When you experience an itching or prickling sensation while you run, it's most likely a skin reaction to perspiration. Often referred to as prickly heat or heat rash, sweat ducts become clogged with your own sweat, causing an inflammatory response in the body. As inflammation sets in, you'll commonly suffer from a skin discomfort that is best described as itchiness.
Perspiration
As you run or take part in almost any athletic pursuit, your body experiences a rise in its core temperature. This triggers your sweat glands to emit moisture that eventually covers your skin. As this moisture evaporates, it cools the body, regulating temperature so that you don't overheat. But some of this moisture can become trapped in your sweat glands, resulting in the itchy sensation you may feel during a run.
Symptoms
Besides the itchy or prickly sensation, it isn't uncommon to notice a slight irritation to those areas of the skin suffering from prickly heat. Medically known as miliaria rubra, this skin condition causes raised, red bumps to manifest on the skin. According to the Mayo Clinic, such irritations typically appear on areas where clothing has been rubbing or chafing the skin, but you may suffer from prickly heat anywhere along the body that has sweat glands.
Clothing
Not only do activities that prompt excessive sweating cause this itchiness, heat rash may also be a result of your exercise apparel. The Mayo Clinic warns that fabrics that don't allow for sweat to evaporate from the skin may elicit this reaction from your sweat glands. In this situation, the fabric is essentially trapping moisture in your glands, causing an inflammatory response.
Treatments
Though it isn't necessary to treat heat rash, most people seek relief from the skin discomfort associated with this condition. According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, cooling the skin is one of the more effective forms of treatment for the itchy or prickly sensation. It's also possible to relieve symptoms of the condition by applying a topical ointment to areas of irritation. Look for lotions containing lanolin or calamine.
Prevention/Solution
If you're prone to developing prickly heat, it is best to put in place certain self-care measures that can help to prevent the condition. The Mayo Clinic recommends that you wear breathable fabrics that aren't too tight or binding. Make sure to wash clothing after each run or training session to clean fabric of soil, perspiration and bacteria. After athletic activities, cool down the skin with a cold shower. And always wash with a gentle cleanser that is free of dyes and fragrances.
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