Advice for Capillartis

[liz31]

Help! I have just been told that the rash that I have on both legs is Capillartis. I have read that there doesnt seem to be a cause thats pin pointed. Will this ever go away? Its really depressing to think that I may have this for life is there anything that I can do to help prevent more bloches arriving? I exercise 4 times a week and have done this for the past 5 years should I give up exercise? Is there any food that I should avoid? Thank you


This discussion is related to CAPILLARITIS - HELP!!.

[roxroc]

My son was only six years old when he was diagnosed with exercise-induced capillarities.  I noticed the red blotches on his lower calves when he would play outside in the sun.  Then after a day the red blotches would turn brown and eventually disappear after a few days.  The doctor said there wasn't anything we could do except keep him hydrated.  I did some research and read in an article that large amounts of vitamin C helps prevent the capillaries leaking near the skin.  So I bought vitamins with extra vitamin C and also I give him oranges almost daily. He has not had a breakout since last year when he was six.  I hope this helps.

[Victoria56]

I too started with small spots on the backs of my hands and arms nearly 18 months ago now and several months later the spots appeared on the tops of my feet and stayed that way until about 4-6 months ago when patches appeared on my lower legs and lots of spots behind my knees.  This all happened when the weather turned hot and humid.  As I also have lymphoedema in the legs, the hot weather doesn't help with this either.  I have a desk job but try to get up and move as often as I can.  I recently saw the doctor who thought it may be varicose eczema but upon seeing a dermatologist he diagnosed capillartis and gave me a cortizone cream.  So far this has done nothing except feel sticky as it does not rub in.  I find my legs and feet burn also.  I have swapped to all non-perfumed bath products but this hasn't helped but I do use Dermaveen cream on my legs to keep them moisturised and to stop the skin breaking down at all.  This cream is non-perfumed also.  

If anyone finds anything that helps it will be much appreciated because it does affect your life because it looks terrible.

[Londonlynsey]

I have just been diagnosed with the same problem after having been told firstly it was eczema then psoriasis the doctors were all guessing it took two biopsies to eventually arrive at the conclusion that it was Capillaritis . I am seeing the allergist next week to see if anything aggravates it. My blotches are now on my arms as well as my legs this happened after having a personal trainer nearly 18 months ago, I over heated big time and  wham I was covered in blotches all over my buttocks legs and ankles. It is worse after a bath so now take showers and have discovered emollients are a no no makes the blotches itch like crazy, so I just stick to perfume free soap. Hope this helps.

[kora88]

I've had Capillaritis for the past 5 years. A dermatologist told me its cause could be anything from medication to artificial foods and coloring. The marks are located mostly on my lower legs, ankles, shins, and in the past year its kind of spread to the tops of my feet.  Once in a while, certain spots become "active" turn red/dark purple, they itch and have a center, like a bug bite and become sensitive to the touch and are sore like a bruise.  After a week or so, it calms down and eventually turns brown.  The skin around my shins is very sensitive to the touch, by this I mean, if i were to cross my legs and one leg rests over the shin area, it creates deep indentations that doesn't return to normal right after removing the pressure from leg, the indentations stay for a long time as if 'Ive lost the strength in my skin to bounce back to normal.  I pray it doesn't spread upward, as I've read it can happen.  My doctors have been of little to no help. More than anything, I dislike the way it looks and I rarely wear shorts, skirts or show my legs.  I dislike it very much. I hope to find an oil or something to help fade out or eliminate the marks.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,

Capillaritis or pigmented purpura is a harmless skin condition in which there are reddish-brown patches caused by leaky capillaries. The cause of capillaritis is usually unknown but may be attributed to a medication; food additive or a viral infection and may also develop after exercise. In your case, this may be exercise-induced capillaritis where in crops of small red spots develop on the ankles following prolonged or vigorous exercise especially during warm weather. The spots fade to brown within a few days and eventually disappear.

There is no known cure for most cases of capillaritis. It can disappear within a few weeks, recur from time to time, or frequently persist for years. Try to avoid exercise and see if  it improves. Otherwise, further evaluation by your doctor may be needed.

Take care and regards.