What is Exercise Induced Hives
Exercise induced hives are hives that are caused by physical activity.
Hives are itchy, swollen areas on the skin. They can develop on any part of your body during or after exercise. Exercise-induced hives may look like blotches or welts. They are often red on the outer edges and white in the middle. Pressing the center of a hive may cause it to turn white (blanch).
Hives can be a symptom of an allergic reaction. They may happen with other symptoms of an allergic reaction, including:
- Skin color changes.
- Trouble breathing.
- Stomach cramps.
- Headache.
- Swelling of the face, tongue, or hands.
Follow these instructions at home:
Watch your exercise-induced hives for any changes. The following actions may help to lessen any discomfort you are feeling:
- Pay attention to any changes in your symptoms.
- Stop exercising as soon as you develop hives. Slowing down or stopping physical activity can help keep hives from getting worse.
- Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
- Apply a cold compress or bathe in cool water as told by your health care provider. This may help relieve itching.
- Keep track of the foods you eat before exercising. Sometimes eating certain foods before you exercise increases the chance of developing exercise-induced hives. Paying attention to what you eat for a few weeks can help you identify possible triggers or patterns in your condition.
- Avoid known triggers when possible.
- Treat symptoms as soon as they start.
- Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.
Contact a health care provider if:
- Your hives do not go away in 5–10 minutes.
- You develop any other symptoms.
- You continue to develop hives for 1 month or more.
Get help right away if:
- You develop swelling of your lips, tongue, or throat.
- You have trouble breathing.
- You are wheezing.
- You develop tightness in your chest or throat.
- You develop hives, redness, or itching all over your body that gets worse.
- You develop severe vomiting or diarrhea.
- You feel faint or pass out.
