Am I allergic to biking? Help!

OK, this is very odd and I'm hoping I'm not alone so that someone can offer up some clue as to what I am dealing with here. This is not a TMI type post, by the way!

A little background info: I started riding a year ago. I live in the south, so riding in temps over 90 degrees is common. I have no alergies and I do not have sensitive skin. I always slather on the sunscreen when I ride and I've used multiple different brands. I noticed that I developed this unusual rash last year after my first long ride (65+ miles).

I get this red lumpy rash on the front of my thighs when I ride longer rides (50+ miles). It looks like bad welts (as if I scratched the hell out of a rash of some sort) on my legs at the end of the ride, but it goes down to just red splotches in the days following. It lasts about 3 or 4 days. It does not itch or hurt or burn or anything. It's very ugly, but I don't feel it at all (though it is normally warmer to the touch than the rest of my leg). Its only on the front near where my shorts end, but it doesn't matter which shorts I wear or which length they are (some cover the rash, some bisect it, and some are shorter than it).

Does anyone have any ideas? Oh, and it has progressively gotten worse (but our rides have progressively gotten longer so I don't know if that's why or not)...

If you've gotten this far, thanks for reading. Now help me! :p

I think you should talk to a Dermatologist!

you might have sensitive skin and combination of sunscreen, sweat and shorts irritates it. I would suggest going to dermatologist to see if it's an allergy or something else.

I've thought about seeing a derm about it, but the problem is that the rash doesn't stick around in it's orignal form all that long. I'd need a doc to work on a weekend and that certainly isn't going to happen.

My shorter weekday rides don't trigger it...even if I ride before the redness has totally gone away.

I think I need to befriend a derm and then ride with them so that they can see it when it's new! ;)

All your shorts the same (brand/Chamois)? If not , is the rash worse with some?

sounds like it could be a form of heat rash... have you tried some cortizone cream on it?

That sounds like the same rash I get if I use a sunscreen with PABA in it. Doesn't hurt, itch, just looks really bad.

Try a sunscreen w/o PABA. (I use Coppertone Sport something - blue bottle. sweatproof, comes in SPF 50, no problems with that one.) A lot of people are allergic to PABA (whatever that is).

Where exactly is the rash? Under or below the short line? If under your shorts, it could be a combination of sweat and laundry detergent causing contact dermatitis. I had the same problem. I cannot use power laundry soap, only liquid.

If below the shorts, is it possible your legs are rubbing up against something? Again it's probably conatct dermatitis - you just need to figure out what is the irritant.

Also what is the material of your shorts? Does it include cotton? Microfiber? what? This may also be the problem.

GLC, I have it, too. Usually just in the first couple of long rides in the season when it's sunny. I've been thinking it's a heat rash. One of my cycling friends has it, too. I don't think it's a contact dermititis--like you said--it doesn't matter if the shorts are long or short. It's always in the same place. Funny, though, I never feel like the tops of my legs feel any hotter than anywhere else.

We'll have to call it "Ugly, strange, cycling rash!"

You could take a photo of it right after you finish your ride and take that with you to the dermatologist's office. That way, she could see what you're talking about. But first, I'd try the cortisone cream.

People do "grow into" (and "out of") allergies, btw. Just because you haven't had sensitive skin for most of your life doesn't mean you can't develop some sensitivities now. I went through some miserable skin problems during menopause, and cortisone--and waiting for my hormones to quiet down--were the only things that helped.

Heat rash- I get it!!

I get it under my shorts on the fronts of my quads, but way less with the beloved Sugoi RS Flexes, because the fabric is breathier.

I also get when I run for long hours, around my ankles, a little under my socks and a lot above my socks, and on the fronts of my quads which are under compression shorts.

It looks horrifying! I had it REALLY bad after Wickham Park Marathon this May- everyone at the cycling picnic the next day thought I had poison ivy. It doesn't itch, though, and goes away if you do nothing in less than a week.

Nanci

Nanci - that's it...it totaly looks like Poison Ivy!

