Is exercise making my skin itch?

Question

After going over 6 months without working out...and I'm 40 pounds over weight...for a week now, I've began a workout routine. I'm at the gym three mornings a week, and I exercise nearly every evening. I've increased my workout majorly...considering I wasn't exercising at all before. Coincidentally, my arms and legs have been itching since I began this routine. There are no signs of bug bites or rash, and Benadryl doesn't help. At first I thought it was dry skin, but I soak myself in baby oil after every shower, and I use a very mild soap. I'm constantly slathering on the lotion as well. I haven't changed my eating habits and the only pill I take is a multivitamin. I've had no changes in my laundry detergent or perfumes. My boss suggested that the itching might have something to do with circulation in my extremeties from the exercising. What do you think? I would appreciate any advice from health care professionals who know much about this...or anyone who has experienced something similar. Thanks so much in advance!

Answer 1

WHAT HE TOLD YOU IS TRUE IT HAS TO DO WITH BLOOD CIRCULATING IN THE AREA THAT IT IS ITCHING BECAUSE IT HASN'T BEEN THERE BEFORE THIS IS A GOOD THING IT'S A SIGN THAT YOU ARE LOOSING WEIGHT IN THEM AREAS

Answer 2

When I sweat I get something called Prickly heat which is caused by blocked sweat glands which can be causing the itching.

Prickly heat occurs when your sweat glands become blocked & you sweat more than usual.

If you sweat excessively, it is easier for dead skin cells and bacteria on your skin to collect in your sweat glands. If these glands become blocked, the sweat is trapped underneath your skin, and seeps into the nearby tissue.

Trapped sweat irritates your skin and causes tiny pockets of inflammation which also contain sweat. When these pockets burst and release the sweat, it causes a stinging, prickling sensation that gives the condition its name.

However, if you have prickly heat, there are a number of steps, such as those that are listed below, which may help to ease your symptoms.

    * Wear loose cotton clothing. Avoid wearing synthetic fibres, such as nylon and polyester, because they trap heat more easily than natural fibres.

    * Keep your skin cool. Taking a cool bath, or shower, will help prevent sweating and will also soothe your skin.

    * Calamine lotion can be used if your skin feels sore and irritated. It will help cool and soothe your skin. You can buy it at most pharmacies.

    * Hydrocortisone cream can be used if your skin feels particularly itchy and irritated. You can buy low-strength hydrocortisone cream from your local pharmacy. However, avoid using this cream on your face, and always follow the instructions on the packet.