Is it possible to be allergic to exercise? Sort of. If you get a rash on your chest and experience other allergy symptoms while working out, your body could be reacting to histamines that are released during physical activity. Only a doctor can provide an exact diagnosis, so see a health care provider if the rash is severe or accompanied by other bothersome symptoms.
Allergies
A rash can be a symptom of an allergic reaction. If your symptoms occur only during exercise, you may not be reacting to anything in particular; exercise itself can release histamines, the compounds that cause allergic reactions. Taking a prescription or over-the-counter antihistamine before you work out can reduce the incidence of rashes and other allergy symptoms during exercise.
Hives
Hives -- itchy pink or red bumps that pop up on your skin suddenly -- are often caused by allergic reactions to food or insect bites, but they can also occur as a result of exposure to sun or cold, exercise and stress. If you exercise outdoors, any number of factors could trigger hives, from jumping in a cold pool to general sun exposure. Isolating the trigger can help you determine what activities or actions to avoid in order to prevent breaking out in hives during exercise.
Contact Dermatitis
Dermatitis is the general name for all types of rashes. Contact dermatitis is a rash that occurs when your skin comes in contact with an irritating substance. A product that you use on your chest before or during exercise, such as sunscreen or baby powder, could be causing the rash. Sweat that gets trapped between your skin and your shirt could also be the culprit. If you think a product is the cause of the rash, avoid using it. Wear a shirt made of porous, natural fibers such as cotton to help absorb sweat and allow your skin to breathe.
Albuterol Side Effects
A rash is a serious side effect of albuterol, an asthma medication taken through an inhaler. If you use an albuterol inhaler before working out to prevent exercise-induced asthma, the rash may show up during your workout. Call your doctor immediately if you suspect this is the source of your rash. Other serious side effects include pounding or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, hives, itching, difficulty breathing or swallowing, hoarseness, and swelling. Nonserious symptoms include shaking, nervousness, headache, nausea, throat irritation and muscle pain.
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