Dear Reader,

One in five people will, at some point in their lives, experience something known as urticaria (a.k.a., hives), which is characterized by welts and severe itchiness. Urticaria usually starts with some form of allergic reaction (especially to medicines or food) that causes the release of histamines into the tissue. Histamines make blood vessels in the area dilate and leak fluid into the surrounding tissue, producing swelling and skin irritation that can last for minutes or even days. Scratching triggers the release of more histamines and can actually worsen symptoms.

Some folks who have chronic urticaria develop red, itchy welts or hives on their skin when exposed to sweat, heat, or cold. Working out in cooler and dryer environments, decreasing exercise intensity, and ending physical activity as soon as symptoms appear can be of some benefit. It sounds as though this condition might be happening to you. Known as cholinergic urticaria, it is triggered by an increase in body temperature from:

• exercise
• anxiety
• perspiration
• hot baths, showers, or saunas

The rash and itching usually start on the upper chest or neck within 3 to 30 minutes of warming and then may spread to the entire body. Some folks experience a rash only on certain parts of the body (such as their legs).

It's possible, but rare, for people who have urticaria to experience a severe life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis. Seek immediate medical attention if you have an urticarial rash and any of the following symptoms:

• feelings of tightness in the chest or throat
• difficulty swallowing or breathing
• wheezing
• feeling faint or dizzy

Talk with your health care provider about diagnosing and treating your itchy legs. Together you can come up with a plan and/or treatment (antihistamines are often used to control the symptoms of urticaria) that will take the scratch out of your stride.

Alice

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