6 Common Causes of Itch During Exercise

Common Allergic and Non-Allergic Causes

Portrait of Asian woman wearing earphones listening to music was sick with irritate itching her skin at park. Woman exercise at park itching her skin.

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Most itches are not problematic and will often have no recognizable cause. However, in some cases, an itch will develop whenever you engage in strenuous or high-intensity exercise. While annoying, it is rarely serious and will usually resolve soon after you finish working out.

There are cases, though, where an itch can become so intrusive that it interferes with your ability to exercise. At other times, a sudden acute itch may be the first sign of a potentially life-threatening condition known as exercise-induced anaphylaxis (EIA).

The Science Behind Itches

An itch, also known as pruritus, is a general sensation arising from the irritation of skin cells or nerve cells associated with the skin. The sensation occurs when nerve endings, called proprioceptors, are stimulated by infection, injury, chemicals, temperature, or the body's own immune response.

When proprioceptors are stimulated, they deliver messages to the brain and spinal cord which, in turn, trigger scratching or rubbing reflex. Scratching interferes with these nerve signals, providing transient relief, but also serves as a warning sign of an abnormal physical condition.

Pruritus may or may not be accompanied by physical symptoms, such as a rash or hives. The itch may either be localized (constrained to a specific region) or generalized (occurring over most or all of the body).

What Causes Itching?

Common causes for pruritus include:

  • Allergies
  • Autoimmune disorders, such as psoriasis and lupus
  • Drug reactions
  • Internal diseases, such as kidney failure, cirrhosis, or leukemia
  • Infections, such as chickenpox, scabies, or measles
  • Nerve-related disorders, such as shingles or diabetes
  • Pregnancy
  • Skin conditions, such as eczema or xerosis (dry skin)

Allergies That Cause Itchy Skin With Exercise

An itch that occurs exclusively during exercise is most often associated with some form of allergy. An allergy is an abnormal immune response by which the body releases inflammatory chemicals (called histamine) in response to an otherwise harmless stimulus (called an allergen). This histamine is what causes that itchy sensation.

Depending on what you are allergic to, you may experience itching and other symptoms affecting the eyes, nose, throat, lungs, skin, or gastrointestinal tract. The allergy may be triggered by something you come into contact with during exercise, something you inhale or ate at the gym, or a sudden change in environment.

Depending on the cause, an allergy may be treated with an over-the-counter antihistamine. Other cases may require a topical, oral, or injected corticosteroid.

Here are the top 4 types of allergies that can cause itchy skin during exercise:

Reason 1: Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is a skin rash caused by something you come into physical contact with. The rash tends to be mild to moderate in severity and, in some cases, may be felt more than seen. Latex (used in yoga mats and sports bras) and spandex (found in athletic wear) are common allergens. Your athletic shoes could even be the cause. Other possible culprits include body sprays, powders, or lotions you apply before or after exercise.

Be aware of any products you are using on your skin, and note any reactions to new products. Take a cool shower after exercise.

Reason 2: Inhalant Allergies

Inhalant allergies are those caused by substances you breathe in. While pollens are a common cause, any substance you can inhale can trigger an allergic response. These include fungi found in locker rooms or disinfectants used to clean the gym. Some deodorants are less likely than others to cause itchiness. Inhalant allergies can usually be identified by the development of nasal symptoms.

Talk to your doctor, but consider taking a non-drowsy antihistamine to ward off symptoms when exercising outdoors with allergies.

Reason 3: Abnormal Histamine Response

A 2017 review found that, for some people, exercise causes your body to release histamine as a response to exercise. Researchers believe your body does this to help prevent fatigue, as it causes your blood vessels to expand, however it an also result in itchy skin.

Reason 4: Food Allergy

Food allergies can occur in response to any food you eat but are especially common with certain fruits and nuts. Allergies like these may cause the transient swelling of the lips, tongue, and throat. Other may cause generalized itchiness and rash. Possible culprits of food allergies at the gym include protein bars (which may contain hidden nuts) and energy drinks (in which a caffeine allergy may be amplified by exercise).

Talk to your doctor about getting tested for food allergies. You can also keep a food journal and write down any reactions you are having.

Non-Allergic Itching With Exercise

There are other conditions that can cause pruritus or itching during exercise. Some are similar to an allergy in that they involve the release of histamines, while others have no association at all.

Two types of non-allergic itching that may occur with exercise include:

Reason 5: Heat Rash

Heat rash, also known as prickly heat and miliaria, develops when perspiration becomes trapped in the sweat pores. This can lead to the formation of superficial blisters or bumps. Heat rash tends to occur during strenuous activity in extreme temperatures (such as running under the midday sun).

Try to avoid exercising in the hottest part of the day. During the summer, consider switching to swimming or exercising in the gym. Take a cool shower after working out.

Reason 6: Cholinergic Urticaria

Cholinergic urticaria is a condition in which increased body temperatures trigger the swelling of the skin and the formation of hives. While similar to an allergy, urticaria involves a different mechanism by which immune cells, called mast cells, spontaneously break apart and flood the body with histamine. While the exact cause of exercise-induced urticaria is unclear, it may be spurred by an underlying food allergy which is amplified by exercise. Despite this association, urticaria is not classified as an allergy.

By removing yourself from the heat and lowering your body temperature, both conditions tend to resolve on their own. Longer-lasting hives may benefit from a short course of oral antihistamines.

Exercise-Induced Anaphylaxis

In rare circumstances, an exercise-related allergy or urticaria can spur a life-threatening, all-body reaction known as exercise-induced anaphylaxis (EIA). Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

  • Hives
  • Facial swelling
  • Swelling of the tongue and throat
  • Wheezing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Irregular and/or rapid heart rate
  • Cold and clammy skin
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Confusion

Symptoms of anaphylaxis tend to develop suddenly and progress rapidly, involving not only the skin and lungs but the heart and brain as well. If left untreated, anaphylaxis can lead to seizures, coma, respiratory or cardiac arrest, and death.

An emergency injection of epinephrine (adrenaline) is often needed to counter the allergic response. Intravenous antihistamines or corticosteroids may be used to decrease inflammation in the air passages.

4 Sources
Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Giannetti MP. Exercise-Induced Anaphylaxis: Literature Review and Recent Updates. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2018;18(12):72. doi:10.1007/s11882-018-0830-6

  2. Pravettoni V, Incorvaia C. Diagnosis of exercise-induced anaphylaxis: current insights. J Asthma Allergy. 2016;9:191-198. doi:10.2147/JAA.S109105

  3. Luttrell MJ, Halliwill JR. The intriguing role of histamine in exercise responsesExerc Sport Sci Rev. 2017;45(1):16-23.

  4. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Anaphylaxis.

Additional Reading

By Elizabeth Quinn, MS
Elizabeth Quinn is an exercise physiologist, sports medicine writer, and fitness consultant for corporate wellness and rehabilitation clinics.