Am I allergic to biking? Help!

[Aint Doody]

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!"

[Bad JuJu]

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.

[Nanci]

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

[GLC1968]

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!!

[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... "

[Nanci]

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...

[light_sabe_r]

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... "

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.

[emily_in_nc]

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