What is the cause of a rash with raised bumps appearing 15 minutes into an anxiety episode?

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Differential Diagnosis for Raised Bumps Rash During Anxiety Episode

  • Single most likely diagnosis
    • Urticaria (hives): This is the most likely diagnosis given the sudden onset of raised bumps during an anxiety episode. Urticaria can be triggered by stress and anxiety, and it typically presents with itchy, raised wheals that can appear anywhere on the body.
  • Other Likely diagnoses
    • Stress-induced eczema (atopic dermatitis): Anxiety and stress can exacerbate or trigger eczema, leading to itchy, raised bumps on the skin.
    • Prurigo (itchy papules): Prurigo can be triggered by stress and anxiety, resulting in itchy, raised bumps on the skin.
    • Dermatographism: This condition involves raised lines or bumps that appear on the skin in response to scratching or pressure, and it can be triggered by stress and anxiety.
  • Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
    • Anaphylaxis: Although rare, anaphylaxis is a life-threatening condition that can present with a rash, and it requires immediate medical attention. It can be triggered by a severe allergic reaction, and anxiety can sometimes be a symptom of anaphylaxis.
    • Angioedema: This condition involves deep tissue swelling, often accompanied by hives, and it can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. It can be triggered by an allergic reaction or other factors, and anxiety can sometimes be a symptom.
  • Rare diagnoses
    • Mastocytosis: This rare condition involves an accumulation of mast cells in the skin, which can lead to itchy, raised bumps and other symptoms. It can be triggered by stress and anxiety.
    • Neurological disorders (e.g., neuromyelitis optica, multiple sclerosis): In rare cases, neurological disorders can present with skin symptoms, including raised bumps, during anxiety episodes. However, these conditions are relatively rare and would require further evaluation to diagnose.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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