Red Skin rash on ankles

[sglenc]

A couple of years ago we took a wonderful Baltic cruise in August. After a few days on board, DW developed a red skin rash on her ankles that spread up her legs but stopped well short of her knees. It didn't itch but it was alarming. She saw the ship's doctor who gave the condition a long complicated name but said it was common and he called it "travelers' rash." He said it was due to change in diet and she should avoid salty foods and sleep with her legs elevated. In a few days the rash went away. Since then, when we travel she gets this rash even if we're not on a ship. It developed this year while visiting Normandy, France. No beaches, no swimming, etc. The rash seems to be getting worse and was accompanied, this time, by swollen ankles. Has anyone heard of this "travelers rash?" Doctors at home aren't familiar with it. Thanks.

[IDKaren]

I don't know that I have heard it called travelers rash however the last few times I have flown and cruised I get a small red raised rash on my feet and ankles and swelling in ankles and feet. Usually from legs hanging down in airplanes causing edema. Usually once I am home and sitting/lying in normal positions it goes away and I do not see it again till I travel. She might want to consider getting some very light weight compression stockings for when she is flying.

[Happy ks]

I think I'd get advice from a doctor.

[Keith1010]

If this was me I would see a doctor.

 

Keith

[fllady]

I had that rash very bad once, and went to the dermatologist immediately. He wasn't sure of what caused it, and only prednisone taken for a month got rid of it besides a cream. Too long ago can't remember the cream. the swelling is something that happens to me also, when crusing or flying. I take water pills now. so no more problems. Go to your doctor.

[Hoyaheel]

Doctors at home aren't familiar with it.

 

This statement implies to me that she HAS seen a doctor. Or possibly more than one. What the poster is looking for is someone who has experienced this who might have another name or diagnosis to go BACK to the doctor with.

 

Sorry, I cannot help with that. It's frustrating to have symptoms and not be able to diagnose them--I had a rash in college that the dermatologists and other docs were never able to figure out. Fortunately--it went away:p

[martinimadam]

I agree with Hoyaheel. I think the OP has seen a doctor and is now just looking for info to take back to the doctor.

 

sglenc - did you see a specialist, e.g., dermatologist, allergenisist? Most family doctors probably wouldn't know.

 

My ankles also swell when flying. Not too badly, though. And I usually try to get a bulkhead seat so I can raise my feet up off the floor. Sometimes means I have to fly first class, but I'm willing to make that sacrifice.;)

[Keith1010]

I would either see a specialist or doctor who specializes in medical travel.

 

Keith

[want2cruiseagain]

I don't know that I have heard it called travelers rash however the last few times I have flown and cruised I get a small red raised rash on my feet and ankles and swelling in ankles and feet. Usually from legs hanging down in airplanes causing edema. Usually once I am home and sitting/lying in normal positions it goes away and I do not see it again till I travel. She might want to consider getting some very light weight compression stockings for when she is flying.

 

 

Sounds like it may be brawny edema.

 

And to the OP, maybe cellulitis?

[MMDown Under]

I got that red rash around my ankles for the first time on my last cruise. The retired doctor at our dining table was fascinated, as he was a frequent cruiser and hadn't seen a similiar rash before. Fortunately, the rash disappeared. Will be interested to see whether it returns on our next cruise.

 

As my ankles have swollen on long haul flights since my youth, I always wear compression socks on long flights (as does my husband and daughters).

[MMDown Under]

Sounds like it may be brawny edema.

 

And to the OP, maybe cellulitis?

 

It does sound like it could have been brawny edema (after researching on internet). My tablemate doctor had pressed his thumb on my ankles, to eliminate that they weren't swollen. Certainly added to the conversation at our table of ten!

[ME Guide]

I have traveled for a number of years. In 2002, I began cruising to the Caribbean each year and on the third or forth day, develop a rash on my legs and ankles and sometime my arms. I have done extensive research and also spoken to my doctor and dermatologist and have come to the conclusion that it is probably due to the medications I take and a possible allergic reaction to PABA in sunscreen. The diuretic I take makes me more "sun sensitive". My doctor gives me the same bp med without the diuretic and it does help for that vacation. I usually go off the med, under doc's ok, one week before my cruise. I also have changed to PABA free sunscreen. This has helped.

I am not sure if this will help the OP but hope it may be of help.

Another "trick" that has helped me is to take a sleep aide the night before. Most of these are benedryl (diphenhydramine HCI 25MG) and give me enough to sleep but have the histamine in my system the next day to prevent/ help the itch or rash.

I hope this helps someone.

[ggprincess2004]

I have problems with edema when we travel, and did experience a red rash around my ankles on a few occasions, but always in tropical climates.

 

I went to the nurse at Disney World when it occurred the first time, and she was not the least bit alarmed. They see it alot, and is a heat rash from the relected heat of paving surfaces. She said it would go away in a few days, which it did, and she also suggested for the rest of the time in Disney that I wear slacks, rather than capris, and socks that covered the rash. She didn't have a "medical term" beyond a heat rash to apply to the condition.

 

Brawny edema is a much more serious condition........

[MMDown Under]

Mine wasn't a heat rash, as I live in the tropics, and I don't take any medication.

 

How serious is brawny edema? My friend had something similiar, but on top of badly swollen ankles.

