Burning/Itching during excercise

[sjlavenia]

When I was growing up in NJ, I used to get red, burning skin when it was really cold outside. When I would come in and warm up it would begin to itch horribly. My legs would be bright red. Now that I am 28, I experience the same problem when I excercise. When I walk or run outside, my legs begin to get bright red, itchy and burning. They get hot to the touch. Usually it will pass after about 10 - 15 minutes. I'm left with a rash on my thighs. The rash is not raised but is rather beneath the outer epidermis. It appears as small (2mm - 5mm) red, bruise like dots, usually accumulated in a concentrated area - about 5 inches by 2 inches. Usually on my inner thighs (they do not rub together during excercise). Sometimes the burning and redness will continue up to my abdomen. It happens more when it's cooler out than when its hot. I do not have this problem when I work out in the gym usually (it's happened once or twice). It only happens when I excercise outside, and it always happens. Sometimes the burning and itching is so severe I can't continue walking. Please help me - I life in Arizona and love to hike and walk. I can't go more than 1/2  mile before it really starts to burn and itch - usually when I begin sweating. Do you know what this is? My MD has no clue but thinks it may be a circulation problem. However, he can't figure out why it only happens outside and not in the gym. I'm in pretty good shape, however, I did weigh 250 lbs at one time (I'm a 5'9" female). I weigh 165 - 170 now and have for the last couple of years. I'm only taking Loestrin birth control and advil or back and neck pain associated with a car accident.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I'm not completely sure, but it sounds like you're describing cholinergic urticaria.  These are hives induced by heat or exercise, not allergy.  They are best treated by taking nonsedating antihistamines either one hour before the triggering event, or else on an ongoing basis.  These include Claritin 10 mg, Clarinex 5 mg, and Allegra 180 mg.  Because you are so troubled by these symptoms, consultation with a dermatologist or allergist may be worth considering.  Taking a digital photo (or scanned regular photo) at the time of your symptms' greatest intesnity may help you show your doctor what's up, since the symptoms are usually gone by the time you see the doctor.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff

[sjlavenia]

Thank you for your help.

[no_hotmess]

Hi. I am 26 year old female.  I have the exact problem.  I don't even run outside anymore when it's cold because I know my legs will get that feeling.  It does go away after 15 minutes of warming up so no big deal, but let me know what you find out about it.  I am curious to know.

[no_hotmess]

Hi I am a 27 year old female with the exact condition as you.  I don't even run outside anymore when it's cold because I know I will get that feeling in my legs.  It usually goes away within 15 minutes of warming up so it's no big deal, but I am curious to know what you find out about it.

[wardt]

I am a 35 year old female and I also have this itching problem when working out. I itch on my thighs and mid section. It usually happens when the weather is cool and it doesn't matter if I am indoors or outdoors.  Please let me know if you have found anything that works.

[dc9613]

I get the same exact thing.  It used to be only in my legs but now it is everywhere, including my forehead.  It definately seems to be just when I'm about to sweat.  And it used to be only in cold weather but now it seems to be anytime I'm about to sweat.  I haven't gone to the doctor yet, even though it's been like this for years.  It's very frustrated and is inhibiting my ability to exercise.  I am good decent shape.  I need some help with this.