Anyone get exercise induced hives?

swilk627
swilk627 Posts: 245 Member
edited November 10 in Fitness and Exercise
If so, what do you do to make it less miserable?
«13

Replies

  • mjok31
    mjok31 Posts: 84
    I have not, but my daughter is currently broken out head to toe in hives! We saw her doc seeing that she is only 7 and benadrl is doing wonders for her. We have also been doing oatmeal baths in lukewarm water to help with the itching. We take 1 cup oatmeal and put it into a blender to make it a powder and add it to the bath while filling up the tub. It has really helped!
  • Jellyphant
    Jellyphant Posts: 1,400 Member
    I do break out after a workout too... Apologies for no remedies, it just surprised me that these hives are brought on by a workout. I always thought it was something in the gym that was getting to me! O_O
  • kperk91
    kperk91 Posts: 226 Member
    My best friend has that issue. She would break out in hives after running. It's basically your skin being irritated by your own sweat. http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/exercise-induced-urticaria/treatment.html

    Another site suggests showering as soon as possible to clean your skin of the sweat
  • Becky1971
    Becky1971 Posts: 979 Member
    My daughter gets them from working out, doing dishes, taking a shower. So it seems to be heat related. They go a way shortly after, but if she keeps going once they break out, it can be very uncomfortable. Not sure what to do for them, but don't want her taking Benadryl all the time.
  • dbdugger
    dbdugger Posts: 1
    Hey there. The medical term for what you are experiencing is called Exercise Induced Urticaria. Here is a link that more fully explains what it is and the remedies...http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exercise_urticaria
  • Goosiesnougs
    Goosiesnougs Posts: 420
    Oh my gosh! I don't get the hives, but I get VERY VERY itchy----especially on my butt--strange, but true! And a rash, but it isn't raised at all. Usually on my upper chest.

    My trainer at the gym told me it was exercise induced, it only happens once in a while during very strenuous workouts.
    I find that if I can keep myself cool (the girls at the gym know me as "fan girl") it isn't so bad.LI stand in front of the fan during muscle classes and attach 2 clip fans (with extension cords and all) to the handles of the spin bike! Silly looking, but it works :) Almost like an overheating warning my body sends out. Can't wait to see what everyone else says!
  • BellydanceBliss
    BellydanceBliss Posts: 330
    I used to its a detox process. It will pass. You might try a baking soda oatmeal bath if you put it in a nylon wont make a mess in the tub.
  • beckylawrence70
    beckylawrence70 Posts: 752 Member
    Is that what they are?? So yes I do and hate em.........itchy lil welts on my shoulders and upper arms, usually after wkn out, what a drag!
  • applebobbrush
    applebobbrush Posts: 235 Member
    I get them too!! I have found nothing that helps, only showering as soon as I get home. I thought it might be my laundry detergent irritating my skin but I get them on my calves when I'm wearing shorts and the bend in my elbow when I'm wearing T-shirts so I don't think it's my detergent. I also have ulcerative colitis and my GI doc it's basically a over reaction of my immune system so it reasons that my body is a bit more sensitive sometimes. I wish I could figure out a cure though it's quite annoying.
  • lovielou522
    lovielou522 Posts: 5 Member
    Oh my gosh! I get them too. I talked to my doctor about them years ago, and he wasn't helpful. I think he made a joke about being allergic to exercise. But I remember having to leave a kickboxing class half way through and go to the locker room where I frantically scratched my legs, stomach and chest. It was horrible! I now never workout without taking some kind of allergy medicine - Allegra, Zyrtec, etc. I'll check out the other links though. Thanks for bringing this up! I thought it was just me.

    Edit: After reading through everything, I thought I'd reinforce how helpful the Allegra or Zyrtec have been. As long as I've taken them 30 minutes or so before I exercise, I'm fine. I hope that helps!
  • swilk627
    swilk627 Posts: 245 Member
    I used to its a detox process. It will pass. You might try a baking soda oatmeal bath if you put it in a nylon wont make a mess in the tub.

    I'm really not sure what you mean by this. Detox? i've always had this happen.

    To everyone else --- Yup, I knew the medical term but wasn't sure everyone else would. I know what to do after the fact, but I wasn't sure if anyone had had any success in preventing them. I might try some Allegra. Anyone used Claritin? Zyrtec is a no-go for me - it makes me loopy.
  • Katie3784
    Katie3784 Posts: 543
    I get horribly itchy when I run. It's so weird because I don't get it when I walk or use an elliptical. If I run for a few days in a row, it gets better, but I haven't any other remedy.
  • 12skipafew99100
    12skipafew99100 Posts: 1,669 Member
    When I exercise I get bright red cheeks, its so embarrassing. Been that way since I was a little girl. :embarassed:
  • wackyfunster
    wackyfunster Posts: 944 Member
    I used to its a detox process. It will pass. You might try a baking soda oatmeal bath if you put it in a nylon wont make a mess in the tub.

