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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Itching Problem
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Dermatology issues, such as: skin rashes, acne, birthmarks, skin infections, rosacea, and general skin care.
Itching Problem
by Lawrence Joseph, Sep 05, 2000 12:00AM
I am healthy African male in America. Whenever I walk or jog a distance of about 1.5 miles, all parts of my body below my waist begin itching. I have been able to overcome it by simply moving on and avoiding the urge to scrach. But, the itching sensation is so irritating that it compels me to stop. Once I stop, however, the itching dies down gradually. Also, all hell brakes as soon as I begin to scrach. I can ride my bike for 20 miles and I do not have this itching sensation. Could this be caused by the impacting of my feet on the ground during jogging or walking briskly?
Thanks.
Thanks.
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Sep 05, 2000 12:00AM
, Sep 05, 2000 12:00AM
Mr. Joseph:
Some people get itchy hives after exercise or hot showers, but there are no diseases I know of which itch only on half the body after jogging. I suspect that now that this pattern is established, your mind is playing trick with you. The way to break this kind of itch-scratch cycle is to apply a lotion like Prax or Sarna (both OTC) on all affected areas immediately after jogging. Repeat the application every time you get the urge to scratch. That should suppress the itch, which will over time be extinguished. If that fails, you can consulot a dermatologist, but I doubt that will be needed.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
Some people get itchy hives after exercise or hot showers, but there are no diseases I know of which itch only on half the body after jogging. I suspect that now that this pattern is established, your mind is playing trick with you. The way to break this kind of itch-scratch cycle is to apply a lotion like Prax or Sarna (both OTC) on all affected areas immediately after jogging. Repeat the application every time you get the urge to scratch. That should suppress the itch, which will over time be extinguished. If that fails, you can consulot a dermatologist, but I doubt that will be needed.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
In reply to this problem, I suffer the same problem when I jog
although I get the "itching" all over my midriff and legs. What I do is ignore it as best as I can, otherwise if I scratch the itch it just gets alot worse, eventually after about 15 mins it goes away. I don't think its in the mind as suggested
Good luck
Andy