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"Golfer's Vasculitis" is more than just annoying
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.
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.
I have read through the many comments and whilst there are many interesting comments I will consider only what is common to be part of the condition as it is likely that uncommon conditions have other causes which may be overlapping with this condition.
The Golfers Vasculitis is a purpuric rash caused by the breaking of the capillary cell walls under the skin due to heat and pressure. It is associated with a slight swelling of the rash and pain from the pooling of blood/fluids in the legs, particularly above the ankles. It is not itchy. It is not life threatening.
Causes:
Lengthy walking in hot and humid weather. It happens when walking and not running. Why? Probably the higher blood flow through the legs caused running action prevents the blood pooling effect.
Whilst not exclusive, there does seem to be a genetic element as many sufferers are from fair skinned with British/northern European ancestry.
Treatments:
So far no preventative treatments have been found by the forum participants. Relief and reduction in the symptoms is possible with applying cool water/fluid/packs applied to the areas with the rash and possibly drinking cold water frequently during the exercise.
Clearly, once the rash has occurred it will recur more quickly if similar exercise before the area is fully healed.
Read the reference http://dare.ubn.kun.nl/bitstream/2066/24245/1/24245.PDF for a better medical explanation of what is going on.
If anyone finds any successful treatments please post them as they will benefit a lot of people worried and inconvenienced by this condition.
The Golfers Vasculitis is a purpuric rash caused by the breaking of the capillary cell walls under the skin due to heat and pressure. It is associated with a slight swelling of the rash and pain from the pooling of blood/fluids in the legs, particularly above the ankles. It is not itchy. It is not life threatening.
Causes:
Lengthy walking in hot and humid weather. It happens when walking and not running. Why? Probably the higher blood flow through the legs caused running action prevents the blood pooling effect.
Whilst not exclusive, there does seem to be a genetic element as many sufferers are from fair skinned with British/northern European ancestry.
Treatments:
So far no preventative treatments have been found by the forum participants. Relief and reduction in the symptoms is possible with applying cool water/fluid/packs applied to the areas with the rash and possibly drinking cold water frequently during the exercise.
Clearly, once the rash has occurred it will recur more quickly if similar exercise before the area is fully healed.
Read the reference http://dare.ubn.kun.nl/bitstream/2066/24245/1/24245.PDF for a better medical explanation of what is going on.
If anyone finds any successful treatments please post them as they will benefit a lot of people worried and inconvenienced by this condition.
A rash on legs from ankle up mostly on back of legs looks like broken blood vessel. Walk a lot in Europe very hot
I first developed this 'rash' on holiday in Florida in 1989 and seem to get it now every time I fly anywhere at all or spend a day out walking for long periods after traveling any way. It seems to be triggered by walking a lot on ankles that have been swollen from traveling especially flying. My doctors were mystified and I was sent to a hospital to see a consultant who couldn't offer much help but to tell me it wasn't harmful as when pressed on the colour left the area and you could see the finger prints for a short time. Subsequently one time it was very bad and a doctor thought it was cellulitis and I was given antibiotics but on research cellulitis doesn't fade when pressed. I have had the rash in the USA, Dubai, Spain, Italy and France. I tested out a theory two years ago traveling to Spain and again about a month ago traveling to Italy that I had and it does seem to work if a little uncomfortable for the first day of the trip. I wear compression socks from the minute I leave home and leave them on for the journey and then until the next morning. Any swelling of the ankles has then subsided which I think is the main cause of this. I do bathe my lower legs in water as cold as I can stand every evening too whilst away. On both these trips although I sometimes felt the rash was coming on it never actually did - so after 27 years I think I maybe have the answer!!
I'm always the cold one also. I started getting this approximately 6 or 7 years ago after walking or standing for long periods in hot weather but for the past two years even get it when horseback riding. It seems to get worse each year. I am now getting areas above the knee on the front and back of my thighs. It is very hot and becoming more painful. The bout I had yesterday was from just riding my horse for 2-1/2 hours. I still even have a prickly pain when walking today and it is still hot. I had it from riding four days previously also and am wondering if it is worse because the other bout had not completely cleared up yet. Very frustrating. Anyone else out there who gets this from riding also? I'm going to break down and go see a rheumatologist.
