Exercise-Induced Urticaria: A Rare Case Report

Exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. However, there is a subset of the population who are allergic to exercise. Exercise-induced urticaria is a rare clinical condition, which, as the name suggests, manifests as flushing, pruritus, and hives following physical exercise. A minority of patients even develop more severe reactions including angioedema and anaphylaxis induced by exercise. Some patients are affected by certain cofactors that constitute food-dependent exercise-induced urticaria, which is relatively more common when compared to exercise-induced urticaria without other cofactors. This case report documents a healthy 27-year-old Asian male, with no other allergies or cofactors, who was diagnosed with exercise-induced urticaria. He was diagnosed based on history and a positive exercise challenge test. Avoidance of exercise is the mainstay of prophylactic treatment for this condition. Modification of physical activity proved to be effective for treating this patient. We intend to increase awareness about this rare condition through this case report and literature review.