Medical Questions » Stress Questions » Question No. 958
| Question: | Every time I get anxious about anything, I break out in a very itchy, red rash on my ankles and wrists. Why? |
| Answer: | I can sympathise with you, as I suffered from a neurodermatitis (nerve rash) before exams for many years when I was a medical student. It is a problem experienced by many people, and there is no adequate explanation as to why it attacks some people and only in some areas. The inside of the elbow and backs of the knees are other commonly affected areas, but a nerve rash may occur anywhere.
Avoiding stressful situations is the perfect way to avoid the rash, but that is usually not a practical solution. Relief can be obtained from anti-irritation creams from the chemist, but usually a prescription for a steroid cream will be needed. These creams come in many different strengths and forms, and some experimentation may be needed to find the weakest one to work for you. Steroids reduce inflammation in the skin, and are therefore useful in a wide range of skin rashes. They will aggravate any rash caused by a bacterial or fungal infection, so should not be used without directions from a doctor. If the cream is applied as soon as the rash appears, it should settle immediately.
Nerve rashes do not mean that you are neurotic or in need of psychiatric care. They are merely an outward manifestation of a sometimes minor stress in an otherwise normal human.
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