    I'm really not sure what you mean by this. Detox? i've always had this happen.

    To everyone else --- Yup, I knew the medical term but wasn't sure everyone else would. I know what to do after the fact, but I wasn't sure if anyone had had any success in preventing them. I might try some Allegra. Anyone used Claritin? Zyrtec is a no-go for me - it makes me loopy.
    Your issue is almost certainly an allergic response to something in the air. Basically, heat+exertion exacerbates allergy symptoms, so even if you don't have noticeable problems normally, you can start to see them while working out. The higher-intensity the workout, the higher your body temperature gets and the worse the allergy symptoms, which is many people don't have problems doing lower-intensity exercise, but have issues running outdoors or doing things like Insanity.

    Allegra works well for me... Claritin is not very effective in general (have heard this from several immunologists). I have the same issue with Zyrtec (it works well, but makes me feel like a zombie). Seeing an immunologist and doing immunotherapy (allergy shots) will likely be helpful. Getting a good air filter and exercising indoors can help as well. Also, after showering, using a mineral-oil based moisturizer like Eucerin will help keep allergens from penetrating the outer layers of your skin, which can help a lot, especially if you have dry skin at all.

    Hope this is helpful :)

    edit: Me fail English? That unpossible!
  • stef827
    stef827 Posts: 215 Member
    Had no idea this even existed. My forehead always gets so itchy after I workout like my sweat irritates it. Ill have to read up on this.
  • swilk627
    swilk627 Posts: 245 Member
    I used to its a detox process. It will pass. You might try a baking soda oatmeal bath if you put it in a nylon wont make a mess in the tub.

    I'm really not sure what you mean by this. Detox? i've always had this happen.

    To everyone else --- Yup, I knew the medical term but wasn't sure everyone else would. I know what to do after the fact, but I wasn't sure if anyone had had any success in preventing them. I might try some Allegra. Anyone used Claritin? Zyrtec is a no-go for me - it makes me loopy.
    Your issue is almost certainly an allergic response to something in the air. Basically, heat+exertion exacerbates allergy symptoms, so even if you don't have noticeable problems normally, you can start to see them while working out. The higher-intensity the workout, the higher your body temperature gets and the worse the allergy symptoms, which is many people don't have problems doing lower-intensity exercise, but have issues running outdoors or doing things like Insanity.

    Allegra works well for me... Claritin is not very effective in general (have heard this from several immunologists). I have the same issue with Zyrtec (it works well, but makes me feel like a zombie). Seeing an immunologist and doing immunotherapy (allergy shots) will likely be helpful. Getting a good air filter and exercising indoors can help as well. Also, after showering, using a mineral-oil based moisturizer like Eucerin will help keep allergens from penetrating the outer layers of your skin, which can help a lot, especially if you have dry skin at all.

    Hope this is helpful :)

    edit: Me fail English? That unpossible!

    Thanks for the insight on Claritin. I knew it was the least powerful of the three. I'll probably pick up some Allegra. I hope I don't have to go back to allergy shots! I had to have them 2x a week for most of my childhood/teenage years. Ugh!
  • pammyiam
    pammyiam Posts: 12 Member
    Interesting thread. I broke out with an itchy hive red rash only on my inner lower thighs--except it didn't happen until I woke up one morning and there they were. It's gone now, but it certainly explains a lot.
  • ScottyNoHotty
    ScottyNoHotty Posts: 1,957 Member
    Do you use dryer sheets? I found out a long time ago that you can be allergic to the chemicals in them.
  • juliemaplehurst
    juliemaplehurst Posts: 33
    Me too.... I only have to say the word trainers and bright red......and I currently run 10k in about an hour......but even in the cold weather bright red cheeks. I generally don't feel the cold and work out side all year round as a gardener but as soon as I boost the heart rate off I go again bright red cheeks
  • elgecko2
    elgecko2 Posts: 1
    I do! It's an exercise allergy. For real. Some are induced by sweat or a rise in body temperature, sometimes it has more to do with enzymes. The temperature-controlled one can actually be quite dangerous, it's possible (but really, really rare) to go into respiratory distress.

    I only really get it from running - never have had any trouble on the elliptical, or playing tennis. So I just don't run. It sucks, but it's better than the unbearable itching. That said, I've never tried the antihistamine. I saw somewhere that a person uses steroid creme, but you really can't use that too often.

