I break out in itchy hives when I work out!

For years whenever I would begin working out (especially when I'm first starting up after not having worked out for a while) I get severe itchiness all over my body. Especially around my waist, back and legs. It's really painful! It goes away after a few weeks of me consistently exercising everyday, but it's so uncomfortable especially in the beginning! If I were to stop exercising for two weeks and then go back, the hives come back.. I haven't seen a doctor about it yet, but most people I talk to says they've never heard of this problem. The same exact thing happens to my sister too. Anyone experienced this before? Also, I've tried to push past the itchiness and continue exercising, but when I do, the pain intensifies and it literally feels like I'm about to faint.. The only thing that stops it, is when I actually stop working out immediately to allow myself to cool down and then it subsides. Yesterday I tried to run a mile, and as soon as my body heated up, I began to feel it, I tried to ignore it, but it intensified, and I had no choice but to stop even though I felt as though I could continue because I didn't feel tired from running. This is extremely frustrating! It literally feels like I'm allergic to exercise

Anyone else know what I'm talking about? I would love to hear your feedback.

Replies

porterparkermom

I get exercise induced hives, talk to an allergist and have him prescribe anti histimine, my sister went into anaphylaxis once, it is not something to ignore or ouch past

enterdanger

Hi, I didn't read everyone's answer but this is a thing called exercise induced uticaria. I believe it normally requires treatment by a doctor and it can be pretty serious.

I get itchy when I run sometimes, but I don't get the hives with are the primary symptom of uticaria.

here is what wikipedia says.

The condition was first distinguished in 1980. People with exercise urticaria (EU) experience hives, itchiness, shortness of breath and low blood pressure five to 30 minutes after beginning exercise. These symptoms can progress to shock and even sudden death. Jogging is the most common exercise to cause EU, but it is not induced by a hot shower, fever, or with fretfulness. This differentiates EU from cholinergic urticaria.[citation needed]

EU sometimes occurs only when someone exercises within 30 minutes of eating particular foods, such as wheat or shellfish. For these individuals, exercising alone or eating the injuring food without exercising produces no symptoms. EU can be diagnosed by having the patient exercise and then observing the symptoms. This method must be used with caution and only with the appropriate resuscitative measures at hand. EU can be differentiated from cholinergic urticaria by the hot water immersion test. In this test, the patient is immersed in water at 43 °C (109.4 °F). Someone with EU will not develop hives, while a person with cholinergic urticaria will develop the characteristic small hives, especially on the neck and chest.[citation needed]

The immediate symptoms of this uncanny type are treated with antihistamines, epinephrine and airway support. Taking antihistamines prior to exercise may be effective. Ketotifen is acknowledged to stabilise mast cells and prevent histamine release, and has been effective in treating this hives disorder. Avoiding exercise or foods that cause the mentioned symptoms is very important. In particular circumstances, tolerance can be brought on by regular exercise, but this must be under medical supervision.[citation needed]

bekah818

Caitwn wrote: »

bekah818 wrote: »

I don't use pre-workout,but I do use fabric sofetner. I'm def seeing a doctor, lol. I know the internet isn't the place for medical advice, I just wanted to see who could relate. Thanks everyone!

I am not a doctor. Ask your doctor to assess you for 'exercise-induced urticaria'. It's not an unusual condition. It isn't related to what you wash your workout clothes in. It's treatable using some of the same medications used for other allergic reactions.

For now, just stop exercising when the hives happen. You don't want to push the reaction further if you have this condition.

This may or may not be what you have. I'm just suggesting that you mention it to your doc. Take care!

Thank you!!

bekah818

Jennloella wrote: »

ffbrown25 wrote: »

I actually used to have this, too! I went to a doctor, and I can't remember exactly what they said, but it was something like the blood vessels near the surface of my skin were opening and more active than they'd ever been, and it was making me itchy. And yep, it went away after about a month of regular exercise!

this is super common, and probably what it is if you don't actually see hives. this kind of itching can get pretty intense, almost achy.

