As the weather heats up, I see lots of leg heat rash gracing the ankles of walkers at walking events. The typical golfer's vasculitis rash is red but not itchy. It usually starts right at the sock line and up the leg. It is ugly but it goes away by itself in a couple of days -- about the time you finally get an appointment with a doctor. For that reason, most doctors say they've never seen or heard of it. Finally, a research study published in Australia in 2005 told us what we already knew - it exists, but appears to be harmless.
Like swollen hands, the leg heat rash is something that many healthy, active walkers get and is annoying but should not be cause for much concern.
Photo © Wendy Bumgardner
Ah, yes I have experienced this after jogging in the hot weather. It’s like razor burn. Not attractive and fairly annoying, but harmless.
I have been getting this for about 12 years now and I am 47. I get it when I go to summer festivals or fairs and walk on black top in high heat for the day. Looks so nasty, I wish there was a way to prevent it or get rid of it quickly!
I get it at festivals and fairs too! I didn’t think sun screen helped but this year, i didn’t use it and today I have blisters some the size of a small egg and tons of smaller ones all around both ankles. Urgent care Dr and Medics at the fair say there is nothing to do but wait it out!! I am miserable. USE SUNSCREEN you still get the spots but it keeps the giant blisters away, I will now wear tacky tourist socks.