    Wikipedia has a pretty good general article on it, check out its sources for more info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exercise_urticaria
  • pammyiam
    pammyiam Posts: 12 Member
    No dryer sheets...I am thinking it was the type of material in my yoga pants
  • jillybean0123
    jillybean0123 Posts: 238 Member
    I have that problem and I believe mine is caused by irritation from sweat. I usually wipe anywhere I'm broken out with rubbing alcohol if I'm at work because it is readily available or I will take a shower if I am at home and that seems to fix the problem within 5 minutes. I get bad hives on my upper chest and neck, all up and down my arms and on my thighs.
  • lotofitching
    lotofitching Posts: 1
    From last 4 yrs I am facing same issue. My dermatologist is a stup guy. He couldn't even figure out whats going on with my skin. He asked me to stop using detergents, soaps, dryer ****s etc. and I stopped it but no use. I tried almost 10 differnt creams which he suggested. my rashes start with small pimple(s) on hip and/or groin area and then it become very itchy. Day by day it grows and after some period it starts healing from center. It turns black from center and then keeps occupying in oval/circle shape. Then my legs start itching once hives start healing. No hives or sometimes small pimples on legs but it itches a lot. This lasts for almost 2 to 3 months and reappear after few months.

    How can I stop this forever? Please help.
    I changed 2 dermatologists but no use.
  • dreich45
    dreich45 Posts: 1
    Hi everyone, i hope this information helps you...i have been diagnosed with exercise induced anaphalaxis look it up on the web rather then have me explane it. Try cutting out all wheat and/or wheat products 4-6 hours prior to your workout and see if this helps. Wheat has these things called lectins in it which basically block the receptors of your villi in your intestines and lets bad toxins get by into your blood stream hence your body reacts and produces an aboundence of histamine causing your rash/hives. This might not be the case for all but could help some of you. Worth the shot. It could also be a different food that triggers it. Good luck and i holpe this helps some.
  • fitgirltiff
    fitgirltiff Posts: 1
    I get delayed exercise induced urticaria (hives). I also experience angioedema (swollen lips, eyes). I don't experience it with aerobic exercise (i.e. running), just after anaerobic exercise (weight training). My case is also weird as I don't break out during or right after exercise, but usually a day or two later. I have experienced anaphylaxis once as well after I decided it would be a good idea to start 2 a days (won't try that again any time soon)...It sucks, and I've been told that there's no cure; but I'm trying to find a way to control it. I found that if I load up on antihistamines, I don't have as bad a reaction, if any. I also avoid eating wheat products and try to work out as early in the day as I can. I hate having to take antihistamines because I don't know what long term affects that may have on my body; and because it only masks the symptoms and doesn't really solve whatever the underlying cause is. It's very frustrating to say the least.
  • MCRogers1997
    MCRogers1997 Posts: 3
    I have looked at the pictures for urticaria. I don't get "hives". I'm already taking Zrytec for a handful of allergies so I'm stocked up in that department. My thighs start to itch during exercise and I get what looks like mosquito bites, just a few here and there. I've now come home, showered, and I'm settled in for the night and they still itch. They will eventually calm down but when I workout again- they'll be back, with friends.
  • marilyncuello
    marilyncuello Posts: 3 Member
    I get itchy when I run also or walk fast at the park, but not on the elliptical or stair master.
  • jazzcat55
    jazzcat55 Posts: 164 Member
    I have this problem too! I itch like CRAZY only on my abdomen and thighs. But, it only happens when I start up walking again after a long lay-off. After I've done it a couple days, it's not a problem anymore. It has happened in all weather...icy cold and blazing hot. I don't think it's related to sweating because, as mentioned, it does happen in cold weather. Plus, you'd think it would happen in sweatier areas of my body than my thighs.

    Everyone I've asked about this looks at me funny. Glad I'm not the only one.

    Oh, and it only happens when I do my fast walk, never on the arc trainer or treadmill.
  • kimleroy
    kimleroy Posts: 50 Member
    If you've found an antihistamine that works for you without bad side effects, don't be afraid of using it as needed! I have chronic idiopathic urticaria with angioedema, which means I get terrible hives all over my body every single day for no known reason. Some days my lips and eyes will swell up too. My immunologist has me taking 4x the recommended dosage of 4 different antihistamines daily and they don't really help, but he said that there's very little risk from taking them long term, even at my crazy dosages, so they're worth keeping on for whatever little benefit I might be getting. I also have no side effects from any of them, I think I've built up a tolerance to them by now! Good luck finding something that works!
  • veggiehottie
    veggiehottie Posts: 590 Member
    I do!

    The first time was really bad, I did not know what it was so continued exercising. I went into anaphylactic shock, blacked out, had to go to the hospital in an ambulance. NOT fun.

    I have learned that, for some people, it is a combination of allergens mixed with the increased circulation that exercise brings. Things that your body does a decent job of fighting, but can't when its defenses are down while exercising.

    For example, I have a mild peanut allergy... No effects when I eat them. BUT if I eat them right before working out, it is guaranteed I will get hives. Another trigger is seasonal allergies... Once again, my allergies are not bad enough to require daily medication. But if I wake up in the morning and I have any kind of symptoms (stuffy nose, itchy eyes), I have learned to take a Zyrtec before working out.

    If all else fails, and I feel the hives coming on while exercising, I will take it down a notch. If that does not help, I pop a Benadryl ASAP and things are good. :)

    My recommendation is to look at things in your diet/environment that you might slightly be allergic to...
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