Hmm you're right the itching is very intense and almost achy

bekah818

Kalikel wrote: »

bekah818 wrote: »

No, this has nothing to do with dry sweat or itchy clothes. I'm talking about hives! lol, like if it were itchiness from sweat or laundry detergent, that's one thing, but the itchiness feels like it's under my skin, and it's very uncomfortable and somewhat painful. I literally feel faint if I try to ignore it...it goes away after some time of me consistently exercising, but it slows me down big time in the begining. When I'm able to get past it and finally excercise like a normal person, God forbid if I dare to stop working out for a week! The hives come back with vengeance! I'M NOT ASKING FOR MEDICAL ADVICE, lol, I plan to see a doctor, but I just wanted to see if anyone else may have experienced this...I don't think fragrance free detergent has anything to do with it, but I wish it did! It would be so much easier to solve.

The reason people bring it up is that new and bizarre rashes and hives are almost always laundry-related, so it's always a good idea to switch to fragrance-free an eliminate laundry as a possible cause.

That doesn't mean it's your problem, just a suggestion.

Hmm you make a good point. Thank you!

bekah818

Caitwn wrote: »

Kalikel wrote: »

bekah818 wrote: »

No, this has nothing to do with dry sweat or itchy clothes. I'm talking about hives! lol, like if it were itchiness from sweat or laundry detergent, that's one thing, but the itchiness feels like it's under my skin, and it's very uncomfortable and somewhat painful. I literally feel faint if I try to ignore it...it goes away after some time of me consistently exercising, but it slows me down big time in the begining. When I'm able to get past it and finally excercise like a normal person, God forbid if I dare to stop working out for a week! The hives come back with vengeance! I'M NOT ASKING FOR MEDICAL ADVICE, lol, I plan to see a doctor, but I just wanted to see if anyone else may have experienced this...I don't think fragrance free detergent has anything to do with it, but I wish it did! It would be so much easier to solve.

The reason people bring it up is that new and bizarre rashes and hives are almost always laundry-related, so it's always a good idea to switch to fragrance-free an eliminate laundry as a possible cause.

That doesn't mean it's your problem, just a suggestion.

Yes. It's not an unreasonable suggestion and is worth checking out. It's just that 'exercise-induced urticaria' (hives and other allergic response symptoms that are triggered by exercise) is a real medical condition and is also worth checking out. Hopefully the OP can get an answer from her doctor soon so she can get some relief!

Thank you so much!

Kalikel

Caitwn wrote: »

Kalikel wrote: »

bekah818 wrote: »

No, this has nothing to do with dry sweat or itchy clothes. I'm talking about hives! lol, like if it were itchiness from sweat or laundry detergent, that's one thing, but the itchiness feels like it's under my skin, and it's very uncomfortable and somewhat painful. I literally feel faint if I try to ignore it...it goes away after some time of me consistently exercising, but it slows me down big time in the begining. When I'm able to get past it and finally excercise like a normal person, God forbid if I dare to stop working out for a week! The hives come back with vengeance! I'M NOT ASKING FOR MEDICAL ADVICE, lol, I plan to see a doctor, but I just wanted to see if anyone else may have experienced this...I don't think fragrance free detergent has anything to do with it, but I wish it did! It would be so much easier to solve.

The reason people bring it up is that new and bizarre rashes and hives are almost always laundry-related, so it's always a good idea to switch to fragrance-free an eliminate laundry as a possible cause.

That doesn't mean it's your problem, just a suggestion.

Yes. It's not an unreasonable suggestion and is worth checking out. It's just that 'exercise-induced urticaria' (hives and other allergic response symptoms that are triggered by exercise) is a real medical condition and is also worth checking out. Hopefully the OP can get an answer from her doctor soon so she can get some relief!

I'm not saying it's not real. I didn't say anything at all about it. She could have it. It could be that or laundry or something else entirely. Not pretending I know what the heck is up with her.

I certainly wasn't trying to pretend to diagnose anyone and if it sounded that way, I want to be VERY clear on that.

I have no clue and she should go see her doctor. Of course.

Liftng4Lis

What did your doctor say about this?

bekah818

You all had some really great suggestions. I appreciate the feedback and I'm happy to finally hear that people know what I'm talking about, lol. Ay yi yi

ramepithecus

If you go to a doctor I'd be interested to hear what he/she has to say. I get something like this. After some experimentation I can tell that the hives are brought on by my heating up quickly, but not my sweat by itself. If I warm up gradually I don't get it, no matter how much exercise I do after. (Although if I run when it's cold out it is especially severe and starting slow doesn't seem to help.) I haven't noticed any improvement from benadryl or claritin.

