If you’re tired of that pesky runner’s itch interrupting your runs, you’re in the right place.
Here’s the truth. Run long enough, and sooner or later, you’ll have to stop mid-run to relieve an itchy leg.
Coming down with this one time is one thing, but having it several times during your runs is another thing.
Fret no more.
In today’s article, I’ll explain some of the main causes you feel itchy while running and what to do to treat and prevent it.
What Is An Itch?
To get to the bottom of a runner’s itch, let’s first explain what’s an itch.
It’s a sensation that arises when skin cells or the nerves within your skin get irritated. Picture it as a bit like an electrical or burning sensation or even the feeling of something creeping along your skin.
More specifically, itching kicks in when special nerve endings called proprioceptors in your skin get activated. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, like chemicals, temperature changes, infections, injuries, or your body’s immune response to something.
Once these proprioceptors get stirred up, they promptly send messages to your brain and spinal cord. Think of it as your body’s way of saying, “Hey, something’s not right here!” This triggers an automatic response: the urge to rub or scratch the itchy area.
Usually, scratching provides instant relief. It’s like hitting a pause button on those nerve signals. But here’s the twist: scratching can sometimes make things worse, especially if you go at it too aggressively.
A Vital Warning System:
Itching isn’t just an annoying sensation; it serves a crucial purpose. It’s your body’s way of alerting you to something amiss. Just like pain, touch, cold, heat, and vibration, itching is part of your body’s sensory system and acts as a warning sign for any abnormal physical conditions.
What is a Runner’s Itch?
A runner’s itch is a sensation that’s all too familiar to many runners. You’re in the groove, pounding the pavement, and suddenly, an insistent tingling or itchiness creeps in, usually starting in your legs.
But wait, it gets worse.
Sometimes, this itch can be so relentless that it forces you to hit the pause button on your run and scratch away. It’s not just confined to your legs either; it can strike during intense cardio sessions and, in some unlucky cases, spread beyond your legs. Annoying? Absolutely.
Thankfully, a runner’s itch is often more of a pesky inconvenience than a serious problem. There are simple steps you can take right now to tackle it head-on. But before we dive into the solutions, let’s unravel the mystery behind what’s causing this itchiness in the first place.
The Causes Of Itchy Legs While Running
There are many causes of the itchy feeling on the skin when running.
Let’s discuss a few
Increased Blood Flow
Ever wonder why a runner’s itch strikes when you’re in the midst of your run, disrupting your flow and tempting you to scratch that itch? Well, it’s not just some random annoyance. There’s a scientific explanation for it.
When you’re engaged in physical activity like running, your body has to work hard. Your heart rate climbs, pumping more blood to your muscles to provide them with essential oxygen and nutrients. This heightened demand for blood flow forces your arteries and capillaries within your muscles to expand.
This phenomenon is called vasodilation. It’s a process where your blood vessels open up, creating more space for blood to flow through. Sounds like a good thing, right? Well, here’s the catch—this vasodilation can trigger a sensation that your brain interprets as itchiness.
Additional resource – Prevent Heart Burn In Runners
Dry Skin
If you’re a runner with naturally dry skin or find that your skin tends to get drier during the cold season, you might be more susceptible to that pesky itchiness during your runs.
But that’s not all—your showering habits can play a role too. Taking frequent showers or indulging in hot baths might seem comforting, but they can strip your skin of its natural oils that help keep it moist and supple.
When those natural oils are washed away, your skin becomes more susceptible to irritation upon contact, which, you guessed it, leads to itchiness.
Sensitive Skin
Believe it or not, sometimes it’s the little things that lead to big problems. That pesky itch during your runs might just be caused by an allergic reaction to your clothing material or laundry detergent. Even that fancy perfume with high alcohol content might be a silent troublemaker.
Here’s the scoop: You might not feel itchy when you’re just lounging around, but the moment you start sweating, these allergens can spring into action. Sweat can exacerbate the reaction, turning your run into a serious case of the runner’s itch.
Irritating Fabrics
You’re all geared up in your brand-new running outfit, ready to hit the pavement, and suddenly, you’re plagued by the dreaded runner’s itch.
What’s going on?
Well, it could be clothing dermatitis. This sneaky culprit often strikes when you’ve introduced a new running ensemble into your wardrobe. Dermatitis is like your skin throwing a tantrum because it doesn’t like the fibers, dyes, or chemicals in your clothing.
But here’s the twist: Not all fabrics are created equal. Synthetic fibers like rayon, polyester, spandex, nylon, or rubber are more likely to trigger textile dermatitis. These materials may not breathe as well as natural fibers, causing you to sweat more and, you guessed it, intensify that infernal itching sensation.
Additional Resource – Why Do I sweat too much while running?
Histamine Release
Histamine – you’ve probably heard of it in the context of allergies and itching. It’s that pesky substance produced by your body that’s often associated with allergic reactions and inflammation. But here’s the twist: recent research suggests that histamine may have a more complex role in the world of exercise.
Traditionally, histamine has been seen as the culprit behind itching during workouts. It works by expanding your blood vessels, which your brain interprets as itchiness. However, some intriguing studies have proposed a different theory. They suggest that exercise might trigger the release of histamine not as an allergic reaction but as a protective measure against fatigue.
Exercise-Induced Urticaria
You’re in the middle of an intense workout, and suddenly, your skin starts to itch, you develop hives, or your skin becomes unusually tender. It’s not just a fitness inconvenience; it could be a condition called exercise-induced urticaria.
