Hives from icing?

[NancyR]

Sometimes I ice my legs (below knee towards outer area) after a run...today I noticed hives after icing. Just on one leg, not both and they went away after a few hours. Any idea what causes this? Change in temperature reaction? Was just weird.

Thanks,

Nancy

[QATS3]

It could be a bit of an allergic reaction, but if you have been icing previously with no reaction not likely but always a concern.
What do you use to ice with, gel packs, frozen veggies, real ice, or chemical packeges???
Did you have anything on your skin prior to icing.... did you use a rub (eg. biofreeze, icy hot..) prior to the run.
Make sure you put a towel between the ice and your skin as a barrier, and don't wrap it too tight while it is on.
Cheers,
Bryan.

[NancyR]

Bryan, never had a reaction before, so yes it was a concern.

I use a


THERA-P-RELIEF reuseable cold and hot compress (the one in the photo to the right). I keep it in the freezer. Possibly my mistake is I didn't put anything between my skin and the compress. Warm leg did not like cold pack? I didn't have anything on my skin before or after the run, just the icy compress.

It felt great and did the trick otherwise.

Thanks,

Nancy

[QATS3]

Sometimes with the gel packs they get really cold compared to ice when applied to the skin.
Could just be it was too cold in that area, a moist facecloth between the skin and the pack would do the trick.
The other thing is make sure there is no leak in the packaging, the chemicals in the gel can cause an irritation to the skin as well.
Cheers,
Bryan

[NancyR]

Thanks Bryan.  I do like the way the gel (when it melts/softens a bit) seems to fit the area better than ice.  I will remember to use a moist facecloth - right now is a good time, just came in from a run.  No pain but I guess it can't hurt to ice anyway for a bit. Feels refreshing.  No leaks in the pack.

Runs are going well, feeling on top of the world!

Nancy