This is a term used to describe an erythematous pruritic rash that appears on the legs after prolonged exercise such as golf or hiking, usually during summer months.
Common activities which can trigger exercise-induced vasculitis include:
Jogging and running, especially long-distance running
Hiking and climbing
Step aerobics
Body building
Golf
Swimming
characteristics:
Involvement of exposed skin and sparing of skin protected by socks or stockings
Red patches, urticarial lesions (weals) and purpura (purple spots)
Oedema (swelling) of the affected leg(s)
Intense itching, stinging, pain or burning
The patient is otherwise well, without fever, malaise or other symptoms.
Lesions resolve over 3 to 4 weeks. A purplish-brown mark may persist for longer.
It is more common over age 50
diagnosis
usually based on history and physical examination.
Some people may undergo investigations, such as:
Imaging, eg X-rays and ultrasound scans
Skin biopsy
Laboratory tests and imaging are undertaken for 2 main reasons.
To exclude another cause of cutaneous vasculitis
To determine if other organs are affected, thus diagnosing systemic vasculitis.
Management of exercise-induced vasculitis:
Temporary cessation of vigorous exercise.
Elevation of affected limb(s)
Compression stockings to relieve discomfort and speed up healing.
NSAIDS and antihistamines to reduce symptoms of burning and itch
Brachioradialis pruritus ‘golfer’s itch’
In this condition, itch and discomfort are limited to the outer surface of the upper limb above and below the elbow.
It is often associated with sun damage, xerosis and nerve entrapment, hence the term ‘golfer’s itch’
