Exercise with a shirt on causes rash on chest

[steelvalley]

Hello. This has only been a problem for me this year. It was never an issue prior to that. If I run or bike with a shirt on, I get very intense itching and irritation of my upper body, but primarily my chest and sides. If i run without a shirt on, there is no symptoms. The symptoms will last up to a week! I've tried cotton shirts and even underarmour shirts don't make a difference. I was thinking about trying body glide which should reduce the irritation but I'm not sure if there is so other thing I'm overlooking. Anyways, it looks like just a red generic rash. On my sides, it seems as if 2 or three hair follicles are irritated. They are raised and almost blister like but very small - the size of a pin head. This is only after exercising 1 hour.

Any suggestions? This really *****.

[steelvalley]

Thanks for the response. I bought a wicking shirt today and it seems to have helped. Having the extra ventilation and the ability to wick away any moisture from my body really worked well.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The symptoms are suggestive of a heat rash. Tiny red spots with itching and pricking sensation are the characteristic appearance of this rash.

Avoid using any lotions and creams for the meantime.  Use a mild cleanser with moisturizing properties like Cetaphil. Also use cotton clothes and change the clothes twice if there is any increased sweating. Try keeping the skin free of sweat as far as possible. If the symptoms still persist then you can apply mild steroid like dermacort. For the itching antihistaminics like Benadryl or Claritin can be taken.

I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.