Itchy legs....help

[nalla]

About a month ago I started jogging/running. My problem is my legs start itching so bad that I have to stop. It starts at my ankles and then goes up my legs. My dh told me to start pushing through it and it will go away if I just keep going. So I did that today and it started going up my stomach, so I decided it was time to stop because it was just too much to handle, and I was afraid that my whole body would end up like that. I usually start out with a 5-10 min walk and then work my way up to running. After about 20 min of fast walking the itching starts. It doesn't matter if I'm outside or on my tredmill, wear shorts or loose pants. I have tried putting lotion w/ no purfume or anything in it before I exercise, but it's not working. I have also had my dh spray my legs with water to cool them off, but that isn't working either. I don't want to give this up, but I can't take this itching anymore. I walk and/or my tredmill everyday, sometimes several times a day, so I don't think just getting used to it is the problem. Does anybody have any idea how to make this stop? I will try anything!

[live4fitness]

Benadryl lotion or the caps? Maybe it is only seasonal. Try walking instead of running. I like the stairs at the gym personally, my motto is I don't run unless someone is chasing me :)

[dancer3379]

I have the same problem, too. It started years ago that when I had hadn't walked or run in a few days, the first day back would be really bad. But now, it's all the time. It's definitely worse after a few days of inactivity, but my legs itch every time I walk or run. I find if I go really slowly, it's not as bad, but I find they still itch even if I'm walking at 3.0 mph! I'm a personal trainer, too, and it's driving me crazy that I can only tolerate 10-15 mintues of walking!!! I've been doing some research, and some think it's dermatological, and some think it's circulatory-related. I don't know, but I'm dying.... It's so frustrating!!!

[barn babe]

The itchiness is related to a collapse of small capillaries from inactivity. When you start strenuous activity like running, the capillaries open up again but in the process it sends electrical impulses to the brain, which then reads the sensation as an "itch." It should  subside as you continue your  running.  Topical lotions won't help.

One reason why it's important to STAY in shape, as opposed to stopping and starting a vigorous exercise program.

[chattycush]

I have a similar problem (perhaps), but I don't feel like it's that easily solved.  I played collegiate athletics as well as intramurals, and I continue to play in leagues now that I have graduated.  I never work out outside of when I play.  Sometimes that will be months apart.  If I play a game (football, soccer, basketball) I NEVER have the itching problem and when I just go out an jog I always have it.  So, I don't feel like it's related to being out of shape, since I experienced this problem in college when I was in shape.  I suppose that sports just keeps my mind off of it, but I'd still like to know what "it" is.  Other possibilities?

[JulieP1981]

I've had this same problem since childhood.  It has nothing to do with circultaion or being out of shape like some people say.  The condition is called Exercise uticaria.  It is caused by a rise in body temp.  Check out the link below to learn more.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exercise_urticaria

[evienyman]

I know exactly what you mean Nalla and ChattyCush!  I have always been an active individual and use to run a lot.  I gave up running a number of years ago now but have remained active.  Ever since I tried to start running again I suffer from intense itching to the point where I just cannot run any longer.  I definately didn't start off with a "vigorous exercise program".  I've tried to push myself thru this but only end up feeling overwhelmed by the itch, short of breath, head feels dizzy and faintish and I think I'm going to be sick.  I'm no where near my physical limits either when this happens. I've even tried just walking at a fast pace but it still happens.  I've tested every scenario I can think of and have concluded that weather, clothing, temperature, creams, dry skin, laundry detergent, medication, hydration...has nothing to do with it.  I'm really frustrated by this and must say the symptoms scare me a little.  I've read all sorts of stuff and the only thing that makes sense is a histamine response.  As I'm typing this my husband has decided he's going for a run!  How I would love to join him!!!  I'd love some answers/possible solutions if anyone has one.

[evienyman]

All I had to do was read on...thank you JulieP1981!  This makes the most sense.  Since I have no rash/hives and only systemic resposes, I'll be seeing my family physician for "classic exercise induced anaphylaxis".

[ellen779]

Thank you for the link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exercise_urticaria.  I visited the site and discovered that it was probably the pants I was wearing that day, to my body conditioning class.  The most probable cause was that the sweat interacting with the chemicals in the fabric caused an allergic response.  Maybe benadryl would help but just wearing plain cotton fleece I hope will solve the problem.

[heatherdenise]

OK, I'm 36, and I've had the same itchy leg problem since I was in elementary school. It only comes up when I walk or jog in COOL weather, not in the heat of Summer. It happened again this morning and I hate it! It can definitely drive someone completely insane! I'm not sold on the 'rise in body temperature' theory b/c I'm able to exercise when it's hot - and we also have a hot tub that has never given me a problem... I'm so tired of not knowing why!

[sonomacoma]

I have had this condition for years now, i am a 20 year old male and i am really suffering from this. I have never known what the heck this is so i have just called it itchy leg syndrome. I dont believe it has anything to do with the clothing i wear, it occurs when i wear shorts, pants, boxers, whatever. I generally get this when i start moving and heating up at work (im a valet), but it drives me crazy and nothing but time seems to help me. It can also appear under any heat circumstance but not in the shower. I hope we can find a solution to this because we really are suffering.

[petera]

I have just found the Couch Potato to 5k site and am anxious to start if it weren't for the inevitable itching.  I have been successful taking a small dose of benadryl 15-20 mins before I start my walk/run in the past.  I wish there was a more permanent solution, though.

[Terencinho]

Wow. I thought I was the only one suffering from this! When I was a teenager I used to run a lot and never suffered from this. Now I'm in my 30's I suffer from itchy legs even when I walk briskly -  forget about running! My doctor wasn't any help. I too have tried wearing different fabrics, but it doesn't help. It happens no matter what the weather/temperature is, and starts up after about 20 mins. Very frustrating because I want to get running again. Any help would be appreciated.

[Competitor]

You have what's called Exercise - Induced Urticaria.
It's the body's allergic response upon exercising - Walking, Jogging, Running.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exercise_urticaria

I get it running indoors or outdoors when the weather is 65 or below.
Apparently my body (legs) can only tolerate running in HOT weather.

[Ghost05]

This is very common. The reason why you experiance this kind of itch is having to do with your muscels not being warmed up to the weather. You should try just being outside and stretching for a bit before you do your running and walking. Fabric has nothing to do with it. Body temp. is the main cause.

[stacey_fc]

i've just started going on regular walks. i've been experiencing the same sort of thing, but it's more like sort of pins and needles feeling, like little tiny mini explosions in my leg muscles. not painful, but just a weird sort of popping feeling... is this what you mean by itchy legs?

