Hi All,
I just wanted to update everyone and hopefully provide a suggestion for some of you. I had my wedding shower this past weekend, and I took lorazepam for a couple nights before bed, and then about a half hour before the shower started (this was my test for the wedding day) and I did not get the rash at all! I was so happy. There were so many people there and they were all watching me open gifts and I had to talk to a bunch of people I had never met before, and I was not nervous, but most importantly, I did not get red blotches so I felt a lot less self-conscious.
It is not something I will take all the time, but I plan on taking it before the wedding. Hope this helps!

Hi all,

Missy08 just in response to your reply - i am being the typically worried pharmacist here but I just wanted to ensure that you were aware of the side effects of a benzodiazepine such as lorazepam. They have a very sedative effect and I am worried that if you take it on your wedding day then you might not enjoy yourself (especially with a champagne or two)!

On the other hand, speaking as someone who has been suffering this condition for many years I can definately sympathize with wanting to take anything to control it.

Just remember that benzodiazepines (although work well symptomatically) can be highly addictive and can also cause quite severe withdrawal symptoms.

I hope I haven't gotten too personal - just worried =D

Hope you got some good gifts at the shower!!

-Kate

I am 19 years old, and i have gotten blotches since middle school. It has gotten so bad that I will get them when i just talk to someone, or even think about something that stresses me out. The red blotches disappear within minutes. I try not to let it interfere with my life; however, it is very difficult when other people watch red spots appear out of nowhere on you and are unaware of what's going on. When i go on interviews i will usually tell the interviewers that i get blotchy when nervous so they won't think it's something more serious. I have gotten to the point where i can predict when i will get them; my heart will beat fast, and my skin gets hot. They not only are on my chest and neck, but my face too. My fear is that it will be a major roadblock to my future career as a physician, or even getting into medical school. I feel like it portrays me as being insecure or not confident in myself. I am planning on going to a dermatologist to find out exactly what this condition is called. I have accomplished quite a few feats despite it all, for example, I was the president of my high school student body, which required me speaking in front of people countless times. I'd like to point out that every single time i spoke in front of people i had blotches. I just chose not to let them prevent me from what i was trying to accomplish. I know i am not alone in this, but it's definitely an obstacle i am working on overcoming in my life.

I experience the same red blotchy face, neck, and ears in stressfull situations, but I also get extremeley red and blotchy legs in even mild heat. Above about 75 derees, I have to wear pants to hide the awful looking rash. It is very obvious and was once even very ignorantly asked if I had cancer. I am 16 and I live in California, and during the summer all of my friends wear shorts and skirts and I stay inside or wear pants and can't go to the waterparks or paintballing or anything exciting because I turn into a red cheetah! It is truly miserable. Anyone who knows ANY way to help me please let me know. I plan on talking to my doctor (who has been absolutely no help in this matter) about beta-blockers, as these seem to be the only suggestion here that seems to have helped numerous people, but I would really rather not go to such extreme measures. PLEASE HELP ME

I'm fourteen years old, and tomorrow I start high school. I have been breaking out in this rash since the beginning of eighth grade. It makes me hot, and I can feel it coming on. It is red splotches, but they are not raised and they do not itch. I get them when I'm nervous, upset, mad, when it's hot outside.. pretty much anytime. They start on my chest, and spread up my neck. Sometimes to the sides of my face and down my arms. I can say it has changed my life, and definatley not in a positive way. The first time I ever broke out was during Science class. I really didn't think anything of it, until I started breaking out every single day. Finally, I went to the nurse and she and my science teacher both thought I was allergic to something in the room. They thought it might help if I moved to the back of the room, by myself. At first this worked, I was less nervous. But then I started breaking out again. It started getting worse, and I started breaking out in every single class nearly everyday. I would go to the nurse and she would give me some allergy medicine. I started looking up my symptoms up on the computer, when I found nervous rash, ect.. Things like that. I started talking to a doctor, who put me on anti-depressants. They didn't work. I was breaking out everyday. I got so nervous and so embarassed I enver wanted to go to school. I remember the nurse would sometimes have to send me home because I would break out and cry because I didn't want to go back to class. I feel embarassed and awkward everyday. I even got this rash sometimes over the summer. I went to my freshman orientation, and I broke out again but not as bad. I'm extremely nervous that this year will be exactly like the next. I want to find something to help or even cure this, but I know there might not be such a thing. This might just be something I have to deal with for the rest of my life...Thinking about that is scary. If you have any advice or anything helpful please reply!!

