My WebMD Sign In, Sign Up
WebMD Home

Ask Your Question

WebMD Answers

120 Characters remaining
120 Characters remaining
  • First, try and keep your question as short as possible.
  • Include specific words that will help us identify questions that may already have your answer.
  • If you don't find your answer, you can post your question to WebMD Experts and Contributors.

Close

Featuring Experts From

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See all
Back to List
  |  
Next Question
Didn't find your answer? Post to
WebMD Experts and Contributors
Q.

What does it mean when you exercise and sweat, and then begin to itch?

Related Topics: Sweating, Exercise, Itch
Posted:
| Report This Report Question
Answer This
 

Answers From Experts & Organizations (1)

MedicineNetSUCCESS!
MedicineNet
5,093 Answers
89,108 Helpful Votes
58 Followers
A.

This is quite common. It's most likely due to an allergic-like reaction during exercise.

During exercise, histamines are released and some people are sensitive to them. People sensitive to histamines can experience rashes, itching, and other allergic symptoms during exercise. Most of the time the rashes appear on the chest and thighs, but can be on the arms or neck, too.

Sometimes exercise also reacts with food allergies or medications (e.g., antibiotics, pain medications, sedatives, tranquilizers, and diuretics) to cause the problem.

If the problem is bothering you so much that you can't stand it, and it doesn't go away during the exercise session (it may just pass if you continue), then you should ask your doctor about using a topical ointment to stop the itching, or taking an over-the-counter anti-histamine (like Benadryl) 30-60 minutes before exercising.

If over-the-counter anti-histamines make you sleepy, your doctor can prescribe a non-sedative anti-histamine. You should only take over-the-counter or prescription medication for this problem after speaking with your doctor.

This answer should not be considered medical advice...down arrowThis answer should not be considered medical advice and should not take the place of a doctor’s visit. Please see the bottom of the page for more information or visit our Terms and Conditions.up arrow

Posted:
| Report This Report Answer

Was this helpful?

YesNo

Thanks for your feedback.

16 of 22 found this helpful
Read the Original Article: Itching
 
 
1 Answer

Next Question:

When I am in the sun or near extreme heat, my whole body starts to itch. What is it? And what can I do? Next Question