If your skin itches while you are working out, you may be having a histamine reaction. Physical activity is one of several causes of localized skin irritation. As you begin to work out, the small blood vessels nearest the surface of the skin begin constricting and releasing histamines. Histamines are messengers responding to inflammation. The inflammation triggers a response by the skin in the form of itching or welts. This condition is known as hives or urticaria.
Contributing Factors
Factors involved in skin itching vary, and can include exercise, pressure or friction on the skin, wind, heat or cold. Some less frequently considered items capable of provoking a histamine reaction are sweat, dry skin, soap, shampoo, infections and even food ingredients. The sulfates, nitrates, artificial coloring and flavoring in foods are suspected triggers of skin itching. It is more common to have multiple factors contributing to and determining the length and severity of the reaction than a single factor.
Prevention
You may be able to suppress skin itching while working out if you can identify what factors or combination of factors causes the itching. Since the symptoms of itching or hives begin within two to five minutes of exercise, writing in a journal may aid you in discovering these contributing factors. You could also try to avoid the itching by restricting known triggers such as chocolate, coffee, seafood, heavy meals and aspirin prior to exercise.
Acute vs. Chronic
The difference between an acute attack and a chronic attack is the severity and duration of the itching, hives, or other symptoms such as wheezing and dizziness. Acute attacks begin within minutes of physical activity and last from 10 to 30 minutes. Chronic attacks also begin within minutes of physical activity, but can last for as little as one hour or as long as 48 hours. In most cases, once the precipitating factor is reduced or removed, the condition will improve. In rare cases, anaphylactic reactions can occur.
Remedies
You can apply topical products such as aloe vera gel and cortisone creams to soothe the skin as it begins to itch. You may also consider over-the-counter antihistamine products such as Benadryl that are taking internally. Nutritional supplements that may make you less susceptible include vitamins B12 and C. For more severe reactions, seek the advice of a physician.
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