The telltale itchy, red welts that appear as the result of an allergic reaction or increased body temperature can be uncomfortable, so it's understandable if you'd rather not work out when you have hives. Unfortunately, hives can often be the result of exercise-induced urticaria, or hives that appear after exercise. Since you still need to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day, rather than skipping your workout, find ways to exercise that don't aggravate your hives.
Exercise-Induced Urticaria
Exercise-induced urticaria can be described as an allergic reaction. While it may sound outlandish to be allergic to exercise, if you suffer from the condition, it's actually the environment and increased body temperature that causes the reaction. The red welts that appear on your skin during exercise can be extremely uncomfortable and it's wise to stop exercising when you suffer attacks. Since the welts can often be accompanied by dangerous symptoms, you should stop exercising as soon as you notice symptoms. If the hives don't subside in five to 10 minutes, seek medical attention.
Symptoms
The symptoms that accompany hives can be especially dangerous when combined with the exertion on your body during exercise, which is why an attack should halt exercise altogether. A swollen face, tongue or throat as part of an allergic reaction can make it difficult to breathe. Chest pain and wheezing can exacerbate feelings of exhaustion and can even lead to lighteheadedness or fainting. Chances are that if you suffer from a bout of exercise-induced urticaria, you likely won't want to continue exercising because of your discomfort.
Dealing with Hives
If you experience hives when you're exercising, stop. If you already have hives and want to exercise, note that raising your body temperature could make your hives worse, especially when combined with sweating and fabrics rubbing your body as you exercise. Constantly monitor your comfort level and seek medical attention if you can't breathe efficiently or your symptoms don't subside with rest. Consider the foods that you ate before exercising; your welts may be the result of an allergic reaction to certain foods that is exacerbated by your exercise condition. If a certain type of food is the culprit, avoid eating it the day of exercise.
Prevention
If hives disrupt your exercise schedule, talk to your doctor. She can prescribe an antihistamine that you can take on a daily basis to prevent your hives to avoid missing a workout. Avoiding trigger foods can also help, as will exercising in cool condition. Raising your body temperature through exercising in the heat can make your reaction worse. By understanding what environmental conditions led to your attack, you'll better understand how to avoid hives in the future.
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