"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.

[bonvic]

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.

[bonvic]

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.

[jbtc]

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

[bonvic]

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....  

[Kamy7181]

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.

[GomonD]

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.