Used to use the Coppertone sport lotion and still got it, so I don't think it's a PABA thing (plus, it's nowhere else on my body and I use sunscreen all over). It is always in the same place on my legs too, regardless of what shorts I wear (I have tried 5 different brands in 3 different lengths). It's both above and below the short line, so some of it isn't ever exposed to the sun.

I will try a cortizone cream to see if that helps with the swelling. I tried icing it immedately after my ride on Sunday and all that did was make my muscles really tight! ;)

Oh, and the photo is a really good idea! I'll do that too!

I'm glad to hear that I'm not alone. My husband was making me feel like a freak because it was particularly bad on Sunday (even though it was our coolest cycing day this season). I was thinking it was heat rash, but most of the info I found on it had descriptions that didn't fit what I had.

You guys have made me feel so much better! Thanks!!

yep, heat rash... it looks like blotchy welts...

does anyone know if there is anything the doc can prescribe to help it... besides the old "well, stay off the bike..."

edited to correct "perscribe... which is often called PREscribe... "

I just take a bath in oatmeal that night to soothe it, and I put Brave Soldier Healing Ointment on it, but I really don't think you can speed up the resolution much, or harm it by being out in the sun again, either. I usually only get it when I'm out all afternoon in really hot temps. I wonder if I get it on that one marathon course, around my ankles, because so much of the course is broiling white sand. I never get it on my ankles otherwise. I think it is temp related as much as sun, which would go along with getting it _under_ the black shorts which are absorbing heat all day...

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Originally Posted by GLC1968

I've thought about seeing a derm about it, but the problem is that the rash doesn't stick around in it's orignal form all that long. I'd need a doc to work on a weekend and that certainly isn't going to happen.

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This might be a crazy idea, but I would make an derm appointment first, let's say for Monday. And then ride your long miles on Sunday. You can certainly take a picture but there is nothing better then a real test. I am sorry for giving you a suggestion to suffer, but at least your doc would be able to test you for allergies or poison ivy.

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Originally Posted by bikerchick68

yep, heat rash... it looks like blotchy welts...

does anyone know if there is anything the doc can prescribe to help it... besides the old "well, stay off the bike..."

edited to correct "perscribe... which is often called PREscribe... "

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If it is heat rash... The best cure my GP gave me was "Baby Powder" usually johnson & johnson.

I tend to get it on the back of my knees... And this calms it right down and even prevents it from recurring in summer.

Hey, what about this:

Sun Allergy

I get this but only at the beach when laying out in the sun. I have never gotten it from riding. I've always caused it sun poisoning.

Good luck!
Emily

I get a rash, same place, though doesn't sound like it's as bad. I noticed it happened *under* those nifty Zoic knickers, so it wasn't sun (thought maybe the shorts rubbed off the sunscreen or something). It'll stick around for a couple days though it fades.
Yea, I would make a Monday appt and ride a long one on Sunday (tho' I might try shorts rinsed nicely in something hypoallergenic first).

It doesn't sound like EIA, but I thought I'd throw it out there. About 10% of the people who have Exercise Induced Allergy (or Asthma) get hives/rashes. I am part of that 10%.
My hives are all over, not just in one area, so I don't think that applies, but it's something to check out. I also only get the breathing problems when the temperature outside is either hotter or colder than what my body is used to that day.

Thanks for all the new suggestions!

I've done some reading and what I have are definitely hives but they are very localized. It starts only about 4 hours into the ride, so it's not just basic EIA. I also have no breathing problems...if anything, the longer I ride, the better my CV system seems to work.

Because this rash shows in the same spots when my shorts totally cover it, I don't think it's sun induced either.

I'm going to have to try the Monday appointment thing, but by the next day, the swelling has definitely gone down leaving only red marks. I think the combo of the red marks and a photo of the welts should provide enough information for a preliminary diagnoses...right?! Actually, what I should do is make an afternoon appointment, and then take the day off and ride that morning. Oooh...that might just be the answer! Now lets hope I don't have to wait until October to get a derm appointment! ;)

If I learn anything terribly fascinating...I'll definitely share with you all. :)

GLC, I get exactly the same thing as you do. I've just been assuming it is heat rash. I'm a little interested in the PABA suggestion, as maybe a combo of heat and shorts rubbing on the sunscreen. I'd love to hear what your Derm Doc has to say!

