While itchiness during exercise is a common problem, the cause of the itch differs from person to person. Some causes, such as dry skin or irritating clothing, are harmless and easy to treat, while other causes may require medical attention. Consult your physician or dermatologist if you frequently experience itchiness or notice other changes in your skin when you exercise.
Dry Skin
If you experience itchiness during a workout with no other symptoms, it could simply be dry skin. Exercising in dry or cold weather conditions, showering too often or spending long periods in heated or air-conditioned areas can cause dry skin. Treating dry skin is as simple as moisturizing your skin after you shower and before your workout to keep your skin will hydrated. Increasing your water intake can also help alleviate dry skin.
Clothing
The clothes you wear during a workout may be the cause of itchiness in your legs. Pants made out of synthetic material are more likely to irritate your skin than those made from cotton. Wear loose-fitting cotton workout clothes to reduce itchiness when you exercise. If your clothing isn't the problem, your laundry detergent may be the culprit. Try a new detergent and see if the itchiness stops.
Exercise-Induced Urticaria
Itchiness, hives or allergy symptoms during a workout may be caused by exercise-induced urticaria. This condition generally appears during or after intense aerobic exercise, such as circuit training or running, the FamilyDoctor website explains. Hives, or red, raised bumps on your skin, appear and begin to itch. Urticaria, though uncomfortable, it typically not life-threatening and easily treated with antihistamines. Severe cases may need a shot of epinephrine, while others may need to avoid certain exercises to prevent an allergic reaction.
Exercise-Induced Anaphylaxis
Exercise-induced anaphylaxis is a rare form of allergy that causes a variety of symptoms, including itchiness. Variant anaphylaxis produces hives, while the classic version causes wheezing, headache, choking and generalized itching. Both variant and classic anaphylaxis can cause fainting, vomiting or death if left untreated, the journal "American Family Physician" reports. Strenuous aerobic activity, such as running, is often the cause of an attack, but other exercises may also produce an allergic reaction. Stop exercising and contact your physician immediately if you experience hives, vomiting, fainting or difficult breathing while exercising.
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