Itchy muscles are common, particularly during physical activity.
This sensationalso called “pruritus"is often felt under the skin and isn’t always relieved by scratching.
In some cases, itchy muscles can also be a symptom of an underlying medical condition.
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This article discusses various causes of itchy muscles and how to treat this symptom.
Oscar Wong / Getty Images
What Causes Itchy Muscles?
Exercise
Itchy muscles are a common side effect of exercise.
This sensation typically affects the muscles being used during the activity.
During exercise, the body releases a chemical called histamine.
For some people, exercise can cause an allergic reaction.
Exercise-induced urticaria is a condition that triggers when exercise triggers an allergic response.
Itchy muscles from exercise might not need treatment.
In most cases, the uncomfortable sensation subsides as you recover from activity.
Antihistamine medications are also used to help prevent or treat symptoms that occur with this condition.
Your healthcare provider might also prescribe an injectable medication called epinephrine to be used during a serious allergic reaction.
Neuropathic Itch
Muscle itching can be triggered by miscommunication between the brain and nerves throughout the body.
This condition is called neuropathic itch.
Some people report improvement with use of over-the-counter capsaicin patches or Gralise (gabapentin).
In many cases, neuropathic itch leads to scratching, but unfortunately, this does not relieve the itch.
Instead, repeated scratching can cause damage to the skin, leading to wounds and infection.
Other Causes of Muscle Itch
Muscle itching can be a side effect of medications.
Internal itching sensations can also occur during pregnancy.
ICP resolves on its own after childbirth.
Summary
Itchy muscles are a common symptom.
Itchiness can occur during or after exercise, due to increased blood flow to working muscles.
In some cases, itchy muscles occur with pregnancy or as a side effect of medication.
Treatment for internal itching sensations depends on the specific cause.
In some cases, there is no treatment, but distraction techniques can help.
A Word From Verywell
Itchy muscles are common and usually not a cause for worry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Exercise increases blood flow to the muscles.
Blood vessels get wider, which can stimulate nearby nerves, leading to an itchy sensation.
The formal word for itching is “pruritus.”
Itchy leg muscles after exercise are sometimes referred to as “runner’s itch.”
Treatment for itchy muscles depends on the underlying cause.
Itching triggered by exercise typically resolves with rest.
Pregnancy-induced itching resolves with childbirth.
When this symptom is a side effect of medication, other drugs might be available.
Itchy muscles aren’t always treatable, but distraction techniques can be helpful.
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