That is an interesting observation, @martinsmckinney, that you get a pins and needles feeling when you initially sweat during exercise.

Wondering if @hotfooted @pfbacon @jimhd @artscaping @jenniferhunter have any experiences with this sensation when exercising?

Do you think that sweat is triggering some kind of response, or the movement, martinsmckinney?

I have pins and needles all the time and don't sweat much, not to mention the burning pain in my feet and ankles. I don't exercise formally, but the work around the house and grounds provide productive exercise.

Sorry. Not much help.

Jim

I have read that a lack of sweating is a sign of SFN, I have noticed that seems to be my experience.

Yes, because small fibers control so many areas throughout the body. In my case, I sweat too much but it's in and out. I have trouble regulating my body temp which began with a B12 deficiency, hence SFPN.

Thank you all for your responses. I am a cyclist and usually when i ride after about 10 minutes the pins and needles start and they usually last for a good 10-20 minutes. The feeling subsides after that period but during time it is almost enough discomfort to discourage any activity. The same thing happens when I start to sweat in the gym or doing yard work here in Florida. I know it will not feel good. i know it sounds strange but would think most of you are familiar with uncommon symptoms. Just curious if others have the same sensations and what a remedy might be(?).

@martinsmckinney I am so glad you mentioned this. I don’t notice if I have started sweating but I get pins and needles many times after a few minutes of exercise. It gets discouraging and I usually slow down until they go away. I think it’s something we just need to put up with

Thank you @albiet Would like to determine how to avoid this. It may be that more frequent exercise makes it less intense. I would welcome that. Will keep you posted.

@martinsmckinney please lmk what you discover.

Yes, my husband experiences the same thing. He works out 6-7 times a week. Very active. Right before he breaks a sweat his whole body experiences pins and needles that are very painful. His face and arms and whole body break out in white hives. The pins and needles stop as soon as a sweat breaks. We use the VA medical and they have no idea what is wrong with him. I’m desperate for a solution for him. He’s been on antihistamines which only make him sleepy. I just bought zendocrine from doterra thinking maybe it’s his body trying to rid the toxins it has accumulated… hasn’t worked. We eat clean and have gone vegan since he developed this. He’s had this the last three years. Tried all natural soaps etc… nothing.. We’re at a complete loss and feel hopeless..

Hello @stevenson, I would like to welcome you to Mayo Clinic Connect along with @albiet, @martinsmckinney, and other members. I ran across an article about paresthesia and hives and was wondering if it might be helpful related to your symptoms.

What Causes Pins and Needles — https://physioworks.com.au/FAQRetrieve.aspx?ID=30988
Paresthesia Information Page — https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Paresthesia-Information-Page

5 Causes of Hives You Wouldn't Expect — https://www.health.com/condition/allergy/hives-causes
Mayo Clinic Q and A: Chronic Hives Come and Go With No Clear Pattern
— https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-q-and-a-chronic-hives-come-and-go-with-no-clear-pattern/
What to Do When Stress Gives You Hives — https://www.stress.org/what-to-do-when-stress-gives-you-hives

Do the symptoms go away if you stop exercising for a period of time like a few days or even a week?

@stevenson Have you seen a neurologist or a dermatologist – I imagine you have. When I had poison oak the only thing that gave me relief was a hot shower. I gradually made the water hotter until I thought I must have emptied the water heater. Does he usually continue his exercise until he breaks a sweat? Has his doctor suggested an antihistamine that isn't drowsying? I take Claritin in the morning for that reason.

Jim

We’ve seen a demonologist, he’s going to get allergy tested soon they think that is a solution. Hot showers trigger the pins and needles and he is forced to take Luke warm showers to avoid the pain.. He takes clariten Frequently for allergies and has not seen improvement. He keeps working out because once he breaks a sweat the pain stops. It’s troublesome because with the VA it takes months to get any type of appointment, only to leave with them having no answers.

My brother deals with the same frustrations with the VA. I've been on a 3 year search for pain relief from polyneuropathy, and I've kinda reached the conclusion that I just have to live with it. My pain is quite different from your husband's, but after a while any chronic pain is difficult. I hope you get some answers soon.

Jim

I know you said you eat clean, but does your husband drink coffee, caffeinated sodas or take supplements with caffeine? The reason I ask is because the exact thing used to happen to me while running or exercising hard. I would sweat, then break out in hives all over my body and they itched like crazy!!! Just as you thought, I also thought it was because of sweat toxins making contact with my skin.
However, no matter how clean I ate and how many cleanses I did it still happened. So then I decided no more caffeine. Which made me very sad because I loved drinking Diet Coke. But I stopped and have never had that problem again.
Just a thought, as different things work for different people because all our bodies are different. So if he does have caffeine he should give it a try to see if that helps.

@meeceeme
Hi, and welcome to Mayo Connect. What you (and @stevenson ) experienced, hives when starting to sweat, is a new one on me. Good you were able to attribute it to an allergic reaction to caffeine. Since you posted this in the neuropathy section I am wondering if you or your husband suffer from that? I am caregiver to my wife who is greatly debilitated from it. If you want to share what your symptoms are I am all ears. I have learned a great deal by listening to everyone here who is suffering from PN. My wife counts on me to be the family researcher. I feel so badly for her, and by extension all those who suffer from this frustrating disease. Best to you! Hank