Itchy Legs With Exercise? Here’s What May Be Causing It, and What You Can Do About It

If you get itchy legs during or after exercise, you may be wondering what’s causing your symptoms and if it’s something to be concerned about. You may even be tempted to stop working out. But this could cause you to miss out on the many health benefits of exercise. 

The good news is that for many people, leg itching may be a normal response to exercise. But in some cases, itching legs during or after exercise may be due to an underlying medical condition. 

Let’s take a closer look at why you feel the sensation of your legs itching during exercise and how you can stop it from happening.

Is it normal to have itchy legs when exercising?

Leg itching during exercise, or “runner’s itch,” may be normal for many people. It happens because the body releases histamine as a normal response to exercise. Histamine helps the blood vessels to dilate, so there’s better circulation in the muscles and capillaries. This seems to be a protective effect against muscle fatigue. 

Histamine also plays a role in how the body responds to allergies. That’s why you may have symptoms similar to an allergic reaction — like itchy legs — when it’s released during exercise.

In rare cases, runner’s itch may be a first symptom of an underlying medical condition.

What medical conditions can cause itchy legs during exercise?

Sometimes itchy legs during or after exercise is more than just runner’s itch. Here are some medical conditions that can cause itchy legs with exercise.

Exercise-induced urticaria

Exercise-induced urticaria is a condition that could be described as an allergic reaction to exercise. People with this condition develop allergic symptoms about 30 minutes after starting exercise. Symptoms can include:

• Itchy skin

• Rash

• Flushing

• Hives

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In severe cases, exercise-induced urticaria could be complicated with anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction). This is a rare complication, but it’s a medical emergency and can be life-threatening.

People with exercise-induced urticaria should always carry an adrenaline auto-injector (EpiPen) to use in case of anaphylaxis. It’s also a good idea to exercise with others who are aware and can assist in an emergency. 

Food-dependent exercise-induced allergies 

Some people get allergic reactions and itching after eating specific foods and then exercising. This is like exercise-induced urticaria but triggered by food and can also progress to anaphylaxis. In these cases, food or exercise alone wouldn’t cause the symptoms — it’s the combination that causes the itching.

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Some common food triggers that can cause exercise-related itching include:

• Wheat

• Seafood

• Red meat

• Eggs

• Peanuts 

People with food-dependent exercise-induced allergies can usually maintain regular exercise. But it’s important to avoid the food triggers several hours before and after exercise. And if symptoms are severe, they shouldn’t eat those foods at all.

Medication-dependent exercise-induced allergies 

Some medications may trigger an allergic reaction during exercise. The most common medication triggers are: 

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

• Aspirin

• Certain antibiotics (like cephalosporins)

If you’re preparing for long runs or races, talk with a healthcare professional about whether you should avoid using these medications. 

Exercise-induced vasculitis 

People with exercise-induced vasculitis (inflammation in blood vessels) get itching, pain, burning, and skin lesions in the lower legs after prolonged exercise. This usually occurs in hot weather. Fortunately, this condition usually resolves on its own. Supportive treatment for symptoms could include: 

• Topical steroids 

• Elevating the legs 

• Wearing light, loose clothing during exercise 

Exercise-induced vasculitis will often prompt a healthcare professional to look for underlying autoimmune conditions as well. 

Contact dermatitis 

Contact dermatitis can cause itchy legs with exercise. The skin may get inflamed while running due to direct contact with irritants in the environment. Skin inflammation may result from  sweating and friction with:

• Clothes

• Shoes

• Socks

• Athletic tape

Dry skin

Excessively dry skin can lead to leg itching with exercise. The skin may get scaly and cracked from exposure to the sun or heat during workouts. A damaged skin barrier may cause an itching sensation with exercise.

Antihistamines and emollients (like Vaseline or Aquaphor) can be helpful in treating dry skin.

Venous insufficiency

People with venous insufficiency (impaired blood flow in their leg veins) may get itchy legs with exercise that usually improves with rest. Other leg symptoms of venous insufficiency include:

• Fatigue

• Swelling

• Pain

Venous insufficiency can also lead to dry skin, which adds to the itchy sensation.

How do you treat runner’s itch?

Fortunately, runner’s itch has a simple remedy. It’s usually treated with over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines to reduce the effect of the histamine release during exercise. 

According to Dr. Leonardo Oliveira, FACP, FACSM, sports and exercise medicine physician at Cleveland Clinic Florida, cetirizine appears to have the best response to exercise. And it doesn’t tend to cause heavy drowsiness like many other allergy medications.

How do you prevent itchiness when you’re exercising?

It’s best to know what’s causing your itchiness to know how to prevent it. In general, here are some tips that may help prevent itchiness when you’re exercising:

• Try taking an OTC antihistamine (talk with a healthcare professional first to make sure it’s safe for you).

• Limit your sun exposure while exercising.

• Identify any possible triggers and avoid them.

• Avoid tight clothing that may rub against your skin or cause friction.

• Wear breathable clothing that allows sweat to evaporate easily. 

Should you get medical care for itchy legs from exercise?

Always talk with a healthcare professional if you have a health concern. But if the leg itching is not accompanied by other symptoms and resolves on its own, it’s likely a runner’s itch and you can try OTC treatments first. 

Let a healthcare professional know if the itching:

• Affects other parts of your body

• Doesn’t improve with rest

• Persists or gets worse with every exercise session

• Occurs with leg swelling, skin lesions, shortness of breath, wheezing, dizziness, intense abdominal pain or vomiting

If you’re not sure what’s causing your itchy legs with exercise it’s a good idea to figure out if there are any triggers causing your symptoms. Oliveira advises that you check “the timing of symptoms in relation to medication and food ingestion.” This will help you and your primary care provider figure out why you have itching and develop a treatment plan. 

If you think you have a more serious condition like exercise-induced urticaria, talk with a healthcare professional first before exercising again. Your healthcare team will give you guidance on next steps you should take. 

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Written by:

Itza Rivera, MD

Dr. Rivera is a board-certified physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist. She completed her medical degree and residency training at the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, and her neuromuscular disorders subspecialty training at Northwestern University.

Edited by:

Karla Robinson, MD

Karla Robinson, MD, is a medical editor for GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified family physician with almost 20 years of experience in health through varied clinical, administrative, and educational roles.

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