Exercise plays an important role in the overall health of your body, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that all Americans get at least 150 minutes of moderately intense exercise each week. However, for some, exercise can be uncomfortable due to an itching sensation or even hives that can develop while exercising. To help reduce problems with itching it's important to look at some of the reasons it may develop.
Clothing
One of the most common reasons for itching during exercise is a skin reaction to your clothing. When you exercise, your clothing -- especially undergarments -- rub continuously against your skin. Common fabrics that may cause itching include wool and polyester, as well as additives that are added to the fabric production process such as mercaptobenzothiazole, dyes and formaldehyde resins. The detergents you use to wash your workout clothes may also contribute to itching, so using hypoallergenic detergents, dryer sheets and fabric softeners with no dyes or fragrances could help.
Exercise Allergy
Itching during or just after exercising may also be associated with an actual allergy to exercise, more commonly referred to as exercise urticaria. Exercise urticaria is the manifestation of physical reactions, such as itching and hives, due to the changes that occur within the body during exercise. These reactions can be associated with foods eaten before exercise, or medications taken with exercise, especially aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, suggests the American Academy of Family Physicians. In rare circumstances this allergy can progress to anaphylaxis, which can lead to death if not treated immediately.
Chafing
Chafing is also a common cause of itching when exercising, especially if you are overweight or obese. It is caused by your skin rubbing against your clothing as you exercise, especially in activities such as walking, jogging, running or hiking. Chafing is further irritated by tight clothing which may not allow the skin to breathe, resulting in excess heat and moisture development. The irritation associated with chafing can activate the production of histamine, which in turn can cause you to itch. Wear comfortable loose-fitting clothing, or place baby powder or sports powders on areas that typically develop chafing.
Fungus
Itching may also come from the development of a fungal infection, especially jock itch or tinea cruris; and athlete's foot, or tinea pedis. Both fungal infections are caused by fungi called dermatophytes which thrive on locker room floors and in showers. Infections from these fungi come from contact with infected surfaces and can be irritated further by the heat and sweat produced by exercise. Over-the-counter medications are typically successful at treating infections to reduce the associated itching. Wearing shower shoes in the locker room and regular hygiene can help prevent the fungal infections from occurring.