I get the same thing. Red bumps/rash on the top of my thighs after a long hot day in the sun. Heat rash. As far as I know, it's just a reaction in the skin to being overheated. Not really something to worry about. It goes away by itself, doesn't hurt or itch so why put drugs on it? And I'd stay away from the cortisone creme. Steroids are not something you want to take any more than absolutely necessary. For me, all it takes is to try cooling off regularly throughout the day. And if I do get it, put a cold towel on when I get home to cool the skin down again. Then just let it clear up by itself. Usually it's gone in a day, two at the most if it's really bad.

You have had a lot of good suggestions. Nanci threw out oatmeal baths. I cannot survive heat rash or exzcema flare ups without them. You can get a box of Aveno Oatmeal bath packets at the drug store. It really soothes irritated skin. Just be careful, it makes the tub slick. They also have a lotion that I use and love it! Plus it is fragrance free, so it doesn't cause additional problems.

I try to stay away from steroid/cortizone creams until my skin is at the worst point. I think you can build up a tolerance to these and they lose their power. There may be other reasons to only use them for a short period of time.

OK, I admit it...the main reason I want to see a doc is because it is UGLY! :o My legs are ugly enough as it is...I don't need nasty looking red marks calling attention to them! (and the option of long pants is not really an option in our heat) Plus, it's Wednesday and my legs are STILL splotchy and red, so even though it isn't painful/itchy, it still worries me.

I'm wondering if it may lead to something more. My skin looks kind of odd in those spots even when the rash goes away, so I don't want to be doing permanent damage if it can be avoided. Because it gets worse with each long ride it makes me feel that seeing a doctor would be prudent...medications or not.

I get the same rash. It is right at the shorts line on the tops of my legs. I only get it in the hotter summer months on my long rides. The last couple summers I just dealt with it. But this weekend my rash was worse than usual (huge, raised welts and tender to the touch). So I decided to see if I could get in to the dermatologist on Monday. He took a look at it and I described how it only happens during my long, hotter rides. That I have tried everything I could think of (different sunscreens, different laundry detergents, rolling the shorts up higher, etc) but I still get it on the same spots on the legs. He thought that it was the chemicals in some of the sunblocks, and suggested a titanium dioxide sunblock. I told him I have tried that already and it does not make a difference. He was stumped. So he just prescribed a strong steroid cream and said if it does not go away or gets worse, come back. If he has no idea what is causing it, I do not know why I should go back...

So...I have decided it is some type of heat/sun rash and I will just have to live with it. If anyone else goes to the doctor and actually finds out what it is and has any suggestions, please let me know!:confused:

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Originally Posted by Righteousbabe

I get the same rash. It is right at the shorts line on the tops of my legs. I only get it in the hotter summer months on my long rides. The last couple summers I just dealt with it. But this weekend my rash was worse than usual (huge, raised welts and tender to the touch). So I decided to see if I could get in to the dermatologist on Monday. He took a look at it and I described how it only happens during my long, hotter rides. That I have tried everything I could think of (different sunscreens, different laundry detergents, rolling the shorts up higher, etc) but I still get it on the same spots on the legs. He thought that it was the chemicals in some of the sunblocks, and suggested a titanium dioxide sunblock. I told him I have tried that already and it does not make a difference. He was stumped. So he just prescribed a strong steroid cream and said if it does not go away or gets worse, come back. If he has no idea what is causing it, I do not know why I should go back...

So...I have decided it is some type of heat/sun rash and I will just have to live with it. If anyone else goes to the doctor and actually finds out what it is and has any suggestions, please let me know!:confused:

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See...this is exactly what I expected to hear from my derm! (I never went because I think I've figured it out...)

