Post Massage Rashes -- not dermatitis

[Pompal 09.]

Has anyone experienced a client developing a rash just in areas of muscle release with deep work?

 

[~abby~]

I just found this on line. It's about exercise & skin reactions. Since massage is similar I think this might apply.


http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=79103

"During exercise, histamines are released. Histamines are proteins involved in autoimmune responses like an allergic reaction to pollen or dust. People who are sensitive to histamines can experience rashes, itching, and other allergic symptoms during exercise just like you are describing. Most of the time, the rashes appear on the chest and thighs, but they can appear on the neck or arms, too. Sometimes exercise also reacts with food allergies or medications (for example, antibiotics, pain medications, sedatives, tranquilizers, and diuretics) to cause the problem. The problem typically occurs more in cold weather than warm.

If the problem bothers you so much that you can't stand it, or it's not resolving on its own, then you should ask your doctor about using a topical ointment to stop the itching, or taking an over-the-counter antihistamine like Benadryl 30-60 minutes before exercising. If over-the-counter antihistamines make you sleepy, your doctor can prescribe a non-sedating antihistamine. You should not take over-the-counter or prescription medications for this problem without speaking with your doctor.

Take care. Thank you for your question."

 

[Love my Mutts!!!]

Could be the lubricant

Some people are allergic to some of the ingredients in massage lubricants, oils in particular. The most common oil in massage oils is avocado. If they look like they have small pink dots over the area that was massaged, and it goes away after a few days, then it is most likely the oil that is causing the reaction.

 

[Seg]

ditto on the histamine release. It can happen with deep work. (especially if it is just in one area and not all around - if the person has an allergic reaction to your cream or oil then it would be everywhere)

Benadryl or something to help stop the itching, since it's a release from deep in the muscles, all the scratching in the world isn't going to help.

 

[sarci]

I agree

I agree that it is most likely a histamine release. The information I gave about the allergy to the oil is also a possibility to consider, especially with the limited description given in the original question. And, yes, an oil allergy would be everywhere, but the question did not include information about whether they only worked in one area, or the whole body, so I was offering an alternate possibility. As, I like to say, "Always be curious, and always be open to all possibilities.

 

[skeptik]

I use jojoba oil. The rash was spotty and in the locations specified in the histamine release areas - not even - where the oil was applied. This client had a serious car accident w/one year of rehab. Lots of scar tissue and meds, etc. Thanks for the responses.

 

[liucai86090]

Other possibility

I have worked with many clients that had trauma, and when I worked on their particular area, it did develop erythema, which may be similar to what you experienced. The Western model would suggest histamine reaction and an Eastern perspective would say that energy was blocked, and when you massaged that area, the blockage was released and that caused the reddish rash like appearance. In TCM, they say, "Where Qi goes, blood follows." Regardless of the perspective, or the explanations, more than likely, it was a natural response of the body to the work that you did.

 

[borah]

I just ordered some Blue Tansy essential oil to add to a blend for this client. Marge from Nature's Gift suggested it for antihistamine properties.

:joyous:

 

[alcor69_69]

It could be a histamine reaction to stimulation of the skin itself- a condition known as dermatographia.

If so, it has nothing to do with your oil, their nutrition, deep tissue release, toxins, qi, etc. Working for an extended time in the same area is the culprit. It will likely go away fairly soon on its own if this is what is happening.

 

[windy gurl]

I just ordered some Blue Tansy essential oil to add to a blend for this client. Marge from Nature's Gift suggested it for antihistamine properties.

:joyous:

That's very interesting. I've noticed that nearly all of my favorite essential oil blends contain Blue Tansy... and at least I haven't had hives this summer like I usually do!

 

[????????]

Post Massage Rashes -- not dermatitis

Hi
Sorry for coming in so late i am a first time user and i can not seem to post my own query hope some one can help
If i do deep massage on same area for 30`40 mins can this cause a rash
Regards
Mike