Anyone else suffering from severe allergies when working out?

TheRealFinger
TheRealFinger Posts: 4 Member
edited November 13 in Health and Weight Loss
Anyone else have really bad allergies? Mine are some of the most severe that my allergist has seen. I also have a related condition called Cholinergic Urticaria - basically, I break out in hives/welts whenever my core body temperature increases. This happens whenever I break a sweat, if am simply outside on a hot day, when I get out of the shower, and especially now after I exercise. It itches like a mother, and usually goes away within an hour or two. So far, my breathing has not been affected, but what a freaking pain in the *kitten*!

My doctor says this is extremely rare, and I'm undergoing immunotherapy for all of my allergies, but I was hoping to find anyone else experiencing this and if you've found any kind of relief from the agony after a workout. I've been managing okay since I've only been walking for the last 5 weeks, but I started a Couch to 5K program today, and this was my arm when I got back home, which is much worse than the typical day:

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If anyone has any experience with this and/or suggestions on how to make this less of a deterrent to exercise, I'm all ears! It's hard enough to be dedicated to begin the workout, but this is really driving me nuts. Sorry if the pic grosses anyone out.

Replies

  • elphie754
    elphie754 Posts: 7,574 Member
    So sorry you are dealing with this! I don't have the same condition, but I am highly allergic to most things and do breaknout in random hives almost daily (even when not exposed to an allergen). Will share some of the things that help me, but not sure if they will help you.

    -Benadryl: it seems to lower the hives but I have built such a high tolerance to it I need higher than normal doses

    -Hydroxizine: prescription anti histamine. Seems to work wonders for the itching

    -Witch hazel: applied directly to the hives, seems to take some of the itching and sting away from the area

    -Keeping my apartment at a cooler temperature than most. I find hives get worse when I'm warm

    -taking a daily antihistamine like Allegra or Zyrtec. Currently I take both-Allegra in the AM and Zyrtec in the PM

    - Eli pen; I know you said that it hasn't affected your breathing, but this would be good to have on hand if it ever does. Allergic reactions can quickly involve the airway and become deadly very fast (I've been intubated for my several times).

    This may sound stupid, but look into the detergent you use. Some detergents can cause irritation in people who already have sensitive skin. I use a detergent that is free of all fragrances and dyes. Also be away of what body products you use. There is chance that one is making you even more sensitive.

    Hives suck. I hope you find some comfort soon.
  • queenliz99
    queenliz99 Posts: 15,317 Member
    Walking does not effect you? I would walk and not run! Can you swim instead?
  • lemmie177
    lemmie177 Posts: 479 Member
    I get heat rash. I don't think its the same, but it looks just like yours. Its much milder and infrequent, though. Mine seems really dependent on moisture as well as heat. Have you tried wearing sweat-wicking fabrics? Other than that, I usually just slather on a topical antihistamine. Sorry to hear this is keeping you from doing what you want to do!
  • ccsernica
    ccsernica Posts: 1,040 Member
    There are topical versions of Benadryl. You might want to give one of them a try.
  • janetennet
    janetennet Posts: 143 Member
    A friend of mine has a similar allergy, she has to take an anti-histamine before working out and sometimes (depending on how difficult a workout) one after.
    Her doctor has pretty much told her that she will have it for life and there is really nothing she can do about it - his running partner has the same condition and treats it in the same way. Thankfully hers have been relatively mild but prior to knowing what it was the anxiety it caused (not knowing) created more havoc and stress reactions.
  • TheRealFinger
    TheRealFinger Posts: 4 Member
    Thanks everyone... unfortunately, this happens regardless of antihistamine usage (tried before and after with zyrtec and allegra). Benadryl just makes me tired (oral doses). I can try topical antihistamines, but it covers my whole body. The one thing I haven't tried is moisture-wicking material. Not sure if it will work because I see the hives in areas like my arms/legs that aren't covered in clothing, but I'll try anything at this point. Either way, I'm not going to let it keep me from exercising as I need to lose weight to get out of pre-diabetes risk... I guess for now, I'll think of it as the lesser of two evils.
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