[yayamc]

i agree with barn babe, makes the most sense when you really think about it. i always thought I just had poor circulation, but really after years of high school and college running competition, even 3 or 4 days off would send my next run into itches.  Usually mine goes away after one or two runs, and it's especially bad in the winter (im assuming because the temp outside shriks the capillaries even further, and i run less :) ). So maybe its a combo of the temp and shrunken capillaries, and thats why it gets soooo red with itching. I definitely dont have any allergies, diet issues or even dry skin. i just have to motivate myself not to take that long off....

[islandgirl20]

OH my goodness!  It's such a relief to know I'm not the only one perplexed and frustrated by this crazy, intense, itching madness that occurs ONLY when I'm running or jogging on a treadmill at the gym!  I become so angry with the painful itching, because besides the terror of it physically speaking, it is also embarrassing to make the faces I'm making and to be scratching myself so much, that my skin looks like cat claws just tore me up ,in front of the entire gym.  I have actually gotten tears in my eyes from the discomfort, frustration, pain and sadness of the situation.  It can be hard enough just to drive to the gym and work out in overcrowded L.A., but to be tortured while doing it, is just excruciating!  I have tried the cotton, no detergent challenge. I have hydrated myself and streched out before.  I have started with lifting weights first.  Doesn't matter.  I still itch until I almost bleed.  I considered it to be nerves but would breathe deeply, listen to relaxing music on an ipod, and meditate on being tranquil.  Didn't work.  I started wondering if I have some rare dysfunction of my circulatory or nervous system.  I don't believe anything topical would help.  Like stacy (from this forum) says, I feel like it comes from below the skin.  The sensation could be equated to a cross between the tingling of pins and needles and the horror of having a thousand red ants wreaking havoc below your skin.  The irony is that i was a cross country runner and track runner in high school and didn't have the problem.  I'm in my mid thirties now and this just started a couple years ago.  True, I did stop running for over a decade and then attempted walking fast, then jogging, and then running again, out of nowhere.  But, I have not been inactive for ten years.  I've taken consistent dance lessons since adolescence and do not experience the problem when bellydancing or tango dancing.  I have done pilates for ten years and do not experience it then either.  What the heck?  I have stopped jogging and running and walking fast because of it....so sad to me!  Does anyone have an educated solution to this awful condition?  We need it!  And thank you to Nalla who started this conversation.  If only I had been running next to you at the gym...misery loves company!!!

[v813]

I started itching as a teenager walking fast, i would have to stop.  It is scary at times, i am now 41, and i've been walking and running on my treadmill, i thought it would only happen outside, because of the grass and pollen, but that's not the case, it doesn't matter where i exercise i still itch like crazy.  My husband thinks that i just use that as an excuse to stop exercising, but it really irritates me so i have to stop and start scratching.  I also thought it was because i had a hard time sweating, but that's not the case.  I'm glad i'm not the only one with this problem.  I'm not happy other people are going through the same thing, i'm just relieved that i'm not the only one.  That way my husband can't say it's all in my mind.  He's a health and fitness freak!!

[joylise]

Hi, I have experienced this for a very long time. I remember rushing to classes in college and when I got there, itching myself like a crazy person. I always thought it was the cold, but today I walked on the treadmill and couldn't go past 13 minutes. I was bright red in the locker room scratching like mad! Do we have no solution? Will nobody help us??

[kmccrate]

Hi all I am a senior at a University and I simply want to take a knife to my legs when they itch so bad. It happens when i get out of the shower sometimes, and it is only from the ankle to the knee, on both legs. the itching is so bad!!! Im sure you all feel me on this. I go tanning sometimes, and that seems to make it worse. Also I use creatine sometimes to enhance my workouts, and im not sure yet if that has a significant effect or not on the itching. Lotion only seems to make it worse though, and after awhile it seems to subside on its own. Are there any MD's on here or anything?? I need advice on how to prevent this itching on my legs from happening again!! Thanks guys. -itchy in oregon

[itch54]

I just returned from a brisk walk and couldn't go my full distance due to itchy thighs! It about makes me insane as all of you have said. I am 54 and it just started about two years ago and is getting worse. It does feel like needles pricking under the skin and tiny ants crawling all over as one poster mentioned. It is the worst kind of itching I have ever had.

Someone please help -too itchy

[Blacktied]

I have the itching that makes me want to blast my face off. Wikipedia is not a good source for information as it can be altered by anyone that feels they are qualified, so I wouldn't take the information that is posted in Wikipedia seriously. I think that I have found the answer for us all!!!!

http://www.physsportsmed.com/issues/2003/0603/sweeney.htm

I am going to try this and I will let you know.  :)

[Godz_Dezign]

Believe it or not.. i have the same problem..and i know this sounds crazy but something that i tried really worked for me..is when i work out or run on treadmill i wear 3 pairs of socks..it reduces the shock... you will still feel the sensation but it wont be unbearable..try it...see if it work for u...   :0)

[Suri123]

Hi itch54, how are you doing? Hope you might have seen a physician to get checked yourself? Given your symptoms of needle ***** sensation, I feel this is more of paresthesia - "Paresthesia or paraesthesia (in British English) is a sensation of tingling, pricking, or numbness of a person's skin with no apparent long-term physical effect, more generally known as the feeling of pins and needles or of a limb being "asleep". You may go through this link for more info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paresthesia
It is always better to get evaluated by a neurologist and also by a dermatologist to rule out a serious cause. Get checked your blood sugar and blood pressure? Take care and share your thoughts.

[kakos]

Hi Everyone, after reading everyones comments I felt the need to create a post.  My mother had been suffering from the same symptoms everyone as explained. She would get itchy legs whenever she would exercise. It even caused her to refrain from exercising for 3 years. Myself having a B.S in Biology and certification with the American College of Sports Medicine knew alot about the human body.  I knew it had to be an allergic symptom, so I urged her to see doctors about the issue.  After a few doctors, one recommend that she try taking claritin before working out.  This miraculously cured her from the symptoms she was expierencing! From that day on she has taken one claritin an hour before working out and everything has been back to normal. There is an allergy medication called AllerClear which is made my Kirkland and sold at costco. It has 300 tablets and sells for about $11. It is significantly cheaper than Claritin and works exactly the same. I urge everyone who is facing the same problems to try this and post their results. I hope I could help some people in here with this information. Take Care Everyone!

[prudence1970]

Hi,i also have the same problem. I dont know what causes it but think i have found a solution. For me it happens when i haven't been to gym for a few weeks. its like my body 'forgets' how to sweat. i get really itchy but then if i keep going as soon as i start sweating the itch goes thats why i think its worse for people in cold weather cos the body takes longer to sweat!