I haven't been to a doctor yet because so far the itchiness hasn't been extreme, just a nuisance, although the hives can be a little disconcerting.

RoadWarriorFit

ffbrown25 wrote: »

I actually used to have this, too! I went to a doctor, and I can't remember exactly what they said, but it was something like the blood vessels near the surface of my skin were opening and more active than they'd ever been, and it was making me itchy. And yep, it went away after about a month of regular exercise!

That was my experience as well. And blood moving quickly too any part of your body (due to exercise) can cause light headedness, stomach camping, headaches and upset stomach. I'll have spells of this occasionally, but now I'm careful too warm up and cool down. And, my doc have me an epi-pen, just in case.

Good luck!

LeenaGee

Faithful_Chosen wrote: »

Sounds like cholinergic urticaria -- heat hives. Do see your docter, though. Antihistamines might help, but again, talk to your doctor. Good luck!

Yes I think you will find Faithful, Caitwn and Laur357 are correct. "Cholinergic Urticaria is a medical term used to describe a subcategory of physical urticaria (hives). It is characterized by a hypersensitive response in the skin as a result of the body increasing in temperature (passively or actively), or the precipitating release of sweat. Individuals with this physical heat hives condition often ask, “Why do I itch when I get hot or exercise?” This is the most common symptom experienced by sufferers.

Individuals may experience a cholinergic urticaria reaction in response to any activity that increases overall body temperature (or causes a sweat release). Some examples include the following:
•Taking a hot shower or bath
•Eating spicy foods
•Exercising or doing physical activities that increase body temperature
•Stress or anxiety
•Emotional responses (sadness, anxiety, anger, laughter)
•Transitioning from a cool environment to a hotter environment without allowing the body time to slowly acclimate to the temperature difference (such as walking from a cold room to a hot room)"

We were discussing something similar the other day but I can't find the thread (I think it is in one that got nuked). My daughter used to break out in hives all the times but once we found it was brought on by extremes of heat and cold we were able to manage the problem. Definitely, antihistamines proved to be helpful.

I think you will find once you understand the problem you will be able to manage it better. Good luck.

swartepiet

Too.much detergent when you wash.

RodaRose

Keep Benadryl with you to be safe.

lwebsmfp

This happens to me, but only on my legs when I'm running. I did switch to a detergent that was free and the issue has decreased. I also hydrate well before a workout and after. I saw a doctor for my itchiness a long time ago. He told me that the increased blood flow can cause the blood vessels under the surface of the skin to expand which can lead to skin irritation and itchiness. It wasn't a diagnosis though. It was just his best guess. There could be a number of causes that makes different individuals react like this. You can try some of the suggestions that have been mentioned here, but if it's severe, I would see a doctor to be safe.

lemonsnowdrop

I was baffled when this first started happening to me. I eventually discovered that when I eat specific foods - such as shrimp - and then exercise vigorously/sweat, I first experience severe abdominal cramps, then hives (which are small and abundant all over my body and large on my face, lymph nodes and neck), a burning sensation in my palms and soles of my feet, and then eventually coughing and chest tightness. Apparently I have some food allergy that is triggered by exercise (haven't seen an allergist yet to determine exactly which foods), so I usually won't exercise after consuming the foods I do know trigger it or take a Benadryl if I'm not sure. If you're in the position to see an allergist, though, I recommend it as it's high on my priority list.

julescba04

laur357 wrote: »

Histamine Response

Some research suggests that histamine is released during exercise to protect against fatigue, rather than as an allergic response. Histamine works to expand blood vessels in your body, but, unfortunately, sends the itchy message to your brain. As with urticaria, taking an antihistamine before running may help, and it’s possible that as you continue your regimen, the itching will lessen.
- See more at: http://share.upmc.com/2015/03/prevent-runners-itch-save-workout/#sthash.Sh5ezpYg.dpuf

Your doctor or an allergist can do a skin test to see if you react to histamines. Probably a good idea to talk to your doc about this one.

Good post..