Wondering if anyone else in my age range has had this happen and experienced such pain. I am 26 yrs old. It has now occurred 3 times going to Disneyland. I have health issues such as fibromyalgia. Does anyone know if this has a worse affect on people who suffer with chronic pain/inflammation? My legs and feet are so sore. The rash is hot and throbbing. Any info would be great, thanks.
Hi, My name is Idy, I am 54 and I have had this rash condition since my early 30s...I thought I was doing something unusual, now I am happy to know I am not alone. I will try Zyflamend ASAP. I will also try Aspercreme as a topical on the next occurance. Thanks for all the info. No one else cares or they have no idea what it is, esp. Drs.
2 Comments
Mine seems to be getting worse. I am 52 and mine started in my 30's too. I seem to have uncontrolled shivering past two times. I have to wear capris or oh my goodness.
Mine seems to be getting worse. I am 52 and mine started in my 30's too. I seem to have uncontrolled shivering past two times. I have to wear capris or oh my goodness.
Hi and GV for a number of years, but in Australia where is hot for about 5 to 6 months of the year. Like all Aussies we wear short or dresses on the course.
it's is very off putting when people look at your legs after playing Sat & Sun.
OK let's cut to the chase does anybody know if the Zyflamend or the bicarb works? Is there anything else that works, at the end of the day us GV suffers want to know
it's is very off putting when people look at your legs after playing Sat & Sun.
OK let's cut to the chase does anybody know if the Zyflamend or the bicarb works? Is there anything else that works, at the end of the day us GV suffers want to know
This is my solution. I make long, strenuous walks in the Alps all year long (I am a man of 63). Since 3 years when in summer it is really hot I get Golfer Vasculitis after long walks (8 hrs+). After 2-3 days it is gone again, it was not really painful but a little annoying. Since last summer I have solved it nearly completely by putting on my legs on the right spots before walking some quality nourishing hand crème. It really does the trick with only one or two little spots left which disappear in half a day. And my activities are a little more than 18 holes…
I have had this problem for about 3 years. I'm an active 64 year old female. It mainly occurs during the summer months. I've found it necessary to avoid leg shaving and last summer managed to avoid the rash altogether by applying a fine spray of witch hazel onto my calves several times a day. I just poured witch hazel into one of those 'holiday' spray bottles. Found it much more effective than dabbing with cotton wool. It's November now and though no rash appears, my shins always feel tender and raw to touch. Loose trousers are a must. No skinny jeans for me!! Legs get too hot on a night out and it all flares up again.
In late August/early September in 2014, I had the scary red rash thing happen on both legs on my calves. That was my first occurrence. The weather was warm and humid. Doctor didn't know what it was: tested for thyroid condition, which was negative.
This year, planning to go to the same events where it happened, I decided to try wearing compression socks. The first event has happened - the huge Farm Progress Show in Decatur, IL. The temperature was a real feel of 105 - brutally hot and muggy. Of course, walking and standing all day was the norm. THERE WAS NO REDNESS!
This weekend I'll be going to the Notre Dame Football game, walking and standing for hours. It is not to be as warm as last year, but the compression socks are being worn. Go Irish!
Statistics: 55 year old female; healthy weight; physically fit; MS
I hope this helps.
This year, planning to go to the same events where it happened, I decided to try wearing compression socks. The first event has happened - the huge Farm Progress Show in Decatur, IL. The temperature was a real feel of 105 - brutally hot and muggy. Of course, walking and standing all day was the norm. THERE WAS NO REDNESS!
This weekend I'll be going to the Notre Dame Football game, walking and standing for hours. It is not to be as warm as last year, but the compression socks are being worn. Go Irish!
Statistics: 55 year old female; healthy weight; physically fit; MS
I hope this helps.
I have this condition for many years. No doctor has ever told me what it was. It only occurs when it is very hot and I'm walking for a while, especially golfing. I live in central Florida and the Summer heat is a real problem for me. I have found a solution to the rash problem. My wife suggested buying a pair of soccer socks and pull them to the top of the knee just like a soccer player. She thought the extra compression on my legs would possibly work. It did, it was amazing. I just got home from playing 18 holes in 90 degree heat for over 4 hours and NO RASH. I wore long pants instead of shorts so I wouldn't embarrass myself. I can't believe this was so simple. Hope this will work for you. Pass it on. Mark in Ocala, Fl
Hey all.
Just found this site and thought I would chime in.