[itchydeb]

I can't believe how many suffer from this dibilitating condition.  I have never known anyone else with this condition.  I have had this since childhood.  My thighs get hives and start to itch SO BAD after about 10 minutes of walking.  Forget running.  I'd love to do it but have this handicap of itchy leg that prevents me.  I too have also said that I was allergic to exercise.  I have tried talking to my Dr. who did not help much.  Taking the Benedyl before walking does help, if you remember but it also makes me tired after my workout.  I've also used the Bendryl cream which is okay.  Can someone out there please get the word out about this and maybe someone could come up with a more permanent solution?  This even happens to me if I try to walk in the mall on my lunch hour and I have to find a corner to dig at my legs due to the itching.  Aarh!  It is frustrating.

[BearRat]

I have the same condition. As soon as I start walking fast or in cold weather for a long time I get incredibly itchy to the point where if I scratch it is gets worse. So I always need to stop and let it simmer down and then even the slowest of walking will allow it to continue. My doctor told me something interesting that might be a possible reason. One exercise that might serve better and does not cause the itching is riding a bike or swimming or anything that is NOT vertical. When you exercise walking or jogging you are vertical and the blood flows down to your legs quicker rising you temperature and irritating your legs. Maybe it is poor blood circulation and so it heats up too much and irritates the skin. But exercises such as riding a bike or swimming don't havev that rush of blood.
Hope that helps. I exercise that way and it never makes my legs itch like walking or running.  

[golfgirl81]

Hello! I had itchy legs since I was 8 years old. I am now 26. It comes and goes. If I keep working out it usually gets better but it is not a sure thing. I can be working out for days and all of a sudden I will get really itchy by working out. I usually walk and jog. I thought it has something to do with sweating and the pores being closed. I tried swimming and i get itchy as well. Just like all of you, the faster I go, walking, jogging or swimming I itch more. Some times it would go up to my stomach and back and I can't handle the itch on the stomach. I will try taking the allergy medicine before my work out and see how that works for me. I just do some weight lifting if the itching makes me stop my work out. Good luck

[cheysim]

Hi Everybody!

I have experienced the same thing and it is annoying!!!  My brother who runs in the military often, told me to eat a banana at night and another in the morning before I run/walk.  The potassium in the bananas helps to cut the sensation of the itch.  I have tried it and it has worked.  For all of you looking for a healthy alternative try this.  Happy "free itch" workout!

[elia1806]

To Everyone suffering the "itchy legs when exercising" problem- I followed kakos'' advice and she was absolutely right! You just have to take an antihistamine 30mins- 1hr before going for your run or walk and presto! No itchies!! I tried it the very next day after reading her suggestion in the forum and it was amazing! Yes, the condition we are suffering does have a name too- ' Exercise- induced Uticaria'. Thankyou so much to Kakos, who felt the need to suggest a solution to the problem- it was so thoughtful of you (since you yourself do not actually suffer from it). You are a gem!
I hope you all get the same relief as I have had (with no side effects)- my heart goes out to you all. Thankyou for sharing, Kind Regards, Elia

[roundasapound]

I have this problem, I didn't realise so many people suffered from it.  It seems like when you talk to other people about it you're hard pressed to find someone who knows what it's like.

My mum and sister suffer from the problem, my daughter gets it as well, so I think it is hereditary.

I get the itch when walking in cold, damp, rain weather, if I walk too fast as well.  Starts off as tingling around legs, then tends to move to back butt, mid section and is so unbearable.  Skin feels cold on the outside and inside to me it feels like I'm on fire.  Mind over matter doesn't work, if you try to scratch the itch it gets worse, if you stop and rest, once you start again it comes back with a vengeance immediately.  Being slim or overweight, exercising or stagnant I always seem to have this problem.  Not a problem in warm weather, swimming, weights at gym none of that, just walking and running.

Starting a new job in 2 weeks, that's a half mile walk from the train station to work and then back again, I want to walk because the exercise would do me good, also would save me £120 in travel, but don't know what to do.

Am gonna book an appointment to see the doc and get this sorted.

[kakos]

Hey Elia, I am really glad to hear that taking the antihistamine worked out for you!  I know how much this aggrevated my mother, so I am happy you are now able to exercise comfortably. I hope others in here at least give it a shot to see how their bodies respond to the treatment. Take care and I'll check back to see if anyone else has success stories to share!

[HighSchoolStudent09]

I am only 17, but I have had the this un-godly "itchy leg syndrom (syndrome)/vibration" in my legs since i was 7. My mom tells me that nothings wrong with me, that i just need to excercise more. I am not active in sports or anything but I do walk to and from work everyday, thats about a half a mile. For me it happens in any weather condition, warm, cold and damp, but it really bothers me during the winter if i walk for more than 10 minutes or  too fast. I do not get hives or get sweaty legs, but just this burning/ vibration / tingling which makes my legs really hot and i have to stop and "rake" my legs with my nails until i break the skin. It usually starts with my thighs and moves up to my stomach butt and back. Once during the winter, I actually had to take my jeans off infront of a lot of people and walk home in the shorts that i had underneath because it bothered something terrible. It also happens to me during the summer if i walk long distances. I stopped going to my friends house because she lives a mile a way and the only way i can get to her is by walking. by the time i get to her house i am in tears. Today I decided to google "Itchy legs when walking" and i am glad i did. I had no idea that anyone else went through this until today. None of my friends or family have this issue. I read on a site that it may have to do with how hard you walk and poor circulation, but to my knowlege my circulation is fine and it happens when i walk carefully too. I was actually wondering if anyone knew whether it had something to do with the fact that i am anemic.
I first thought it was dry skin so i lotioned a lot and drank lots of water. That didnt stop the itch. When i told my doctor, he told my mom in a nice way that it was in my head and i think she believed him. For right now i just stopped wearing jeans whenever i walk in wet or cold weather. this has helped some but I will try the antihistamine solution and see if it works.

[sarajeanne]

I agree with everyone who emphasizes that this has nothing to do with being in shape. For me, it feels like the itching starts with the "bouncing" of my body as I run. I could be on a stairmaster all day and it wouldn't happen. It goes away if I run every day, but even one day off and I'm itchy again. *****. So, I take Benadryl the night before my first run of the week (running 6 days a week so as to deal with the itch less.) I'm looking into food allergies though. It just doesn't make sense that antihistamines would work if histamine isn't involved in this. I'm eliminating soy and wheat right now and will post in a couple of weeks if I learn anything.

[MintyGS]

I am fine while I am walking, it's the minute that I am done that all hell breaks loose. Does anyone else find this? Worse in COLD weather.

