"Golfer's Vasculitis" is more than just annoying

[cc101]

I'd like to know anyone who's had this hideous and annoying condition anywhere on their bodies other than ankles and lower legs - have you had it start on your ankles and then over the years progress to other parts of your body? Any remedy to reduce redness besides not exercising or walking outside?

I moved from the dry climate of the Southwest and Southern Cal to hot and humid New England four years ago - nevr, ever had this until the first summer I arrived and then BAM! A weird, nasty rash that scares even me - I'm extremely active (walk every where and run 6+ daily) so suffice it to say being covered with this is not good for the image!

Seriously though I'd like to know if there's a way to treat and how to keep it from spreading.

[phi789]

Hi all.  I have just returned from walking along Hadrian's Wall and have suffered from the same type of rash.  The weather there was awful last week - rain, storms and flooding and my rash appeared after spending a day walking in the rain wearing walking boots, waterproof trousers and gaiters.  I believe that humidity is the main factor above anything else.  The symptoms I got (again) were red raised dots which spread to join up and become one large patch on the inside of the ankle and just below the knee (where I was wearing a knee support).  The whole area was tender to touch and pretty swollen.  The following day was very painful to put weight on the leg particularly when first getting out of bed.  It cleared up in a couple of days (one resting and one only walking a few miles) but I am left with a purplish patch where the redness was.  I have had this many times before.  At it's worse causing blisters the size of half a golf ball to appear.  As a mid thirties hiking lover I am not willing to give up my walking boots just yet so any advice I can get is great.
1. I am interested to know if anyone else has tried compression socks as the rash appears above my boots but below the knee support.
2. Someone mentioned eating natural things like ginger.  Has this helped anyone?
3. I rarely cook with salt but does anyone else know of other things to cut out?

[cynthiam0917]

Hello I am 26 years old and I have had this condition since I was little. My mom told me she took me to the doctors and they couldn't explain it. When I was 17, I was diagnosis with poor circulation. I work in a nursing home as a nursing assistance, so I am always on my feet a lot and long peroid of time. My legs always hurt but hurt worst when the red rash is there. I was wondering if me having poor circulation would be the cause of this.

[b12551]

Just like everyone, I too have this condition (I hesitate to call it a disease).
My first episode was in 1986 (45 years old), walking around Expo86 in Vancouver one weekday evening after work (we live in the area). The area affected me above the ankles, around the lower legs, AND on the upper legs too. It is not itchy, but the skin is very red, and hot to the touch.

However, like no-one else has reported, this condition also causes me to get quite ill (feverish). When I go to bed I sweat buckets of water (due to the fever). The next morning, I am better, but not 100%. Usually it takes 2-3 days to finally subside.

I get this condition a few times each year, but no doctor has been able to diagnose or suggest anything.

Usually it occurs when standing/walking for a considerable length of time (4 hours or more). And usually if I am wearing shorts... but not ALWAYS. Just last summer it occurred when I was working inside an air-conditioned building, and was wearing long pants.

So my situation is similar, but not identical.

I am not a medicine-taker, if I can help it.
I see the possibility of reducing salt intake... that I can try.

Thanks for all the input.

[kt467fg]

I suffer from gv each time I go to an Asian country with high levels of humidity - it may not just be Asia, I just travel there alot and it is the only place I have been to with high humidity. This is what helps for me - eating only fruit and I mean only fruit. I am not sure if it is because this clears me of toxins or because it keeps me cool but it seems to work. It is really difficult to stick to however, it is absolutely better than spending my holidays in my hotel with my legs elevated. Give it a go, I really hope this help others.

[jbullock0902]

Dermatologist recommended:  Try compression socks, knee highs of 20-30 mmHg.  You can get them on the net for $15-$25 a pair on sale.  Anti-oxidents are also recommended, and a small study has concluded that Vitamin C (500 mg) taken with Rutin or Rutoside (50mg) twice daily, helps.

[Workngirl]

Last week I got this rash just above the sock line on the inside of my left leg. Iots super bright red and you can see tiny vessels under skin. I work on my feet for 11 hrs a day and just last week the temp was 90 and I was sweating all over all day. I figured it was heat related, took a few days to go away. This week it's back and bigger & a little patch on right leg now. I wore socks the were not tight and lower hoping it would help but it didnt. I suppose I'll have to deal with this until summer is over.