The residual pigmentation that people are referring to is called Hemosiderin Staining. This is basically a situation that results from red blood cells that have leaked out of inflamed capillaries into the spaces between skin cells. The red blood cells get reabsorbed by the body but the iron molecule inside the RBC is left behind. When this happens enough, the iron causes an increased pigmentation look, sometimes fading to a light brown but it will never completely clear.
More later.
Just found this site and thought I would chime in.
The residual pigmentation that people are referring to is called Hemosiderin Staining. This is basically a situation that results from red blood cells that have leaked out of inflamed capillaries into the spaces between skin cells. The red blood cells get reabsorbed by the body but the iron molecule inside the RBC is left behind. When this happens enough, the iron causes an increased pigmentation look, sometimes fading to a light brown but it will never completely clear.
More later.
I have had this on and off for several years now, worst case was last year after a long weekend in New York. So bad I had to be taken off the plane in a wheelchair! Have been walking in UK this week and its flared up again, has never made any difference whether I've worn flip flops or boots. Didn't get it in Peru ten years ago in heat and very long walks so think it's getting worse with age. Aloe vera gel has soothed it tremendously.
As you (all) may realize, I've been posting/looking on here fore a few years now. I have tried a whole variety of things with no success.
Considering medical remedies, websites, my skin doctor... nothing worked.
I spent 6 months recording everything I ate, to see if some food was causing it.. Nope.
But over the past year I have been able to figure out what I can do to stave off this "affliction".
This seems to work for me.... you may not achieve my results.
HYDRATION !!!!!!
Stay hydrated... even OVER-hydration... so you have to urinate more frequently... so what... if it can cause this condition to NOT occur.... great !!!!!!
Especially during warm/hot weather... I am on my feet for long periods of time... maybe 4-7 hours... walking, standing, etc. So I ensure I drink a liter of water every hour or 2. Bingo..... in my case... solved. I have not had an occurrence for 8-10 months now.
Am I ever glad I finally figured this out (for me).
Good Luck.
Considering medical remedies, websites, my skin doctor... nothing worked.
I spent 6 months recording everything I ate, to see if some food was causing it.. Nope.
But over the past year I have been able to figure out what I can do to stave off this "affliction".
This seems to work for me.... you may not achieve my results.
HYDRATION !!!!!!
Stay hydrated... even OVER-hydration... so you have to urinate more frequently... so what... if it can cause this condition to NOT occur.... great !!!!!!
Especially during warm/hot weather... I am on my feet for long periods of time... maybe 4-7 hours... walking, standing, etc. So I ensure I drink a liter of water every hour or 2. Bingo..... in my case... solved. I have not had an occurrence for 8-10 months now.
Am I ever glad I finally figured this out (for me).
Good Luck.
Went for a walk yesterday for 8 miles in quite high temperatures and when I got home I noticed I have a red rash above sock line and under the knee. Quite unslightly and seems to be very hot but after reading the comments realise it is quite common.
Here is what I do for my rash. I wear flip flops when it gets to be about 60. No more rash. I believe the rash has something to do with the restriction of blood flow. With flip flops or sandals that do not restrict blood flow I have no problem with the rash even in 100 degree weather !!! Hope this helps some of you with this problem.
You get leg cramps from dehydration !!!! Try dill pickle juice for leg cramps. I have the RASH but I have found that in warm weather I wear flip flops to take the pressure off blood flow. I believe the rash is caused from a restriction of blood flow so try the flip flops or sandals that do not fit tight.
I have this also. This is what I have found works for me. Even on just the slightest warm days {60} I wear flip flops and my legs do not get the rash. I believe it is caused from the constriction of blood flow-even the slightest pressure around the ankle such as socks. Even if I wear jeans and flip flops I do not get the rash. Sandals are ok as long as they do not restrict blood flow. Try it, it may work for you.
That is what my legs look like but mine are worst. I find wearing flip flops or sandals that are not constricting the blood in any way helps. My legs are fine as long as the blood flow is not restricted in any way. I live in flip flops even in the slightest warm weather. Wearing any kind of sock will restrict the flow of blood. Just try it !!!! They have cute flip flops out for men and women. Hope this helps.
I have also suffered the same horribly ugly rash for probably 20 years. I don't get it too, too often but sometimes when I do, it can last for a very long time. I am responding to newcanuck as my rash does look exactly like the pics you posted.