[Dr_Smita_S]

Hi

There is a condition called Exercise urticaria characterized by itching, or hives on the legs, arms, chest or neck during or after exercise. Sometimes the symptoms may be related to the ingestion of certain foods before exercise, in which case you should stop eating it for some duration and see if the hives stop. You should always exercise in the presence of a partner who is aware of your condition.

You may consult your doctor for some antihistamines for relief. Most symptoms can be controlled by taking certain antihistamines prior to exercise as prescribed by your doctor. Even then if symptoms start, you should either slow down or stop exercise. Very rarely your doctor may advise to avoid certain types of exercise.

Do write in if you need any other information.
Regards

[MHWalker]

In reply to kakos and Dr. Smita_S's messages about taking Claritin (or any antihistimine) and Exercise Uticaria--I first had itchy legs starting in college, but began medication for allergy symptoms and then didn't have a recurrence for about seven years. About a month ago, I went off all meds for my pregnancy, and the two times I've tried to walk since then, the itchy legs are back. This seems to prove that the itchiness is related to histamines and that allergy meds work!

[BABE275]

WOW! I THOUGHT I WAS GOING CRAZY TO. I WOULD ASK MY DR AND HE WOULD LOOK AT ME LIKE I HAD 3 HEADS.  THIS ITCH HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A LONG TIME AND HAS STOP ME FROM WALKING.  WHAT I DO AT THE GYM ONCE I FINISH THE TREADMILL I GO INTO THE LADIES LOCKER ROOM AND SLAP THE HELL OUT OF MY LEGS TO GET THE BLOOD FLOWING. IT'S CRAZY BUT IT WORKS. THERE WERE TIMES  I WOULD HAVE TO LEAVE THE GYM BECAUSE I WAS SO UNCOMFORTABLE. I REALLY THINK IT IS POOR CIRCULATION  

[exrunner]

It is a relief to hear others suffer from this as well.  I'm wondering if there are a few different things described here.  In the past I was a state champion sprinter and a collegiate soccer player, but I suffer from this along with the rest of you.  I have consulted several doctors who suggested the circulation bit as well as the antihistamine drill too.  Those haven't worked for me as successfully as others out there.  I am similar to "sarajeanne" where my symptoms are vibration/impact related.  Now, I'll be debilitated on a tread mill, but not on an elliptical.  Running yes; skate skiing no.  I've even had it slightly (rarely) in my arms from my handlebars while mountain biking down a bumpy trail.    Anyone else out there with any other cures for impact-related crazy-burning leg itch?  Even short walks have made me stop.

[awig]

I am so sorry this happens to other people, but it is nice to know it is not in my head.  

I have allergies and I regularly take an antihistamine, but I stopped taking it for a few days.  Yesterday I went for a hike (it is getting cooler here) and I had the same itchy thighs problems I've had since I was a teenager.  On the way up the mountain, I was fine, but on the way down, my thighs starting itching and one calf.  It is not really itching, it is an intense prickly sensation.  It is so intense it makes me feel like I'm going to vomit.  I tried to breathe deeply to help myself calm down (scratching definitely does not help).  As soon as I got back to the car it stopped, but my throat felt kind of constricted (probably from the stress) and I still had to concentrate on my breathing to calm down.  I know from experience it does not matter what type clothing I am wearing.

I have had uticaria before and the dr said basically I was allergic to myself.  He recommended taking tepid baths instead of hot showers and that did the trick.  But I also think there is a factor with the capillaries, because in the winter my shins would itch like crazy.  I read something about how a heat source can cause the capillaries to expand and cause itching, so I stopped running the heat in my car on my feet and it went away.

[Ace_G]

I've also experienced this problem to the worst degree. It is an unbearable sensation but also it's quite an interesting topic. I doubt it will ever get investigated at the highest level because it doesn’t affect enough people. However, my opinion is that it DOES have something to do with the capillaries. I agree with Chattyccrush that it’s confusing. When I hadn't run for a while and started the "Itchiness" would cause me to stop, yet if I was playing a field sport (cricket, football it would never happen). Either way I found a way to stop it completely. ANTIHYSTIMINE TABLES WORK!!!!!!!!. I use a product in Australia called Telfast (active ingredient Fexofenadine Hydrochloride). For those of you who have tried such tables and had no luck it may be that the active ingredient does not work with your body. Try a different type. I could almost guarantee it will work. If I don't take my Telfast tablet before running the itchiness is unbearable. If I do take it, it does not come on at all. I would be interested to see a study on a link between hay fever sufferers and this itchy leg symptom. Hope this helps.

[lainie2599]

I was reading your experience of itchy legs and other members comments.  It is true what you have is exercised inducec urticaria.  It is caused by a rise n body temp and can happen in the heat or cold inside or out and the bottomline is if you don't treat it you feel like you want to vomit or jump out of your skin.  I have the same thing and has worsened as I have goten older.  It is like an allergen/antigen reaction.  I have allergies anyway so I take a zyrtec daily.  The zyrtec is a histamine blocker which helps block the antigen/allergen response.  Zyrtec is over the counter. Benadryl is really not waranted because benadryl has a shorter half life.  Unless you have health conditions that don't allow you to take Zyrtec, try it.  Prevention is key.  you do not want to let it get to the point of no return.  

[Dr_Smita_S]

Hi

Itching on exercise may be due to a condition called Exercise Urticaria characterized by itching, or hives on the legs, arms, chest or neck during or after exercise. Sometimes the symptoms may be related to the ingestion of certain foods before exercise, in which case you should stop eating it for some duration and see if the hives stop. You should always exercise in the presence of a partner who is aware of your condition.

You may consult your doctor for some antihistamines for relief. Most symptoms can be controlled by taking certain antihistamines prior to exercise as prescribed by your doctor. Even then if symptoms start, you should either slow down or stop exercise. Very rarely your doctor may advise to avoid certain types of exercise.

Do write in if you need any other information.

Regards

[joylynnb4]

Wow!  I'm so glad I found this post - I, like many of you, thought I was the only one this happened to!  I have found that running on a regular basis seems to eliminate the problem of itchy legs.  It is really bad after taking some time off and then going for my first run back.  I've actually given myself welts than last all day trying to quell the itch!  I will try antihistamines the next time I stop for a while and then restart my routine.

[JenStar66]

I, too, am cursed with "itchy leg" )as I call it) for as long as I can remember.  Whenever I walk or jog, my legs itch like crazy.  Sometimes I'll scratch it until my legs are bleeding it gets so bad.  I have found that if I take an anithistamine pill 1/2 hour or so before walking/jogging, I don't have a problem, or else it's very minimal.  Try it.

