Allergic to Jogging or Walking? Rare Allergies You Have Never Heard of Before

Do you develop rashes, hives and extreme itchiness when you jog after some period of time? It feels like million of needles are poking your legs. When you walk, your legs becomes so itchy. Jogging or walking becomes so unbearable that you just have to stop. The hives go to other parts of your body after a few minutes. It goes to your arms, torso or neck. You feel very distracted. You just want to scream.

At other times, you wonder if it is the textile of your clothing that is really irritating you. You switch to a 100% cotton material. But, it sometimes does not help. There were times you tried to ignore the symptoms and after a few minutes you feel out of breath and sick.

Do not take the symptoms for granted. If you are at risk for an anaphylaxis reaction, it may progress to passing out or closing off of your airway.

Yes, you are not a whiner. You are actually experiencing a physical allergy. It is also called vibration allergy or exercise-induced allergy. It is also known as "itchy leg syndrome or itchy pants syndrome". Sometimes, it is also called Exercise Urticaria. Some people who have this allergy also itch when sitting on a massage chair, using a lawnmower or a powertool, or go horse-back riding.

The causes of this kind of allergy seem confusing because very little studies have been done. There are really no known causes for it.

Michael Kalinar, in his article on "Allergic and Respiratory Disease in Sports Medicine" indicated that the "exact incidence of exercise-induced anaphylaxis is unknown." He reported that in a survey conducted at Mayo Clinic in 1994, there were 7% of patients, out of the 179 patients that suffered from exercise -induced anaphylaxis.

The allergy was first described in the 1980's by Sheffer and Austen according to an article in www.allergycapital.com . Until recently, no doctor will understand you when you say that you itch extensively when you exercise. They will always say that it is contact dermatitis, a skin reaction from irritants or foreign substance.

What is a physical allergy?

The Merck Manuals Library Online Medical Library defines it as "an allergic reaction triggered by a physical stimulus. The physical stimulus can be cold, sunlight, heat, other stimuli that cause sweating (such as emotional stress or exercise), vibration, a minor injury (such as that due to scratching), or physical pressure."

Theories on the Causes

In an article entitled "Physical Allergy" from www.merck.com, there is one theory on this. One theory suggests that "the physical stimulus changes a protein in the skin. The immune system mistakes this protein for a foreign substance and attacks it. Sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity) is sometimes triggered by the use of drugs, such as antibiotics, or other substances, including some cosmetics such as skin creams, lotions, and oils. A few people who are sensitive to cold have abnormal proteins (called cryoglobulins or cryofibrinogen) in the blood. Sometimes the presence of these proteins indicates a serious disorder such as cancer, a connective tissue disorder, or chronic infection."

Treatment

An antihistamine can usually relieve itching. About.com article on "Exercise-Induced Anaphylaxis" explains that "immediate symptoms of EIA should be treated in much the same way anaphylaxis from any cause (such as from a food or insect sting allergy). This may require the use of inject able epinephrine, such as with an Epi-Pen or Twin-Ject device."

Tips for Exercise-Induced Allergy Sufferers

1. Avoid exercising alone.

It is never advisable to jog or walk alone for those that suffer with exercise-induced allergy. Find an exercise buddy. This person must be familiar on how to recognize and respond to this emergency situation. Wear a Medic-Alert bracelet at all times before heading out the door. It should describe your medical condition and the need for injectible epinephrine.

2. Avoid exercising in cold weather

When people who are sensitive to cold are exposed to cold, they may develop hives, asthma, a runny nose, nasal stuffiness, or swelling of tissues under the skin (angioedema). This may exacerbate your allergy.

3. Avoid triggering food, lotions and certain medications

Exercise on an empty stomach. Some food you may be allergic too may trigger an allergic reaction just because you're exercising. Shellfish, wheat, hazelnuts, grapes, are foods that trigger an allergic reaction. Michael Kalinar in his book noted an incident when a 31 year old runner almost died when he exercised after eating shrimps.

Do not use any cosmetics and skin creams, lotions and oils. It may worsen your hives and itchiness after jogging or walking.

4. Wear loose, cotton-only clothing

Wear pre-washed, cotton-only blue jeans. If your legs are still itchy, you might consider wearing a skirt while jogging.

Wendy Bumgardner, in an article on About.com:Walking entitled "Itchy Legs for Walkers" revealed that there are pants that make your legs feel itchy especially in the thighs. The cause is thought to be the fabric finishes or formaldehyde that remains in the cloth. " Still, some people have itchy legs wearing anything other than 100% plain cotton denim.", according to Ms. Bumgardner.

Conclusion

Many children suffer from this type of allergy. Their parents and even their family physician cannot understand their symptoms and their complaints. They suffer years of anguish thinking that they are chronic whiners or just avoiding exercising altogether. Athletics departments of schools must have screening for this type of allergy for preventive measures.

If you have been diagnosed with exercise-induced allergy, you will be tempted to refrain or avoid exercises all together. You may also have to change your lifestyle. The fear of another unbearable itchy episode will most likely occur in your mind. It is important to tie up with an allergist-immunologist for an exercise plan. Sometimes, a reaction may be caused not only by exercise in itself but a combination of other triggers such as cold weather, medications, creams and trigger foods that you ate 24 hours prior to your exercise.

Do not be surprised if you come across a physician who does not understand your symptoms. Ask your family doctor to refer you to an allergist. Remember, it can be life-threatening.

Sources:

Michael E. Kaliner, "Allergic and Respiratory Diseases in Sports Medicine"

Wendy Bumgardner, "Itchy Legs for Walkers", About.com

"Physical Allergies", The Mercks Manuals Online Medical Library, Merck.com

"Exercise, Allergy and Anaphylaxis", Allergy Capital, www.allergycapital.com

"Exercise Urticaria", Wikipedia

"Exercising with Allergies and Asthma", ACAAI Online

Daniel More, MD, "Exercise Induced Anaphylaxis", About.com