Exercise-Induced Anaphylaxis

In article <[email hidden]>,

Reba said:

I recently began some intense aerobics classes and got very over
heated. I always did turn red in the face when I exercised but this
time, I was burgendy! The instructor made me sit with a cold towel on
my head a while before letting me leave.

Soon after, I noticed a red rash on my lower chest just above where a
woman's cleavage is located. I thought it would have gone away by now.
It's very itchy and at times I cannot resist lightly brushing it. I
also got relief by using the shower head on it. It has been about a
week or two now and I still have it.

Any advice on what I should put on this? I believe it is exercise
related.

Reba

While I haven't had this occur when exercising, I have had it happen
when perspiring profusely while working. It happened to me when I had
excess dust or dirt on my skin - in places where the skin folds, like
the armpits, inside of elbows, back of knees and yes, around my
waistband. Sounds like your skin may be sensitive in general and the
perspiration mixed with something like dirt, un-rinsed detergent or
fabric softener or some such. You need to shower immediately after
sweating like that and use a drying powder like talcum powder,
cornstarch or Gold Bond.

For now I'd recommend trying a topical cream like Balmex or Desinex for
babys' diaper rash.

Reba said:

I recently began some intense aerobics classes and got very over
heated. I always did turn red in the face when I exercised but this
time, I was burgendy! The instructor made me sit with a cold towel on
my head a while before letting me leave.

Soon after, I noticed a red rash on my lower chest just above where a
woman's cleavage is located. I thought it would have gone away by now.
It's very itchy and at times I cannot resist lightly brushing it. I
also got relief by using the shower head on it. It has been about a
week or two now and I still have it.

Any advice on what I should put on this? I believe it is exercise
related.

Reba

How about taking some Benadryl (OTC, non-prescription, cheap) to see if
it reduces your symptoms? Benadryl is just an antihistamine that slows
allergic reactions. On the rash itself, you might try a bit of
Calamine lotion in a small area, and if there's no adverse reaction,
then on the whole rash (commonly used for poison ivy, poison oak, and
other skin allergic breakouts. Your symptoms sound like an allergic
reaction that was exaggerated by the allergen entering your skin
through open, sweating pores. Vigorously sweating again without
further exposure to the allergen and immediately showering might help
remove any residual. I have had similar breakouts from different
fabrics worn when sweating heavily (in my case, wool is a major
culprit). Was your outfit new? Not washed before you wore it from the
store? A fabric you've not worn for working out before? Good luck.