[Julez2008]

I always get it when I walk through the cold weather with only jeans and then go to the gym, My legs will be very cold and then when I start running and they warm up it will itch like crazy, Once I am warmed up and i managed to take the stinging it will stop.  I guess its different for every person, some might get it due to an allergic reaction or other reason, but what helped me is that every time i go to the gym now, i wear 2 pairs of pants underneath my jeans and that keeps my legs warm. I have been doing this for 2 weeks after trying everything else and I am itch free, Give it a try people, I guess it has to do with the vessels shrinking in the cold and then expanding to fast in the warm again. Before taking allergy meds try that first, it helped me, good luck .

[mastabeam]

I had the same problem on my legs and ankles for some time until a doctor asked me if it itched intensely when showering with hot water.
If so, he explained, it could be "mites"!  Exercise will also raise the skin temp. and evidently the little buggers dont like it very much and secrete a substance that causes the itch. Some mites from animals do have the ability to "cross feed" on us two leggers. He had me make up a paste from vasiline and powdered sulfur  and apply to the legs.  I then wrapped them with kitchen plastic wrapping and went to sleep. Incredible difference the next day and I did it the next 2 days also.

One word.....cured!  Im thrilled to have this behind me. Hopefully you just have some buggy hitch hikers like me and not a physical problem.

Good luck,

ed

***Note if  you use to much sulfur in your paste it burns!
    Cant remember my "mix" but it wasnt very much.

[Benisa]

I have the same problem. I've been enduring it for about 20 years..I'm 40. It usually happens when I haven't run for a few  days. But if I make sure I run evey three or four days, there is no itching. But if I don't run for about five days, I will get the itching and burning. It get the burning from my feet to my stomach-depending on how many days I have not ran.

But the other thing I notice is that I become quite aggressive...I don't do anything to anyone. But I become extremely irritated, for instance, I'm a bit of a germ a phobe and when I'm going through this burning and itiching, I become really scornful. I don't want to touch anything (treadmill). Does anyone else notice a change in their mental state ?

[babynaf]

everything about a rise in skin temp etc. is wrong, it is called exercise uticaria, it is caused by mast cell degeneration as your lateral extremeties (thighs, skin on the legs, etc.)  pound on the floor or hard surface when walking or running. You will find that you will not get this while using an elliptical but only when using the treadmill or running on the ground. When mast cells react to the physical force and break open, they release a histamine, which is why taking an anithistamine like claritin, zyrtec-best, etc. will relieve all symptoms. I have asthma and I'm trying to see if there is any relation between this and allergy induced asthma...please email me at ***@**** if you have any more info.

[naikamara]

Your comment has it dead on!  I thought that i was just having problems since high school with running and i am in my twenties and it hasnt gone away. my heart can handle the runs, i am in shape and healthy but legs stop me never the cardio!  i started doing the elliptical machine and i did not feel the itchy legs AT ALL!  you i love your hypothesis about the pavement pounding and the mast cell release of histamine.  definitely makes sense so i will be taking an antihistamine prior to any runs that i do for now on!  i thought that i was the only one with these problems and whenever i explained it to other people, they never understood!

[midnightsunree]

I feel like crying I am so relieved that someone understands.  I have had this issue since high school but it has gotten significantly worse as an adult.  I will not have even come close to my physical limit regadring exercise when my legs begin to itch so savagely I cannot take it anymore.

To know that professional athletes etc on this site have experienced the same thing is sad but helpful in that I know I am not crazy and it is not because I am a lazy person.  I will try the antihistamines tomorrow and hour before I go and see if it works.  I pray it does because the alternative seems grim.  

[RobN222]

Hi Babynaf,

I am glad that switching to an elliptical machine worked for you, but moving to a non-impact activity won't/hasn't worked for all people. You seem quite informed and open to constructive criticism so I would caution you when writing that 'everything written... is wrong' just because it doesn't apply to your particular situation.  I cycle on an indoor trainer in the winter and have the symptoms. No impact there.

Lots of interesting suggestions to chase. Since I do exercise regularly, forcing myself to go through the 'itch baririer', I'm going to try the antihistamines.

Thanks all

[megm321]

My friends! What a relief to find this site. It was great to sit here and read all your comments to my husband... he joked "Did YOU post these yourself?" I have had this issue since college and it drives me crazy that I can't just push through it. The last time I tried, I was hell-bent on pushing through, ran until I was crying from how intense the itching was, and eventually just collapsed because my legs just went numb and gave out.
I have a strange theory and I would love all of your input on it... My whole childhood I slept with a heating blanket every night, and I have always wondered if this had something to do with my condition - like my legs didn't develop the circulation they should have because I was always heated at night? Sounds crazy, but if you have this you understand.... you just go out of your mind trying to fix it so you can go about your life! Did anyone else sleep with a heating blanket during childhood?

[mattstu]

let me break down my story

whenever i start jogging my legs start itching like crazy for the 1st 2 days. After that it subsides. So I thought it was a blood circulation problem.

However when I play tennis, or football I dont get the itch even after months of inactivity.

I cycle everyday and do spin classes where I build up a sweat but i dont get the itch.

My bike tyre got a puncture today so I had to briskly walked to a bike shop 2 miles today and my legs itched like crazy therefore that must eliminate blood circulation since i cylcle, play football and tennis most of the time.

My mum has a blood circulation machine that you stand on and what you stand on is not flat but is prikly and this machine  vibrates rigouroulsy through the whole body, my feet cant take it after 5 minutes, my feet iches then my sides of stomach.

So what can i deduce from all of this.

Because when im playing tennis and football im starting and stopping running this doesnt have an effect.

Cycling my feet doesnt touch the ground so I have no problem there- no vibrations

But jogging and walking is a constant pounding to the ground and maybe the vibrations does something to the body??? my mums vibrating machine may prove this?

Someone agree?

PS all this talk of itching is making me itch lol, its funny how the mind works.

[Syrenn]

im glad there are others out there like this, i wont list my symptoms because they are basically exactly what y'all have been saying. I use antihistamine and that helps, but for a short amount of time, and if i run or do a more vigorous workout it itches again. So while the antihistamine does work, that too is only temporary. Hopefully a permanent solution will become available for us.

[terriblet]

I'm the same way.  I ran track and field in H.S. and have had itchy legs AND hands since then and still today (in college).

I started using Benadryl pills this year and I 'think' they work (I'm a science major, and I haven't been able to really test this as I would like).

If you ever start getting itchy do the following:

Change from  Hot to cold-
Some of you said you get itchy when your not working out but are in hot weather or when you are working out and in cold weather or when you are rested and your body temperature is less than your surrounding.
You need to realize it's the CHANGE in temperature.  So if you workout in a cold gym, you're making yourself hot. I bet if you step outside in the warmth there is a chance it will subside and vice-versa.

