Exercise-induced urticaria can lead to symptoms such as itching and burning in your legs during exercise. Also referred to as exercise-induced allergies, this condition can cause a variety of other symptoms such as hives and flushing or redness of the skin. Because symptoms vary considerably, you may not even know you have the condition. But one thing you'll know for sure: exercise allergies may put you off to exercise and prevent you from enjoying its benefits.
Watch Your Diet
Eating certain foods within a few hours of exercising can trigger exercise-induced allergies, according to a study published in the journal "American Family Physician" in 2001. These foods include celery, cheese, seafood, tomatoes and wheat. In some cases, alcohol can also cause exercise-related allergies. Trigger foods differ from person to person, so monitor your diet. Once you've identified yours, avoid consuming them within four to six hours of exercising.
Choose Exercise Wisely
You may be more vulnerable to allergy symptoms if you participate in certain sports. For instance, exercise-induced anaphylaxis -- a more serious form of exercise allergies -- may be more likely during activities such as dancing, volleyball and skiing, notes the "American Family Physician" study. Figure out which exercises or activities increase your risk of itching and burning symptoms. Although you may have to abstain from these activities to avoid discomfort, you don't have to give up exercising altogether. Try other activities and monitor how they affect your condition.
Medications
Your exercise allergy symptoms may be controlled through some medications. Consult an allergist or family doctor about taking antihistamines. Also, if you have severe symptoms such as wheezing or choking, your doctor may recommend that you carry epinephrine with you when you exercise. On the flip side, some medications can actually make exercise allergies worse. Authors of the "American Family Physician" study warn against taking aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs before your workouts.
Considerations
Symptoms of exercise-induced allergies can last for a few minutes or a few hours. If your symptoms do not subside within a few minutes, take a break from your activity. If you suffer life-threatening symptoms such as choking or problems breathing, seek medical attention as soon as possible. These symptoms are more likely with exercise-induced anaphylaxis; if you have this condition, it's a good idea to work out with an exercise buddy who knows about it.
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