Exercise-induced urticaria is a type of allergic reaction that can strike when you’re working up a sweat. It often comes with itchiness, hives, or skin tenderness. This common allergic phenomenon can be triggered by various factors, including sweating, extreme temperatures (both hot and cold), or even just the act of exercising.
Typically, it occurs during or after strenuous exercise, especially in hot or cold weather with low humidity levels. And it doesn’t stop at skin reactions; exercise-induced urticaria can bring along other symptoms like headaches, stomach cramps, swelling of the hands, face, or tongue, and even difficulty breathing.
For a more in-depth look into runners itch, check the following sources:
- An Objective Measure of Itch
- Clinical Research Study into Itch in PBC
- The Intriguing Role of Histamine in Exercise Responses
- The Mysterious On/Off Itch and Erythema During Whole Body Vibration Exercise (VIBRA)
- Histamine-induced itch and its relationship with pain
How To Treat Runner’s Itch
Runner’s itch can be a real buzzkill during training, and as I’ve already explained, it can have various causes.
From minor irritations like workout gear rubbing the wrong way to more severe underlying skin conditions you might not even know about, the triggers can be diverse.
So, how can you find relief and prevent this pesky itch from ruining your runs? It may require a bit of trial and error, but there are some strategies you can try:
Avoid Skin Irritants
Nobody wants their run to turn into an itchy, uncomfortable ordeal. Fortunately, there are several common skin irritants that you can avoid to help prevent that annoying itchiness while running. Here are some tips:
Some of the common irritators to avoid include:
- Use The Right Detergent – The detergent you use for washing your running gear matters. Choose a gentler detergent, preferably one that’s naturally made or designed for sensitive skin. This can help soothe itching and prevent skin irritation.
- Use Mild Soap When Showering – When showering before your run, pick a mild, gentle soap that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils. Your soap should be a partner in your quest for an itch-free run, not a culprit.
- Hand soap – Pay attention to the hand soap you use, too. Look for brands that contain moisturizers to prevent your skin from drying out. Dry skin is more prone to itching.
- Go Natural and Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Choose personal care products with fewer harsh chemicals like alcohol and parabens. These chemicals can strip your skin of moisture and lead to irritation.
Warm up Properly
Feeling the itch when you hit the pavement? It might be due to a sudden increase in blood flow (check the causes section). Don’t let it derail your run! Instead, prioritize a proper warm-up to soothe those restless legs.
Here’s how to do it:
- Start Slow: Begin your run at a leisurely pace. Don’t rush into it. Your warm-up should gently ease your body into action.
- Dynamic Stretches: Incorporate dynamic stretches into your pre-run routine. These stretches help improve flexibility, increase blood flow, and prepare your muscles for action. Think leg swings, high knees, or walking lunges.
- Gradual Increase: As you warm up, gradually increase your pace. Allow your body to adjust to the demands of running.
Use A Moisturizer
Dry skin can be a real buzzkill when you’re out for a run. Those pesky itches can drive you crazy. Enter moisturizing.
Itchy legs often stem from dry skin. So, before you hit the pavement, reach for a good moisturizer. Lather up your legs and any other vulnerable areas.
But be choosy about your moisturizer. Opt for products that are fragrance-free and dye-free. Some lotions and creams can trigger allergies, making your itchiness even worse.
If regular moisturizers aren’t your thing, give coconut oil a try. It’s a natural moisturizer that can keep your skin feeling soft and itch-free.
Antihistamine For Runner’s Itchiness
So, you’re all set to hit the pavement, but that nagging itch just won’t quit. Maybe it’s time to try antihistamines, your secret weapon against runner’s itch!
Antihistamines work very well for fighting off allergies. They can help calm your itchiness, especially if it’s due to an allergic reaction.
To stay itch-free during your run, take an antihistamine about 20 to 30 minutes before you hit the road. This gives it time to kick in and keep those itch demons at bay.
For the best results, consult your doctor before choosing an antihistamine. They can recommend the right one based on your specific needs and any underlying conditions.
Stay Well Hydrated
Staying hydrated isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a game-changer for your athletic performance. A well-hydrated body runs better, faster, and stronger.
But wait, there’s more!
Hydration isn’t just about your muscles; it’s a skin superhero, too. When you’re low on water, your skin can look tired and lifeless.
Don’t limit your hydration to post-run gulps. Sip on water throughout the day to keep your body and skin happy. It’s like a daily spa treatment from the inside out.
Are Itchy Legs While Running Dangerous?
Most of the time, itchiness during your run is nothing to lose sleep over. It’s annoying, sure, but usually not dangerous.
However, if the itchiness just won’t quit, especially if it’s joined by some unwelcome companions like dizziness, hives, or difficulty breathing, that’s a different story. It’s time to raise a flag and consult your healthcare team.
Lightheadedness and dizziness could hint at an underlying issue that needs checking out. We’re talking about your health here, so don’t brush it off!
Hives with severe pain or burning that won’t vanish within a few minutes? That’s another red flag. Your body might be trying to tell you something, and it’s wise to listen.
Difficulty breathing? Well, that’s a major alarm bell. It could be a sign of something serious, and you don’t want to take any chances.
Additional resources:
Runners Itch – The Conclusion
In most cases, runner’s itch is an annoying, mostly temporary, problem that isn’t anything to worry about. You can soothe the itchy feeling by running regularly, avoiding triggers and skin irritants, and keeping your skin healthy.