Take benadryl-
My doctor told me that there are Rx solutions, but Benadryl was satisfactory for me.  She didn't mention anything about a permanent fix.

Some people are allergic to certain fabrics-
most clothing is blended :( but cotton seems to be the way to go.. sort of.

by the way

my itching is worst and last 2x as long (I time my workouts, so I'm not kidding about this) when I'm sitting on a stationary bike and my heart rate is between 120 and 160.

now here's a good issue:

I worked out TWICE today and DIDN'T work out in the past 3 days.
My first work out was in a cold room, consisted of a 20 minute combination of running, shooting (double leg take downs), sprawling, jumping, push-ups, squats....  lots of stuff.  I didn't itch and sweat alot.

I went to the gym a few hours after, I thought I was on fire after half a mile, so I stopped and it subsided after 4 minutes, started running again and finished another half mile but still had a lingering itch (maybe paranoia).
I was wearing a different type of fabric between the two workouts though.

All in all, I think the fabric your pores are exposed to when you sweat due to a temperature change might be a cause.  I know this is very specific.  But there has to be a way to make our bodies adapt to it and tolerate it.

[lori201]

well i'm in the same boat as most of you, and i also thought i was the only one who went through the intense itching after my fifteen minute treadmill or jogging. I've also gone to a doctor and when he explained to change the soap i knew right there and then that he wasn't sure of what i was talking about.  So i continued practically stayed unfit and pretty much gained what i really shouldn't have after my fouth baby.  It was a hard pregnancy, so stayed unfit. I really thought it was the cold weather, or my sweat pants, that's why i joined a gym, ha was i wrong and upset. That's when it fond on me to look into the internet, I havn't tried the Benedryl, but looking forward to see if that works.
  In all what I needed to add is I've read all of your stories and really thank you all for posting them. And secondly noticing that we are all in some kind of history of athletics pertaining to running, I ran track in my High School years and stopped for my various of reasons, being a full time mom plus my hard pregnancy and it started right after my pregnancy where I actuallly received the least of my work-outs. The stories just seem so similiar and Oh!! mid_ thirties??
It's just so interesting. Does it have to do anything with our capillaries?? I wish someone can investigate into this and take it serious. My family doesn't take it too serious because it sounds so harmless, "itch legs", doesn't sound serious to me if it weren't me, but anyhow its affected my activity to keep on moving, walking and stuff.   Thanks for taking the time to read my posting good luck to you all.

[itchedout]

Thank you all so much for sharing your experiences!

I didn't even know I had such a condition until I read there is actually an audience out there with similar experiences.

As a child the itching while walking was so unbearable I just never became walked much. This led to a dependence on cars and taxis until now. It caused me to be uncomfortable in my own skin and discouraged me from walking at all. Of course, nothing stops if I want to do something or go somewhere, but the level of discomfort is debilitating worsened by people who just think I'm lazy. I did exercise a fair amount to remain in shape, but the extra effort of overcoming the itching and to continue regardless takes far more energy than people who don't have this problem.

I try to exercise to lose weight but it is so disheartening to put in the effort and then having to stop as a result of excessive itchiness.

I'll go get the antihistamines tomorrow and hopefully this will go away.

[itchy1234]

this is so weird. i have had this problem my whole life.... i can't believe how many people have posted on this.

i get this itching/numbness feeling in my legs when i try to run or do any exercise with high impact; for example, i have never been able to do soccer or track and field, but i can ride my bike with no problems.

when i scratch my legs, it hurts so bad, like digging knives, and it doesn't really help the itchiness go away anyway. AND THEN, last year, i went mountain biking, and the ride was so bumpy, that the feeling happened in my arms.

i am not out of shape, i don't think by any standards. i am young, 21 years old, i eat healthy, haven't ever smoked, and i ride my bike regularly.

the only time i tried talking to my doctor about it, he said it could be something wrong with my spine, the impact of running causing my vertebrae to bounce on the nerves connecting to my legs... told me i could get an mri, and possibly back surgery... which in all honesty i think is crazy.

my mother and her long time boyfriend are both doctors, and anytime i complain about the itchiness, they just get annoyed and don't believe me, or tell me to walk it off... which i think everyone in this forum knows  would be the last thing we would want to do, and it wouldn't help.

anyway... i will try the antihistamine thing when i plan to exercise, but the thing is, i can get the itchiness from walking quickly to try to get to class on time or something, so there would be no preparation for that.

[Dr Vinod]

Try antihistamines, and if it works then it is due to some allergy, also try some mild steroid like prednisolone after discussing with your Physician.

If your problem is not due to an allergy then you have to go to a neurologist and see why your nerves are causing this sensation. The neurologist will adivise you X-ray/MRI of back etc
Also see if some fish, sea food is causing this or what food consumption is causing this and is it related?
Take care and if it does not resolve go to a Neurophysican.

[sakurastar68]

It is so relieving knowing that others understand what I'm going through! I'm 18 years old, and I also deal with the same thing. I noticed this when I was just a little kid, and I thought it was because I wasn't used to exercising. I am pretty fit, so  I know it doesn't have to do with not being used to physical activity.

Every time I go for a walk or run, my legs itch like crazy. And when I play Dance Dance Revolution (which is really a great workout!) my entire body will start to itch. My legs, my chest, stomach, and back. It's terrible because I love doing physical activity, and it always stops me from exercising. I tried talking to my doctor about this, but she was not of any help.

I read what babynaf ^ said about the pounding and breaking open cells, and it totally makes sense because I start to itch whenever my exercise involves my pounding on the floor. (It definitely explains a lot about how my whole body gets itchy when I play DDR.)

For those of you who posted your theories and suggestions, thanks a lot! I will definitely try using antihistamines, and hopefully that will help out!

I wish the best of luck to everyone else who is dealing with this!

[Dr Vinod]

Allergy can only be one of the reason and if it does not help with anti histamines you should try diagnosing it near a neurologist. Sometimes it does not bother you and you slowly adjust to this, but sometimes this bothers and would be the main factor discouraging against exercise. Take care!

[bee_girl]

I've had this problem for as far back as I can remember, not every time I exercise, just the times there was high impact (therefore more vibration). I'll offer my experience after a particularly excruciating mountain bike ride yesterday where I almost tore the skin off my arms.

Vibration seems to be key. I've had this happen to me when I was on a bus going down a bumpy unpaved road. Vibrations were constant and about 15 mins into the ride I started getting the itching and burining feeling on my upper arms as well as itching across my back and sides. Exercise was not the cause as I was sitting in place not moving except for the vibrations. The pain was unbearable and embarassing to try to explain.

