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Can stress cause breakouts all over my body?

I am going through a divorce and we have 3 sons together.  I have been under an extreme amount of stress.  I haven't been eating or sleeping and have noticed that my arms, legs and stomach have been breaking out.  They look like little pimples or scabs.  They start out as small red bumps, some have a tiny white head.  They don't itch but honestly I scratch at them and that's how they become scabs.  I haven't changed soaps or lotions and wondered if stress could cause body breakouts.  I don't have any on my face or neck, just arms, legs and stomach.  I've tried Benedryl but it's not working.  I would appreciate any help or advice!!
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Avatar universal
ui have the same exact thing. little red bumps all over my arms, legs and sides. it's been going on for 3 years and most recently a dr told me it's nothing. I'm sorry but if I see a pimple it's gonna get popped lol. anyway. it's starting to just be annoying. I lived at my residence for 3 years and jus moved but I had it the whole time. I've tried changing literally everything but my fiance "who is very stressful" and can't get thwm to go away. not even special acne body soap. if anyone can help in would really appreciate it
thanks,
Jason fellows
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Avatar universal
I have something similar, I have about a dozen or so of those red spots with scabs. They are no clustered together and not all of them itch, but a couple do, and I know for a fact that one of them became a scab cause I scratched it pretty severely. They too start out as small red bumps, but they never excrete anything, no pus no blood etc. The only thing that has changed recently for me though is that I've started working out daily. Any ideas on what this could be?
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Avatar universal
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi Melly,

I understand that this is a hard time for you. Yes, our body responds to stress in a complex manner.This may lead to a decrease in immune response, release of substances and chemicals that may alter bodily function.So beyond the skin, stress may involve other organs of the body as well which manifest as changes in urinary patterns, disrupted sleep,headaches,abdominal pains, asthma, and acne.However one still needs to exclude other underlying conditions that may cause this.

Have you any associated flulike symptoms, joint pains ,eye tearing or nasal discharge?

Any previous allergies before?

Have you moved into a new neighborhood lately with a change in weather,exposure to some plants ,pets, new furnitures that may trigger an allergic reaction?

Any history of asthma?
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Avatar universal
Stress can cause almost anything. For people that are predisposed to eczema, it can cause rashes. Do you have sensitive or dry skin?
I am currently having the same problem and it has been plaguing me for almost a year. My rash is localized but my legs are becoming sensitive to friction.
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