Strangely enough, I am always on my feet for very long days (personal trainer). I am fit, exercise a lot, eat very well, and am naturally slender. It always seems to happen to me after long bouts of walking. I can work out hard on cardio equipment and really sweat and not ever get it - but then walk without exerting myself at all or sweating (even very cold weather) but for very long periods and I will get it. When it first started, it was always with warmer weather and at the time I also thought it had to do with sun exposure. Now I see that my legs can be completely covered and it still happens.
Just back from 8 hours of walking all over France. Was in warmer (sometimes hot) weather in southern France, walking many hours and had no problems. Then, once in Paris, still no problems until one day I knew I was overdoing it with not giving myself a break. I could feel my legs feeling very tired. When I got back to the apartment, my ankles were very swollen and backs of both calves were very red/purple/blotchy.
I was probably not drinking as much fluid as I would ordinarily. It was a cool day and I had long jeans on - but thinking that I had slept with (very loose) sock on the night before because I was cold. I probably started the next morning overheated from eventually sweating in bed. Then the combo of nonstop walking and less fluid. Who knows. Will look into Zyflamend and try cool compresses. Doctors have always tried treating it as skin condition with no results. My mother would also get this. Thanks to all!
jbtc
Strangely enough, I am always on my feet for very long days (personal trainer). I am fit, exercise a lot, eat very well, and am naturally slender. It always seems to happen to me after long bouts of walking. I can work out hard on cardio equipment and really sweat and not ever get it - but then walk without exerting myself at all or sweating (even very cold weather) but for very long periods and I will get it. When it first started, it was always with warmer weather and at the time I also thought it had to do with sun exposure. Now I see that my legs can be completely covered and it still happens.
Just back from 8 hours of walking all over France. Was in warmer (sometimes hot) weather in southern France, walking many hours and had no problems. Then, once in Paris, still no problems until one day I knew I was overdoing it with not giving myself a break. I could feel my legs feeling very tired. When I got back to the apartment, my ankles were very swollen and backs of both calves were very red/purple/blotchy.
I was probably not drinking as much fluid as I would ordinarily. It was a cool day and I had long jeans on - but thinking that I had slept with (very loose) sock on the night before because I was cold. I probably started the next morning overheated from eventually sweating in bed. Then the combo of nonstop walking and less fluid. Who knows. Will look into Zyflamend and try cool compresses. Doctors have always tried treating it as skin condition with no results. My mother would also get this. Thanks to all!
jbtc
I get this also. I have found out that if I wear flip flops even in warm weather I do not break out. I believe the cause is restricting the blood flow even in the warm weather. Even loose fitting socks can restrict blood flow.
This does not happen to me in the winter/cold weather. Needless to say flip flops or looser fitting sandals work great for me so why not give it a try. Hope this works for you and lots of others that read this. Good Luck to all....
This does not happen to me in the winter/cold weather. Needless to say flip flops or looser fitting sandals work great for me so why not give it a try. Hope this works for you and lots of others that read this. Good Luck to all....
I'm 33 and live in New England. I've experienced this rash twice in the last 6 months and both times I was walking around Disney World in Florida. I have walked around amusement parks in the heat at home and never encountered this. I too am of European decent (Swedish, French and German) and very fair skinned. I also am a life long allergy and asthma sufferer. I'm 5 feet, 115 pounds and have never had any circulation issues in the past. When I first encountered the rash I assumed it was a sun allergy (flip flops and shorts in Florida sun), but today was rainy in Orlanfo and low and behold the rash appeared again. The one I get isn't painful, but it is rather unsightly and covers the back of both of my calves. I'd love to find out what's causing it so I don't have to be embarrassed to show the backs of my legs.
I am also thrilled to find this!! I first started getting this around 8 years ago. I thought it was related to an allergy since it seemed to occur when I was cutting grass. I usually wear shorts while mowing and live in New Orleans, which is extremely hot and humid. I switched to long pants and still got the "rash". Got a severe case after walking around Dollywood about 4 years ago. I was wearing no show socks or no socks for most of the occurrences. I've begun to get it even when the weather is cool. I just got it again Saturday after standing for a long period of time. Temperature was in the high 60's and I never got hot or sweaty. Perhaps it is related to heat at the onset but, once you get it, the temperature becomes less a factor? I'm glad to know it isn't dangerous. I've been nervous about it. Thanks for posting your stories, everyone.
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