If you have intense itching when you exercise, and you've ruled out dry skin and skin irritation due to your laundry detergent, you might have one of several medical conditions, including certain allergies and conditions that affect your blood vessels. Your best bet is to consult your doctor if you experience intense itching when you work out and to take note of the conditions in which the itching occurs, including temperature, exercise duration and intensity, and what you eat prior to exercising.
Vasculitis
If you experience itching, pain or a burning sensation on your lower legs when you exercise, you might have vasculitis, meaning your blood vessels are inflamed. Exercise-induced vasculitis is common among women who take long walks or hikes, especially during hot weather, according to the book "Exercise and Women's Health," by Laura Charlington. This condition usually disappears on its own after a few days, but relapses due to exercise are common, Charlington says. Vasculitis can be short-term or chronic. In addition to itching, common symptoms include fatigue, weight loss, fever, appetite loss, joint and muscle pain, and numbness or weakness. If you suspect you have vasculitis, visit your doctor. He might prescribe steroids to target inflammation or medicines to control your immune system. This condition frequently goes unreported because it clears up quickly and also is often misdiagnosed when it is reported, according to Charlington.
Cold Allergy
Exercising in cold weather might be the root of your itchy skin problem. Strange as it sounds, you can be allergic to the cold, a condition called cold urticaria, or cold allergy. Your best management strategy is to avoid exposing yourself to cold water or air, advises the Mayo Clinic. For example, the top cause for severe, whole-body reactions is swimming in cold water. A severe reaction might lead to fainting, shock or even death. Visit your doctor if you suspect you have this condition. She might advise you to take antihistamines prior to cold exposure.
Food Allergy
Exercising might trigger a reaction to food, which leads to itching and other symptoms. If your case is serious enough, an exercise-induced food allergy can lead to hives or the life-threatening condition called anaphylaxis. Avoiding the foods you are allergic to and not eating for two hours prior to exercising can help prevent exercise-induced food allergies, according to the Mayo Clinic. Other food allergy symptoms might include a swollen face, mouth or throat; wheezing or congestion; dizziness; diarrhea; abdominal pain; and vomiting. Symptoms of anaphylaxis might include tightened airways, a swollen throat that makes it hard to breathe, rapid pulse, shock, lightheadedness and loss of consciousness.
Exercise Allergy
Exercise-induced urticaria, meaning you are actually allergic to exercise, might be the reason you are itchy when you work out, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. You also might experience hives, flushed skin, stomach cramps, headache, a choking feeling or difficulty breathing, cramping, diarrhea, a metallic taste in your mouth, a sensation of warmth or a swollen face, tongue or hands. If you have hives, stop exercising immediately. If they don't go away within five minutes, seek medical attention. This condition can be life threatening, but such cases are rare. If your symptoms are severe, your doctor might prescribe epinephrine, which you inject as soon as you notice symptoms starting, or another medication, such as an antihistamine. He also might recommend controlling your condition by slowing or stopping your workouts when symptoms start.
