Stress rashes often appear as raised red bumps called hives. They can affect any part of the body, but often a stress rash is on the face, neck, chest or arms. Hives may range from tiny dots to large welts and may form in clusters. They may be itchy or cause a burning or tingling sensation.

What does stress hives look like?

What do stress hives look like? Stress hives can look a little like bug bites: both are red, puffy, and itchy, and may appear initially as individual bumps, says Stevenson. However, hives are more often irregular in shape and can join together in larger patches, especially if you scratch them.

Can you get hives from stress or anxiety?

Stress and anxiety can cause hives. For this reason, sometimes hives might be called “stress hives” or a “stress rash.” For example, when you're under a great deal of stress, your body sends a message to its immune cells, telling them to release powerful chemicals — most notably, histamine.