Itchy Exercise

Do any of you ever get really, REEEAALLY itchy when you exercise? I do. Both of my sisters do. My mom does. I’m not sure when I started experiencing the maddening itch, maybe after hitting puberty.

If you don’t know what I’m talking about, be thankful. Basically, when I walk or jog (I use the term very loosely) my upper legs begin to itch, sometimes my upper arms where they brushed against my body.

I’m not talking about a little tickle like a string brushing against my legs.

I’m talking “I want to rip my clothes off, grab anything within reach that is sharp, and go postal on my legs” kind of itching. And I just pray I don’t accidentally bump my hand into my leg. If that happens, then that spot on my leg immediately itches & triggers more itching around it. AArggh! The same thing happens when wearing shorts – that place on my legs where my shorts brush against my legs starts to itch.

In high school, I remember my mom telling me not to stop walking once it starts because it would get worse and that I should never, NEVER stop to itch. If I’d keep walking, the itch will eventually stop.

So that’s what I always did …just walk it out (even though this was THE BIGGEST test of will power & often caused extra perspiration just trying to avoid it). A few times though I just couldn’t. I stopped to scratch the itch. It’s kind of like a dog going to town when he scratches an itch that’s driving him nuts. But it’s not without consequences. OUCH!

Then, when my little sister was either in college or just out of college in the early 2000′s she sent us all an article re: being allergic to exercise… which sounds pathetic: “Yep. I’m allergic to exercise, hard work, and umm anything I don’t like to do.” But it’s true!

http://www.walking.about.com/ wrote:

“Exercise Allergy #1: Cholinergic urticaria (itching)

It is the rise in body temperature that produces the itching, swelling, and small hives that some people experience. People who have this may also experience the same reaction in hot tubs, saunas, and see that they are more likely to get it on hot days. This rarely leads to anaphylaxis – the life-threatening drop in blood pressure that can be fatal in major allergic reactions.

Treatment:
•Antihistamines
•Avoid exercising on warm or humid days
•Reduce the intensity of your work-out
•Stop exercising at the first sign of flushing, itchy skin or hives.”

http://www.sportsmedicine.about.com/ says:

“Another cause may include urticaria, an allergic reaction that causes the release of histamines that dilate blood vessels and result in swelling and skin irritation. Urticaria is recognized by red, itchy welts or hives on the chest. Urticaria can be triggered by sweating or extreme temperatures. Exercising in a cooler, dryer climate, or lowering your exercise intensity may reduce symptoms.”

Did that 1st article say fatal? Holy crap!

Okay, so mine isn’t that bad. But I guess it could be. But the treatment the article suggests do work. Taking antihistamines solves the problem! Yipee!! It builds up blockers in your system so the reaction doesn’t take place, which mean NO MORE ITCHING! And working out in cooler, less humid environments helps too.

My solution for the shorts issue is to wear the tight, lycra carpi’s (gross as far a fashion statement, but I don’t go anywhere in public with them on). They don’t brush up against my skin at all. Like the article says, if you stop exercising at the very beginning of the itch, you’ll be okay. BUT if you haven’t worked out in a long time & start up again, beware… the itches are sure to show up. So start taking an antihistamine everyday a few days before exercising.

Let me know if you think I’m crazy or if you (or someone you know) has experienced something like this. I’m curious how common it is, and if it runs in families like it does in ours. Now stop scratching your legs!

Tagged as: exercise, Jill, mom, sisters