Exercise-induced purpura

4 April 2012, by RAMELET A.-A.

Exercise-induced purpura (or exercise-induced vasculitis) is a harmless skin condition affecting the legs after prolonged periods of exercise. The rash consists of flat or slightly raised red blotches spreading downwards from the calves and often with a clear cut-off point around the sock elastic, which prevents them from spreading to the foot. The skin feels itchy or moderately hot and burning.

The lesions develop in hot weather after a long walk (the length of the walk depends on the fitness of the patient) in hilly terrain but also on the flat. They disappear completely within a few days.

They tend to recur each time the person takes prolonged exercise in warm weather although no link has been established with exposure to the sun.

It is a perfectly harmless, but irritating condition.There are treatments available to prevent it from happening. Your doctor will tell you about them.

1 - SYNONYMS

Exercise-induced purpura, exercise-induced vasculitis, hiker’s dermatitis, golfer’s dermatitis

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