I can't remember not having this rash. I just spent a half hour at my little sisters wedding explaining to people that this happens when I'm Emo. The wedding videographer actually asked if he could touch it but asked first if it was contagious. It seems to be only in the common areas that women gain fat. Neck, chest, shoulders but then it's across my back but this time where my last sunburn was and on my face. There is no way to hide emotions when you have this. I've never played poker but I don't imagine I would be able to hide having a loosing hand. I don't get this with my boyfriend unless I'm emo. It's always when I'm emo but I also get it when I'm frustrated, angry, embarrassed, hot, anxious or nervous. I was diagnosed with GAD when I was a teenager. But sleep deprevation definetly makes it harder to keep under control. I think antihistimines sound like they would help this because histamines cause rashes when I have allergic reactions. But I'm allergic to those so I don't have that luxury. Fortunately my sister is aware and replied to people that asked with well she does this when she gets nervous, it's expected. I'm breaking out right now just thinking about it. Does anyone know if those of Norweigian decent are more likely to inherit this badge of emo rashes? I once dated someone that got the same rashes and he was from Denmark. Same general region of the world.... He would put lotion on and nothing else. I used to get this heat type rash with certain water but it covered my body from head to toe after taking a shower. Seems like this is normal for some people but why is that and is it from GAD or is a genetic predisposition. BTW - My sister is not of norweigian decent.

I just turned 18 and have noticed this embarssasing rash from the time that i was 14. I have never taken any medication or creams for it, but i do know that if i take consecutive deep breaths that it goes away. If i am out with friends and i start getting red i will usually go in the bathroom, sit on the toliet, close my eyes and take 10 deep breaths. It usually always works, and to prevent it from coming back i will take a deep breath here and there. I have a best friend and we are always together, she knows that this happens to me so she is always looking out for me. If im doing something and havent noticed that i have gotten a bit red , she will whisper "code red" in my ear lol

I also break out in a rash all over my neck and chest when I get nervous or frustrated... I recently went to my pcp and he told me its just a nervous rash and to take an antihistamine like benadryl or zyrtec, if that doesnt help try a beta blocker... I'm goning to try the antihistamine route first if that doesnt work then the beta blocker!!

some of you people say theres nothing you can do to treat it..i do as well have this problem..when i get angry..nervous..stressed..i turn red and blotchy..but there are ways to control..and its not a thing u have to "deal with" and "get over"...as some of you stated.

I am a nursing student who has been learning about beta blockers. They block chemicals from reaching the heart and changing the charge. This slows down the rate, therefore causing a lower pulse, BP and less anxiety. Does that make sense?

I also get this rash on my neck and chest. I'm not really a self-conscious person, but it starts developing when I am anxious, mad, nervous, drinking, etc. It's definitely embarrassing but I personally hate turtlenecks and refuse to wear them. This rash usually doesn't bother me too much but I'm going to be going to job interviews soon and really don't want this popping up when I'm asked a hard questions.

Are most of you light skinned? I'm a redhead and feel like my light, sensitive skin my play a part in why it happens so much.

I have had this rash for as long as i can remember. When I get embarrassed, angry, or nervous a red, blotchy rash appears all over my face, neck, and chest. Once it was on my stomach and legs. I HATE IT!! I avoid parties, dating, and talking aloud in class all because of a stupid rash! I wish there was something I could do about it!

Hi, im Chloe and i also get red blotches but mine are on my face and neck. This has been happening for as long as i can remember. i am 12 and i go to high school and i hate it when i'm hot or nervous as i come out in red blotches. i also dont like it when people a staring at me which makes it worse as i become more nervous. Is there any way i could stop these blotches from appearing ? Thanks Chloe xx

Unfortunately, our blotchy rash (yes, I have episodes with it as well) can easily be a symptom of numerous other conditions. So, those of you reading, make sure you ask yourselves:

1. Is it localized? - Is the rash just in one part of the body and doesn't seem to change? If so, you may have a skin disease/infection or simple irritation.

2. Have I changed my common surroundings? - Things such as your roommate getting a cat, working in a new building, or simply getting an air purifier (body has to adjust) can all cause a rash as well

3. What is my stress level? - Stress seems to be able to be blamed for almost any symptom nowadays, however, your rash may be due to this and this alone.

3b. Don't fall for those "cleansing" scams - Your body naturally cleanses itself, don't fall for the gimmicks about needing to buy meds to have better bowel movements or cleanse your colon. It's quackery. It isn't the cause of your rash.

4. Is your rash itchy? - This is typically a sign that you have a much more serious condition.

SO FOLKS. You've read through the above and say, "No, my rash isn't like those."

Well, here's a summary of mine for all you out there:

-- Blotchy rash on at least one of the following: face, arms, chest, back, ears

-- Typically appears at the height of a particular emotion such as nervousness or yes, I'll say it, sexual excitement

-- The rash is pink-red, warm to the touch, but typically not itchy or bothersome (at least physically)

-- The rash is NOT raised above the skin, itchy, localized, or constant

Conclusion: From everything I've read, no doctor really can tell what is going on with all of us. There's not really a need to put extensive research into something that isn't physically harmful.

The most likely cause, as I see it, is something I read earlier about your body being sensitive to its own adrenaline. Heightened emotions lead to the secretion of adrenaline (the body releases adrenaline when you are all worked up so you stay alert.) This adrenaline then flows through your entire bloodstream - you may have noticed when you're scared that your hairs on your arms and legs and neck stand up. That is the adrenaline. (It is a defense mechanism designed to make you appear larger to predators.) That means that if adrenaline can make your hair stand up anywhere, that adrenaline is present everywhere in your skin when your body releases it. Finally, this abundance of adrenaline annoys (no need to get into heavy molecular science) your skin and it turns red.

