Dear Doctor,

My skin itches and my eyes get teary whenever I am jogging in the mornings. What causes these reactions and how can I overcome them?

Faustin

Dear Faustin,

Do you face this problem every day or is it related to a particular weather or changing weather? Itching over the skin and watery eyes can be due to allergy to something present in the environment, while jogging in the morning. Precise nature of substance causing allergy can be ascertained only by allergy tests which are painful and cumbersome. Mostly it is dust, fungal spores or pollens, substances present in the atmosphere, causing such allergy. This problem can also be due to exposure to smog. Chronic infection in the eyes, entry of foreign particles like dust or fumes in the eyes can also cause watery and itchy eyes, while one is outdoor.

Dryness of skin caused by cold weather outside the house, may cause dryness and itching of skin. Normally there is improved circulation after exercise, more so when one has started to do exercise. This may cause increased release of adrenaline which causes narrowing of blood vessels. This can cause itchy skin in sensitive people. There is also increased release of histamine(allergy producing substance) in the blood, resulting in itching and even hives and or breathlessness.

Try wearing protective dark glasses and muffler around face while going out for jogging in morning. If skin is dry, keep it well lubricated with a suitable body lotion or Vaseline.

Local application of anti allergy ointments and eye drops in eyes can help relieve symptoms. If problem is severe, anti allergy tablets can be taken for few days.

Dr Rachna Pande  is a specialist in internal medicine at Ruhengeri Hospital