What causes a rash after working out?

Question

Every time I do a cardio workout (particularly running--which is my exercise of choice), my stomach and lower back turn pink and become extremely itchy, to the point where I have to stop exercising.

I haven't maintained a regular workout schedule in about 5 years, and I am thinking that the rash may be caused by simply overheating or working my muscles more than they are used to being worked.

If this is the case, I would hope that the rash would stop appearing once I am in shape.

Has anyone heard of rashes that are caused by exercising?

Answer 1

More often than not, its the contact of sweat to the fabric of your cloth. Maybe try wearing something cotton. If that doesn't help, wiping alcohol before you work out might ease it.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Skin Rash After Exercise

Answer 4

That happens to me too. But only after I had stopped exercising for a long time and then I exercise again. I think in my case the food that I eat in a combination with sweat and the type of clothing that I wear causes the rash. May be you have something similar to me. Try different clothed, or even just wearing an sport bra to work out. Leave your stomach and back uncover and see what happens. May be you are allergic to the clothes

Answer 5

It's called 'prickly heat' rash:

Prickly heat (also called heat rash, sweat rash, or miliaria) is a rash of red or pink dots that appears over an infant's head, neck, and shoulders. The dots look like tiny pimples. The rash from prickly heat usually covers a small area and is considered a localized rash. Occasionally the rash will cover a larger area (generalized rash).

(Prickly heat is often caused when well-meaning parents dress their baby too warmly, but it can happen to any baby in very hot weather. A baby should be dressed as lightly as an adult who is resting. Your baby's hands and feet may feel cool to the touch. This is not uncommon and is usually not a problem.(

Prickly heat (miliaria rubra) is a type of heat rash that lasts. Here the pores of the sweat glands get plugged, resulting in tiny pink bumps or even water blisters. These bumps tend to show up on covered parts of the skin, especially where there is friction from clothing. The forehead (under caps or visors), body folds, the upper back and chest, and the arms are the most common locations. Prickly heat is most common when it is hot and humid, but it can also occur in overdressed infants even during the winter. Applying oils and ointments makes prickly heat more likely (and take longer to clear up). Often prickly heat itches, and older children describe a 'prickly' sensation. The rash can look quite similar to one caused by infected hair follicles (folliculitis), but if you look at the prickly heat bumps with a magnifying glass, no hair follicles will be seen. I've also seen the itchy bumps of prickly heat confused with chicken pox, or the rash from the chicken pox vaccine. Prickly heat is treated with gentle cleansing of the skin. I like using Stri-Dex Acne Medicated Sensitive Skin Pads; the salicylic acid helps to unplug the pores. Hydrocortisone cream (not ointment) can help with itching. Sometimes antihistamines are needed for the itching (and sleep). If the rash is infected, antibiotics may also be needed. With treatment, prickly heat should disappear within 2 or 3 days.

Answer 6

The rash could be caused by your increased body temp. (Heat rash). Try putting baby powder on the problem areas before you exercise.

Answer 7

Sounds like heat rash or you could be having an allergic reaction to your own sweat.

Answer 8

You could have urticaria. Its a form of hives which can be aggravated by excercise and heat. You could try taking an antihistamine and wearing loose-fitting clothing made of 100% cotton while excercising but if it persists you should probably see a doctor.

Answer 9

Could be heat rash.

Answer 10

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