almost always accompanied by other symptoms. It can be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of itchiness from anxiety without a full physical examination, because itch can result from a multitude of factors."
"Burning, itching, and having itchy skin can be a symptom of anxiety disorder, including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and others."
Hopefully these excepts will address your concerns.
TyreseTl
5 Feb 2021
Thanks Wildcat. I didn’t know anxiety can cause skin irritations.
kevinb1953
7 Feb 2021
Good answer wildcat vet.learn something new everyday here.
WildcatVet
7 Feb 2021
I knew from experience but I also did all the research I posted.
You're welcome all!
kevinb1953
5 Feb 2021
Hello.
Itching is also a sign of detoxing and/or withdrawal or a low level of most meds and drugs in your bloodstream. You didn't mention if you are on any meds so it might be another type of allergy.
You might need a dose adjustment to a higher amount if you ARE on something OR you might need to start some sort of medicine.
Please discuss this with your health care provider or a pharmacist.
Best regards,
Kevinb1953
Marla82
4 Feb 2021
At times I do experience itching from my anxiety. I also know people who break out in hives when their anxiety is high.
TyreseTl
4 Feb 2021
Hello,
I don’t recall GAD causing skin irritation. Itching is sign of an allergic reaction.
Are you taking any medication at the moment? Or have you eaten something that your allergic to?
Tyrese
Related topics
anxiety, pruritus, generalized anxiety disorder, skin, disorder, lotion
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