Why does my skin ITCH when I exercise?

Have you ever started a workout routine with excitement and vigor, only to have your first workout end with every square inch of your skin itching?     I have.   In fact, I think I am the queen of itchy skin.   The itchy skin lasts only through the first couple of weeks. But, oh ... those two weeks .... can brutally deflate the enthusiasm for a new exercise program.   After years of trial and error, I finally found a solution for me.

At first I thought my skin was reacting to the cold outside temperatures.  So I ran directly from outside into a hot shower.  This AMPLIFIED THE ITCH.  Folks, do not do this!  Maybe it was an allergic reaction to either my clothing or laundry soap?  I threw away all my running tights, purchased all new, washing them in just water.   Sadly, my next run started enthusiastically and ended with crazy-itch-lady just trying to get home.

Then I read an article that described this as a physical issue, caused by the sudden flow of blood through my blood vessels - boldly going where no blood has gone in a LONG time; it is called vasodilation. 

When I exercise, my blood flow increases.   To get the blood where it needs to go, the vessels are quickly dilated or "opened up".   It is the opening of the blood vessels that cause the itch.  OK I get it , but how can I get it to stop?   Some research suggests that the only way to get through this is to maintain a workout routine (Men's Health Article) But for me suffering through just wasn't an option any more.

More research revealed that histamine may play a factor. For some people this may be an allergic reaction to clothing, soap, pollen, etc.   For others, their body may feel a physical change and use histamine to help in their physiological shift to their new active body. 

What is my solution? Let me preface this with the fact that I am not a physician. If you have any concerns, you should always consult your physician.  What I am sharing is only my personal experience and research.  

My solution came by accident, from my personal trainer Bambi Will (amazing trainer!!).  She suggested that fresh celery juice in the morning is a great way to restore your electrolyte balance from a long workout.  So I purchased a juicer and juiced celery every morning. The itchiness completely stopped.   

Excerpt from article: Why does exercise make me itchy?   Outside Magazine
Besides being nutrient packed, (beet and celery) juice are great for pre exercise and has been found helpful in prompting improved stamina in endurance athletes- running, cycling etc. Beets contain a certain type of nitrate (that is then converted to nitrite) that has been found to help with functions including blood flow, muscle contraction and neurotransmission. (read full article)
Of course, juicing every morning became quite a chore.  So I found a WONDERFUL product that has the beets and celery pre-juiced, packaged with all the nitrate/nitrite intact.  It is part of a performance line of supplements from a world class company.  Now, all I do is drink a small shot of "garden flavored" juice and workout to my hearts desire.   Happy Day!  Happy Running.  Good-bye itch!

(if you are interested in knowing more about the specific product I use, contact me at yvonne@yvonneramage.com)