Yesterday, the bumpy mountain biking incident where my arms vibrated as I rode through an amazing woods trail. I really didn't want to stop so I pushed through about an hour of this excruciating pain and finally it went away. I thought I was going to go insane. In the past I've also had the running/jogging leg itch and have given up on ever being a runner.

My thought is that there is a combination of things happening here. Vibrations cause circulation to increase and the cells (which are not usually exposed to circulation to such an extent) are finally able to release toxins/histamines into the bloodstream causing the severe itch(thus the need for antihistamines). After a continued stint of exercise/vibrations the itching may stop because all of the toxins in those places have been released. I've heard of something that sounded similar while researching this problem, it seems Vitamin B supplements(supposed to increase circulation) used to have a similar effect on people, causing an extreme and intense itching - they made a form of the supplements that doesn't do this, wonder what the difference is?

I'll try the antihistamines next time and hope that it works, I hate this feeling!

[Dr Vinod]

It is good that you identified your symptoms pretty neatly and you should avoid vibrations till you find a cure for this problem. A neurologist can help you for proper diagnosis. symptomatic relief is only for short term. Take care!

[Suzette468]

Thanks for the suggestion to see a neurologist.  I just finished a 15 minute walk during my lunch break and I almost passed out - not just the itching but nausea and my equilbrium felt off so I came back to the office.  This is a terrible nuisance since I want to be able to walk for exercise.  I will make an appointment to see a doctor.  Thanks for all of your comments. I appreciate the fact that I am not alone and know this is a problem alot of us have.
Suzette

[troubled88]

I have not dealt with this condition for very long it is a new symptom to me. My problems do not start with exercise. I can just get up and stand in one spot and my legs turn red and they itch terribly. I do have cronic back pain and nerve damage in my legs do to my back. I have had 3 surgeries on my back and have titanium brackets in 3 places. I wuz wondering if it had anything to do with my back? This is just one more depressing thing i have to deal with and it is driving me crazy.

[Dr Vinod]

Yes this may be due to your back problem. Ergonomics is very important, to reduce this use proper shoes, proper bed and proper positions while working, sitting and driving etc and continue your Orthopaedic consultancy. Take care!

[VGgirl]

This post makes me feel more sane as I have had this since I was a child and now in my 30s. I remember running around the track in HS and just dying with itchiness and scrathed up red legs. Yesterday I went swimming (swam laps) and after about 20 min my legs started itching, it got so bad I ended up tearing my skin up from the scratching.

A few months ago just walking it came on strong and I had to walk at the pace of a snail to not irritate it. I find if i can hold back on scratching it spread slower but once I start scratching I cannot stop and it just keeps going, it has gone all the way up from my thighs, to my buttocks to my stomach and I have been to  scared to see if it would go further. I have read it can cause a bad enough reaction to close your throat?!

It always takes at least a couple of hours for swelling and redness to go away.

My sister has this as well, and she gets it even doing Tae Kwon Do, but she has started taking anithistamines and says they are working. Hers gets to bad she feels like vomiting.

[Dr Vinod]

Itching can be due to allergy or nerve tingling.
If the itching is due to allergy it is always good to identify the allergens and avoid them. If you cannot then taking anti histamines is a good idea than scratching.
If you have symptoms of itching without any cause you have to visit a neurologist for assessing the case. Take care!

[Still_Suffering]

Just to chime in... I have been dealing with this problem for over 10 years.  I cannot run or even walk for more than 20 minutes without itching so bad I want to tear my skin off.  

I've been researching the problem for years, and have entertained every possibility (capillary widening, allergies, body temp, weather, clothing, etc.) but nothing rings true as a cause.

The unique thing about my case is that I've narrowed the problem down to excercizes involving repeated impact.  I can go on a bike or eliptical machine for as long as I want with no problems which rules out body temp and capillaries because I'm in decent shape.  I've tried all kinds of OTC and prescription allergy medication.  I've excercized in all kinds of weather in different climates and in different clothes, it makes no difference.  

There are so many of us suffering!  I wish that ANYBODY knew what the cause was or how to treat it.  Even if it is "exercise urticaria" by name, what's the cause and/or the cure?  Has anybody had any success?

[Dr Vinod]

Dear still_suffering,
Hello,

Any sudden feeling of itching is due to nerves getting stimulated. The stimulant can be an allergen or any other factor like exercise. Identifying the factors which cause this and avoiding is a cure by itself. Wearing proper shoes, socks, clothes and adjusting to exercises which do not cause this is what you should look into.
Try consulting a neurologist.

Take care!

[icantstopitching]

Like everyone else I have had the itchy leg as well. I remember the first time was in high school during my swim season, and I was doing a cross training run- the itch started at my ankles. Ever since it seems that the itch would be random. I played soccer in college and only remember having the problem if I just straight ran long distances. But in the summer the itch was never as bad- but would randomly happen. Then two summers ago I started walking everyday- but the itch never started. So I thought I had just outgrown it. But not the case. It is back. I get it during all forms of exercise- walking, running (especially), swimming, and the other day I was doing the p 90x kenpo work out and my arms started itching ( the video starts with a bunch of punching). It has started in my claves, thighs, stomach...pretty much anywhere. The itch is like most of you describe- coming from inside the skin. I have tried to just continue working out- and it gets worse. I have tried slapping- no relief. Itching relieves it some what- but then it starts to burn. The other day I tried aveno skin relief lotion before a run and I didn't itch until my cool down walk- and it never itched- just went straight to the burning sensation.

I guess I just wanted to share my story- it is such a relief to know I am not alone! I can't believe I didn't look sooner. I am going to try clariton ASAP ( bendryl scares me considering it usually knocks me out).

Thanks!!!

[julesroolz]

I've had this problem for about 10 years and it is exactly as others have described it here. An intense itching under the skin when doing any kind of impact exercise. If I try to 'work through it' it gets so bad I want to vomit and feel faint.

Babynaf's post was the most helpful, although I will say that I have not always found anti-histamines to be reliable. They work most of the time, but not always!

Like a lot of you I was always very fit as a youngster and the onset of this condition only came on in my mid-twenties. I don't know what has caused it to start. I think one of the hardest things is that people don't understand and doctors seem to be completely clueless about this and how bad it is. I was just asked to do a triathalon as I am really into my fitness and am always in the gym. My colleagues just couldn't understand why I wont do it as I can't make them understand the itchy thing I have!

I can't help thinking that there must be some other factor at play here because this never happened to me when I was a teen, so why has it just started now?

