Exercise-Induced Vasculitis: Understanding the “Golfer’s Rash”
Exercise-induced vasculitis—sometimes called golfer’s rash, Disney rash, or hiker’s rash—is a surprisingly common condition that can catch people off guard. It usually appears on the lower legs after prolonged walking or activity in hot weather. While the rash can look concerning, the good news is that it’s typically harmless and clears on its own.
What Causes It?
When you’re active in warm conditions, your body directs more blood toward the skin to help with cooling. Combined with hours of standing or walking, this can slow circulation back to the heart. As a result, small blood vessels in the legs can become inflamed, leading to red or purplish patches that may creep up from the ankles toward the calves or thighs.
Although anyone can develop it, women over fifty are most often affected. Still, even healthy hikers, golfers, or theme park visitors may notice it after long, hot days.
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