"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.

[nicnac55]

Hi Austin every one
I am another sufferer from GV. Like you, English and now based in Philippines, you would think after 69 years one would have found the cause and solution. I played last weekend in 30 deg C in hot and humid Manilla and came off with probably the worse case of GV for some years. Ankle to knee quite severe. After 2 days red blotches are starting to go pink and on "mend" until tomorrow when I play again. Its strange as I do not get it every time I play. I put this down to:
a) probably walking the course and not using a buggy ?
b) perhaps using tight sports socks ?
c) having a couple of "drams" (alcohol) before we went out. DEFINITELY A NO in future as I feel this did not help ?
All the forgoing posts with advice and experiences is most welcome and reassuring. I am glad I found the site now and will certainly pass it on to fellow "senior" golfers.

[gracekelly112]

Well it sounds like I have the same condition - starting researching my rash this morning and very glad I found this forum - definitely believe I have GV - was around 39degrees (C) in Adelaide yesterday and also humid - played 18 holes and ended up with the rash condition later in the evening - doesn't hurt or itch just feels "tight". but at least I don't need to go see the doctor now that I have had all your advice.-  happy golfing  !!!!

[Kristyboof]

After having very puffy swollen ankles
Due to fluid retention I have been left with a freckle like rash on my ankles. It is quite a large area and I am curious to what it may be. Any ideas?

[janieann]

In lieu of Zyflamend, you might want to try the less expensive and widely available Tumeric as an anti-inflammatory.   There's a lot of hype out there about it right now, but based on what I've read, there is some actual medical research going on right now to see how effective it is.  

Not that if you don't buy a tumeric/curcumin supplement with bioperine included in it, you'll need to buy the bioperine separately.   Tumeric is apparently difficult for the body to absorb in quantity, and bioperine aids that process.  It might be cheaper to buy them separately which is what I've done, but I haven't investigated that thoroughly yet.   My very unscientific findings are that I think it does help with inflammation I have from tendonitis, but it's not the time of year to try it for GV.  

http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/phytochemicals/curcumin/

[countrycraft]

I've tried to find Zyflamend in Australia, but had no luck yet, so will keep looking.  I'll post a photo next time, its summer her in Australia so no doubt I'll have a few doozies to show lol.    Made my husband buy a dishwasher a couple of months ago, I found myself sitting on a chair washing the dishes at night, my legs were so painful.  And there was no way he or the kids were going to wash them.  I never thought of salt, I never cook with it, so I'll keep a note of that as well.

:-)

[austin78759]

Your legs sound like mine.  When I get hot they get itchy, burn, and have a terrible rash that only elevating them and putting ice on helps, but it still takes several days for them to look normal again.  I find eating salt makes mine worse.  I have had this "undiagnosed" problem for over 20 years - finally gave up on going to doctors.  Found my answer right here - Inflammation !!!!  So I went on a quest to find how to help inflammation and I found an herbal supplement I bought at Whole Foods - they also sell it online.  I used to take Pycnogencol years ago but it did not halp as much as Zyflamend does.  When it is hot I have also had to wear support hose (Leggs Active support) which really helped.  But now that I take Zyflamend I haven't had to wear the hose and I am glad about that.  We  should post pictures of our legs and I bet they are the same.  Mine always started on the inside of my leg down by my ankles.