[sentrymikasha]

I just got back from walking my daughter to preschool and decided that I couldn't stand it any more and I had to look this up.  I usually get away with just not exercising, but since my kid's been in school, I have to deal with it twice a day.  I've had "the itch" since high school, but it's always been gone during the few active periods of my life.

It's funny, but when I went to boot camp in December 08, itchy legs was one of my biggest fears.  Like boot camp wouldn't be bad enough in and of itself.  I don't know if temperature really makes any difference to my legs, though.  When I was at Great Lakes, IL I had no itch problems.  Maybe the wind chill of -20 made my legs so numb it wasn't a problem.  Maybe the adrenaline from the pressure of performing well increased my circulation.  Maybe I detoxed from all the bad foods I had been eating.  I got a caffeine-withdrawl headache on day two, so maybe something in the pop I usually drink also affects my legs.  I will definitely try the antihistamine thing, but I hate the idea of waking up and immediately taking a pill to get ready to walk my daughter to school every day.  I want to see if giving up the pop will make a difference, but I may be a little addicted because it's hard to quit.

I am interested in the detox theory if anyone has found a food of some sort that may have been a cause.  I know I would go organic if I could aford it.

[samsam04]

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!!! I have FINALLY found people who understand what I am going through!

I just got in from a tortuous brisk walk from which I rushed home, stripped off my pants, and commenced to scratching like a madwoman: and no, it absolutely did not help.

I have been experiencing the same problem as the majority of you. I have had this problem since I was a child; I'm now in my early 30s and it is still as horrible as ever. Even my mother remembers having to scratch my legs after a brief walks when I was a child. I have frequently used the analogy of a pile of ants moving furiously under my skin. And like most of you, I have been active my entire life and, I even spent four years in the military. Nothing has ever stopped this itching. I have consulted numerous doctors, although no neurologists, who have all treated me as if I were a complete moron!

I am going to try the antihisamin's as well as the banana trick-- one in the evening, one in the morning. I hope this helps. By the by, my mother told she experienced this intense problem during one period in her life--when she was pregnant with me. Anyone else?

[Niffer991]

I beleive the itching for some people can be candida  as itching is a symptom. If you are not sure look up online a quiz to see if you have it. Usually happens after antibiotics as our normal flora a not able to fight.

[walkingmum]

Hello all itchy legs sufferers.
I am a controlled sufferer of all the symptoms mentioned in this forum.  Antihistamine is the key to a normally active life for me right now but I hope to find a natural solution.  
julesroolz wondered why the itch started as an adult and I have a question to pose.  Did you have another allergy prior to the start of itchy legs?
My own experience was hayfever from an early age.  The hayfever became less agressive as the itchy legs took over.  I now find hayfever symptoms only affect me in extreme pollen conditions.  A friend of mine, with a child that has a life threatening peanut allergy, has suggested consulting a professional in the field of allergies because she has learned that one allergy may morph into another.   My 9 year old child has begun to suffer from itchy legs when running and walking (that is the age I started hayfever symptoms).  Perhaps I have passed on a morphed allergy to her?  
I will be consulting an allergy specialist in conjuction with my own GP (who is the one who recommended the antihistamine).  There are sympathetic GP's out there.  I will report back if I find a better solution to antihistamines - for now keep walking the best way you know how.

[redlittlebird]

Hi...  What is this???

I also have the same symptoms as most of the people that have posted previously in this forum.  I too have noticed that it seems to be worse if I have not exercised in a while and/or if it is cold outside.  But there seems to be no rhyme or reason to this.  I am a dog walker and can sometimes get these symptoms while walking with a client (doggy client) that I walk 3 times a week on the exact same route for the exact same duration.  Other days I am just fine!

I have not tried an antihistamine because they normally make me very sleepy and spacey.  Any suggestions to avoid this???

Also...many people have mentioned 'exercised induced urticaria' as the cause.  This may be the case but I looked it up and the main symptom seems to be hives.  I don't have any and the itching I feel really seems to be coming from the inside.  There is no relief from scratching my legs and that makes it feel worse.  Are we discussing 2 different problems??  My legs do itch, but they also feel like pins and needles (on the inside) and also a bit of a burning sensation (on the inside).  It makes more sense to me that this has something to do with circulation or the capillaries, like some have mentioned, because it seems to be happening on the inside of my thighs and not on the skin.  Aren't hives just on the outer skin?  

[soils]

i wish a docter would tell us whats the cause of this. I just tried running today and i gave up becaue i was itching like 500 mequitos bit me all over. i've had this for over 5years now. i itch everytime i run. maybe its just a jogging thing. I'm ok most of the time on a bike

[soils]

did you find the solution.
-I guess there is no answer to this problem.

-my docter told me that my viens were over-dylating. so he gave my pills to stop that.
THey didnt work. I still itched when i ran.

-what the solution?

[Dr Vinod]

Hello!

I can summarize some points regarding this.

1) Dry skin, dry weather and differences in humidity are the most common reasons you experience itching while exercising and I would suggest you to use a good moisturizer before you start.

2) Allergic reaction to a new or different soap, lotion, food or clothes. If you have itching after trying a new product, simply use trial and error to identify allergens. Anti histamines may be helpful if this is due to an allergy.

3) Urticaria can be triggered by sweating or extreme temperatures. Urticaria is a type of allergy.  Exercising in a cooler, dryer climate, or lowering your exercise intensity may reduce symptoms.

4) If you are allergic to some medications including antibiotics you can suffer from itching and you need to review all the medications you are consuming.

5) Some people develop exercise induced anaphylaxis and for this there is nothing much you can do rather to avoid all forms of exercise which causes this.

Ketotifen stabilizes mast cells and prevents histamine release, and has been effective in treating exercise induced itching so discuss with your physician before taking this mast cell stabilizer.

Take care!

[tekaca]

Do you know of anyone who has this condition that has been to a nuerologist and if there was anything that was found out.  I think the trouble is if I go to my doctor and ask him for a referal to a nuerologist because my legs itch when I walk, I am going to get laughed out of the office.  My legs feel like they are bubbling under the surface, like the fat or muscles are bubbling and itching, anti- histamines dont work for me and the itching is mostly just on my thighs.  Once I have stopped for 10 minutes I am as good as gold.
Is there anyone that could do a study on this
Thanks

[Ikillthelights]

I've been having this problem since I was 13 and just recently in the last year figured out how to make it go away. TAKE AN ANTIHISTAMINE!!!!!!!! Seriously it works! I used to get itchy legs just from walking down the block. now, every single morning I take zyrtec or a target brand generic depending on the season, and I DO NOT have that problem anymore. The one time I do forget the burning and itching starts and I promptly remember why I MUST ALWAYS have an ANTIHISTAMINE!