Based on some experiments I did...I've come to the conlcusion that the welts are hives brought on by overheating. It's not really a heat rash in the traditional sense, but it's definitely from the heat. A few weeks ago we were on a 75 mile ride and right at about mile 45 or so, the heat got intense (we'd left late so it was mid-day right when we hit the farm land....no shade). It was well over 100 degrees on our bike computers and I just wilted. I felt it come on with a slight tingling in my whole body and sure enough, I glanced down and the hives were appearing. It was a very rough ride and while I was amazed at my ability to stick it out, it did a number on my legs. Those hives took DAYS to go away and now, 3 or 4 weeks later, I still have the discoloration from them. :eek:

The good news is that on our next long ride (78 miles), I ran a little experiment. I knew that our planned ride would take us by plenty of stores, so I could be liberal with the water. I carried extra, wore a ton of it, drank more than usual, and did everything in my power to keep my core temp down. I was dumping it on my head and my back almost the entire ride. It worked..it was just as hot for that ride as it was for the other one (and the second one was even more hilly) and I felt good the whole time AND saw no hives. They were kept at bay!!

For me, it's definitely heat-induced and not just leg heat...but core body temperature heat! I'm just happy that I now know how to control it. :)

Okay, I"ll join your research... next sunny ride, I'll do the same experiment...

I get it too, sometimes. Starting just below the shorts on my front thighs. Two weeks ago I went on a week long, 500 mile ride. I used sun block. The first day was 90 miles and I got it and it lasted most of the week. I just ignored it. It went away eventualy.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by GLC1968

See...this is exactly what I expected to hear from my derm! (I never went because I think I've figured it out...)

Based on some experiments I did...I've come to the conlcusion that the welts are hives brought on by overheating. It's not really a heat rash in the traditional sense, but it's definitely from the heat. A few weeks ago we were on a 75 mile ride and right at about mile 45 or so, the heat got intense (we'd left late so it was mid-day right when we hit the farm land....no shade). It was well over 100 degrees on our bike computers and I just wilted. I felt it come on with a slight tingling in my whole body and sure enough, I glanced down and the hives were appearing. It was a very rough ride and while I was amazed at my ability to stick it out, it did a number on my legs. Those hives took DAYS to go away and now, 3 or 4 weeks later, I still have the discoloration from them. :eek:

The good news is that on our next long ride (78 miles), I ran a little experiment. I knew that our planned ride would take us by plenty of stores, so I could be liberal with the water. I carried extra, wore a ton of it, drank more than usual, and did everything in my power to keep my core temp down. I was dumping it on my head and my back almost the entire ride. It worked..it was just as hot for that ride as it was for the other one (and the second one was even more hilly) and I felt good the whole time AND saw no hives. They were kept at bay!!

For me, it's definitely heat-induced and not just leg heat...but core body temperature heat! I'm just happy that I now know how to control it. :)

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That makes a lot of sense. I have not had these sores on my legs the entire summer until the last two weekends (Dallas has had 100+ temperatures for couple weeks now). Last Saturday, when I was out riding, it was 100+ degrees. For the most part I felt fine, I was taking frequent water stops. But the last part of the ride there was absolutely no shade and it was mid afternoon (I obviously did not get my butt out of bed early enough). I was starting to feel my body over heating (I was hot but had chills, exhausted all of a sudden, sleepy). I remember looking down at my legs to pour water on them and I noticed the rash.

Thanks for the information!!!! :) Note to self: Don't press snooze for two hours - get butt out of bed to get the ride done in the morning! :D

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Originally Posted by GLC1968

...For me, it's definitely heat-induced and not just leg heat...but core body temperature heat! I'm just happy that I now know how to control it. :)

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I've never gotten them from cycling, but I once broke out in very interesting hives from spending some time in a sauna. It was quite weird. I got itchy hives on the tops of my feet, insides of my elbows, backs of my knees and my face swelled up to the point that I looked quite bizarre (but not enough to cause any breathing problems). I'm not allergic to anything so it was a suprise to say the least. I can only think that it was related to the heat of the sauna and I have avoided going in one since then.