So ask yourself if this makes sense? The longer I am excited/scared/etc., the larger my rash becomes. Why? More adrenaline. More rash. And then the rash goes away once I return to a normal state of mind. Why? Adrenaline numbers also go back to normal.

DISCLAIMER: This is my best guess after having read many forums/posts/documents on rashes and the subject. Every doctor I ever went to isn't really sure. So, folks, we're in on this together.

My twin sister and I have suffered from this for 10 years. (So yes, this is probably hereditary) The rash covers my neck and chest, and usually ends right at my jaw bone. It does not itch and isn't raised at all, and it usually disappears as quickly as it comes. I am currently 24, and have found regular tanning to be the only effective way to cover this monster! I too have a light complexion, and fear I am doing permanent damage to my skin by tanning- not to mention possible dangers of skin cancer. However, this seems to be the only answer to living a normal life!
I plan to enter veterinary medicine, and refuse to let this rash stop me from doing what I want to do. I currently work in a vet hospital.. and if the rash appears I blame it on allergies to the animals. However, who would want to have their pet treated by a doctor who is red and splotchy? It makes me look anxious and incompetent.

There must be a way to cure this!!

Hi. It's called Cholinergic Urticaria. I went to an allergist recently for a possible food allergy and while I was there I had a skin test. The control test was an injection of histamine and the rash I developed with that was exactly like the one that developed moments later all over my body as I was talking to the doctor and getting nervous. He asked if it happens when I shower, and it does. From that little information he was able to diagnose me. Exercise, heat, sun, spicey food, emotions, etc. all bring it on. I always feel like I'm dying in the summer and multiple doctors thought I had Lupus, but after extensive testing they decided that's not it. Taking children's benadryl daily seems to help prevent it. I'm just concerned it won't be enough when summer comes.

I'm just gonna throw this out there, but have any of you ever experienced rashes, say when nervous, excited, mad, or even upset?

To describe the above would be like I feel really hot, and it starts at my chest, and works its way up to my face, and then I am all blotchy, its a red blotchy rash that goes across my chest and neck. Anyways, this has become very frustrating, because although I have had this my entire life, it seems to be getting a little worse. I generally know the reasons why this happens, but I don't know how to control it. If any of you suffer from this, or could give some advice on what works for you, that would be great.

I've tried iced water before an anxiety provoking situation, I have tried inderal, and honestly sometimes nothing works. What is strange though, is that sometimes it will happen when I least expect it, and then vice versa, it won't happen when I think it might. It comes at the most embarrassing times it seems, such as in meetings etc.

It's not a huge deal I suppose, but its enough to make a person always feel self conscience, or feeling like you always have to wonder what if.

I'm just gonna throw this out there, but have any of you ever experienced rashes, say when nervous, excited, mad, or even upset?

To describe the above would be like I feel really hot, and it starts at my chest, and works its way up to my face, and then I am all blotchy, its a red blotchy rash that goes across my chest and neck. Anyways, this has become very frustrating, because although I have had this my entire life, it seems to be getting a little worse. I generally know the reasons why this happens, but I don't know how to control it. If any of you suffer from this, or could give some advice on what works for you, that would be great.

I've tried iced water before an anxiety provoking situation, I have tried inderal, and honestly sometimes nothing works. What is strange though, is that sometimes it will happen when I least expect it, and then vice versa, it won't happen when I think it might. It comes at the most embarrassing times it seems, such as in meetings etc.

It's not a huge deal I suppose, but its enough to make a person always feel self conscience, or feeling like you always have to wonder what if.

WOW! I am just the same as all of you, i get this rash all the time too! I thought i was the only one, honestly! i was just thinking about this this morning and was thinking about making an appointment to see my doctor and stumbled across this forum. You have all made me feel not alone, thank you! My wedding is coming up and i really do NOT want this rash to come up at all! Everyday i know this rash may come up as you never know what the day has instore for you so i do the same, i wear shirts and tops that make it less visable and i ALWAYS put extra make up all over my chest and face and never leave the house without my makeup bag in case i need to cover up some more. I am getting sick of this though and need something? anymore suggestions??

Nicole

It's good to hear I'm not alone with this rash. I am very pale skinned and I have high-blood pressure which has made the rash worse (I'm only 25). This was something that only happened when I presented, but now it happens everyday, many times a day. I'm starting to run out of high-necked shirts to wear to work!

I read a few blogs and some say beta-blockers work, however, you need a prescription and they can cause physical dependance (I'll pass). Another person recommended St. John's wort. I also heard the word Cholinergic Urticaria which I recommend reading about even though I don't think it's exactly what we all have.

It's a real shame nothing can be done about this since so many people suffer from it. I plan to try regular exercise and hope to write back if that works.