[Hamburg Avon Lady]

She may have Lymphedema of the legs - I definitely would see an Endrocrinologist and have the thyroid levels checked. I developed this conditiion on my legs after a serious "thyroid" condition developed and put

me out of commission for almost two years. I have severe pain, redness to the skin, the skin is very hot to the touch and my legs are "hard" and swollen on a 24/7 basis. Yes, flying does aggravate my legs as well

and I do wear the compression stockings. Have been to many types of doctors looking for answers about treatment and prognosis but pretty much have hit a "brick wall" at this point. By the way, water pills will not help drain

lymphatic fluid from the body. Good luck.

[cwistyred]

We just got back from a European cruise where it was unbearably hot and humid. My husband got the same rash on his ankles. He wore shorts most days while on the trip. One ankle was more swollen than the other. It got pretty bad. However once we got home to California it went away. He did wear compression socks on the trip to and from Rome. We didn't go to a doctor (DH is slightly stubborn) I am I guess relieved to know this wasn't an isolated incident and that others experienced the same thing. I tend to believe it was heat related as Italy was excruciatingly warm and where we live is cooler and drier. If anybody else gets a definitive answer I would be curious to know.

[maryann2]

Google 'Golfer's Vasculitis'.

I get this too after lots of walking in the heat especially in Rome, and it goes away after a few days. Contact your physician though in case it is more serious.

[MMDown Under]

From "Ask the Doctor" in the Australian:

 

 

"...........Condition known as golfer's vasculitis is a benign inflammation of the blood vessels of the lower leg associated with prolonged exercise and heat (obviously most often seen after a person has walked around 18 holes of golf). It is more common in people over the age of 50 and can be associated with a slight burning sensation. Because it usually occurs around the sock line, people often mistakenly think it is related to an allergy to a plant or an insect bite, but in fact the rash appears to be simply the result of exercise, heat and age. As for prevention and treatment there appears very little you can do for golfer's vasculitis. The rash will usually get better by itself within a week. Ensure you minimise overheating during exercise and after exercise, rest with your legs raised, and put cool packs on the areas commonly affected. But unfortunately even this may not prevent the rash."

 

 

 

Interesting. We were daily exercising walking around the ship, it was tropical hot and we are older.

[MMDown Under]

Google 'Golfer's Vasculitis'.

I get this too after lots of walking in the heat especially in Rome, and it goes away after a few days. Contact your physician though in case it is more serious.

 

Googled as suggested - thanks. Sounds like the answer to an intriguing puzzle.

[cwistyred]

I think you have solved the mystery. The description is exactly what my husband had in Rome. I also remembered that my father always gets the rash every time he goes to Las Vegas. It all makes sense now.

 

Thanks for the information!!

[bonniemari]

I have gotten it several times until I figured out that it only occured when I was wearing socks with tennis shoes. Now I just wear sandels and the problem stopped.

[Ready2GoCruisin']

I'm so happy to see this post. I have had this rash several times - sometimes with a little swelling of my ankles, other times not. Mine doesn't itch or hurt but looks awful sometimes and lasts for 2 to 4 days. I've had it develop after walking in the park on a dirt track and after walking on asphalt in the parks at Disney. I thought it was from rubbing the sunscreen off of my ankles. I did not know what it was. Neither did my Internal Medicine doctor. Over-the-counter Hydrocortisone cream seems to make it resolve quicker for me. Once this rash shows up, heavy-duty sunscreen seems to keep it from getting worse. The thick pink/white type for babies works best for me. Wearing slacks that cover up the rash seems to irritate it. Thanks so much for the great information. It's wonderful to finally have a name for it.

[Aussie One]

On my last cruise i noted two ladies with a rash around both ankles.

both ladies had used the ships laundry facilities. ships laundrys must use very powerful detergant to keep all the crews uniforms and linen clean looking. i think its the detergant they use, also if your in hot humid weather make sure your washing machine is rinsing properly. try a differant detergant

[scorpiomum]

cant believe i found this post as i too have experienced a rash on my ankles, but only on the inside part. it almost looks like broken blood vessels. there is no itching or pain but it is warm to touch. only ever get it while i am travelling. its quite scary at first but it does go away within a week, or a few days after i get home. i have had it in warm and cold climates but usually after flying and lots of walking.

[sneffles]

From "Ask the Doctor" in the Australian:

 

 

"...........Condition known as golfer's vasculitis is a benign inflammation of the blood vessels of the lower leg associated with prolonged exercise and heat (obviously most often seen after a person has walked around 18 holes of golf). It is more common in people over the age of 50 and can be associated with a slight burning sensation. Because it usually occurs around the sock line, people often mistakenly think it is related to an allergy to a plant or an insect bite, but in fact the rash appears to be simply the result of exercise, heat and age. As for prevention and treatment there appears very little you can do for golfer's vasculitis. The rash will usually get better by itself within a week. Ensure you minimise overheating during exercise and after exercise, rest with your legs raised, and put cool packs on the areas commonly affected. But unfortunately even this may not prevent the rash."

 

I doubt this is the cause, certainly not in my case. I get the red rash around my ankles (and they swell a bit) every time I take a long (8 hours or more) flight, despite getting up and walking the aisles every 2 hours or so (and I leave my shoes off when not walking the aisles). My doctor also couldn't figure it out. The only thing that seems to help me a little is to wear very low cut socks. But it does go away within a week after the flight. And I don't get the rash when I do extensive walking.