I have similar problem, but happens at any time. I have to take anti-histamines every day, just so I don't claw my skin off

LeenaGee

julescba04 wrote: »

laur357 wrote: »

Histamine Response

Some research suggests that histamine is released during exercise to protect against fatigue, rather than as an allergic response. Histamine works to expand blood vessels in your body, but, unfortunately, sends the itchy message to your brain. As with urticaria, taking an antihistamine before running may help, and it’s possible that as you continue your regimen, the itching will lessen.
- See more at: http://share.upmc.com/2015/03/prevent-runners-itch-save-workout/#sthash.Sh5ezpYg.dpuf

Your doctor or an allergist can do a skin test to see if you react to histamines. Probably a good idea to talk to your doc about this one.

Good post..

I have similar problem, but happens at any time. I have to take anti-histamines every day, just so I don't claw my skin off

Yes I agree that for anyone with this problem, a trip to the doctor would be advisable. Hopefully, things have progressed over the past 25 years because I had absolutely no success with doctors when my daughter was having trouble with hives and welts at the time. It was her asthmatic aunt who told me my daughter was reacting to extremes of heat and cold.

Anyway, keep a note of when it happens and see if you can connect it to extremes of heat and cold eg. warming yourself against a heater or too many blankets on the bed or exercising, that sort of thing. However, if you are on a constant supply of histamines it may be difficult to notice the connection.

RodaRose wrote: »

Keep Benadryl with you to be safe.

I know Benadryl is an antihistamine, but wouldn't it dry up your and make you drowsy because it is mainly used for coughs, cold and flu. I also think if you are asthmatic there are better products to use. Once again, check with your doctor before using any medication. Often people with hives etc are allergic type people who may suffer from asthma as well. I know my daughter has to be careful with all medications because of her asthma and allergies.

GeckoSupervisor

I have a rare condition called Vibratory Angioedema (a form of urticaria) - basically I get subdermal hives whenever my skin is rubbed or moved too much. The hives last about 30 mins to an hour, and can cause pain and itching to the point of nausea. And of course, the skin vibration from running can cause a pretty severe reaction on my thighs, but rubbing clothes will also do it. Taking an antihistamine works to prevent it, and compression garments help. I also got an elliptical machine for a lower-impact exercise option, and that works great.
You can test for it by subjecting an area of your forearm to vibratory stimulus for 4 minutes and see if a reaction occurs.

AJ_LadyBug

I have Exercise-Induced Urticaria. I didn't know anyone else that would itch when exercising and people were just bewildered when I told them about it. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to exercise. One night after walking with my husband (and nearly clawing my skin off) I came home and looked in the mirror and surely enough, I was hiving. It started on my legs, then my back, then spread to my chest. My doctor suggested a daily antihistamine. I tried Allegra and noticed minimal improvement if any. When I went back to the doctor, the pharmacist there said she had the same thing and suggested I try Clariton. I switched and now don't remember having a problem with it in quite a while. You really don't want to continue to exacerbate the problem if you are hiving. Your body is having an allergic reaction which can be very dangerous. Definitely talk to your doctor about it.

bmele0

My husband is sensitive to fabric softener and he also has urticaria that presents when he exercises. Antihistamine and compression clothing help him! Your Dr. should be able to confirm.

KelleyJoL

I get what my doctor calls "stress hives" when my body has to deal with sudden temperature changes. The cold bothers me most, with sucks because I live in WI. If I leave a warm cozy house and suddenly have to endure -20F, I break out into painful hives. If I leave an air conditioned house and go out into 85F and sweat, Hives. If I workout getting sweating too quickly instead of a gradual build, same thing. My body does not like temperature changes. Maybe that is why after a few weeks of working out you do better? it is less stress on your system to adjust to? Benedryl gives relief to the systems, but it also knocks me. Hydrocortizone cream is my good friend, but my Pharmacist says not to use it too often on my face. Sometimes, too, when the hives linger a couple of days after getting sweaty, I rub on an antifungal cream "just in case" my sweat fed yeast just enough to get a growth going. Since my heat hives tend to linger in my sweat creases, my Pharmacist says "it won't hurt..."

KelleyJoL

O, let us know what your doc says. I am sure you are not alone!

LeenaGee

Amazing how many people suffer from this problem. I feel sorry for you as I remember how painful it was for my daughter.

Kelly, be careful with Hydrocortisone as I understand it is extremely damaging to the skin and should be used rarely. My friend has very bad eczema and the cortisone has damaged her hands to the extent that they look like the hands of a 100 year old.