Weird rash on lower legs

[AnnieOnAMapleLeaf]

Hi everyone,

Please forgive the awful picture, but I am at my wits end. I have had an odd rash on both of my legs from about mid-calf down to my ankles, wrapping completely around both legs. I went to my doctor about a month ago and he told me it was eczema or contact dermatitis and gave me a cream to clear it up. The cream did not do anything.

Does anyone have any idea? It is not itchy or sore in the slightest, just looks awful.

Thanks!

If nothing else comes of this thread, I will at least have learned better pet care. I've just checked my wee boy (under the guise of a good scratch) and I don't see anything on him. He's white and orange.

My first thought was a reaction to my trouser socks (like nylon material) but I've been wearing the same brand for years without issue.

Itp?
I would be asking for a blood test. Looks similar to the petticheal rash ds had when he had ITP. In adults it tends to be chronic. Do you bruise easily?

Rash for reference. In children ITP tends to be acute and the rash more dramatic. In adults platelets creep down over time if I understand correctly, but are less likely to sort themselves out.

Ds's rash was also on his lower legs. Classic place for ITP rash.

ITP looks VERY similar to what I have on my legs. Is this something that would appear on a blood test? I am a blood donor and am just wondering whether those screens would clear the really nasty stuff.

Yes it would be obvious on blood donation I assume, as if you have itp you would have platelets well below average range. Usual range is 150-400. This sort of rash typically appears at platelets level below 20. (DS' was 1 when this picture was taken).

Itp isn't really nasty...given it's a blood disorder it's one of the better ones to get! It doesn't cause people to feel unwell, just tired. Main risk is spontaneous bleeding if platelets fall too low or if you have a nasty fall. Maybe ask doctor about it?

The easy bruising and tiredness are ringing pretty big alarm bells for me. I'm off work for the week. I may wander over to emergency later this week if the rash is still there.

Yes if you think it may be ITP do get yourself checked reasonably urgently. There are various treatments they can offer which can help. X

Stands for immune thrombocytopenic purpura btw.

Thank you everyone for taking the time to read and respond. I am so grateful.

I just had a shower and shaved my legs so I could check the rash better. My legs are completely smooth - no bumps, rough areas etc. The right leg is definitely worse than the left leg, although the marks are on both legs.

Will you keep us updated?
Happy new year!
(DS rash was flat also).

I had a similar rash which came and went (but was itchy!). Took me ages to work out it was due to a pair of knee high boots I wore when going "out out". As I was a student they were pretty cheap, the leather had probably been dyed with all manner of now-illegal chemicals!

I will, yes. I cannot thank you enough for your time and suggestions. I'm feeling a bit lost without a doctor and really appreciate the input.

I get a similar rash on both legs, same place, in winter. I think i it is caused by the central heating and wearing tights. I use E45 cream twice a day as soon as the weather gets colder and have not had it so far this winter.

Annie I had very similar and second a pp who said vasculitis/HSP. I was actually visiting my GP about something else when he noticed the rash on my feet (I thought they were flea bites so hadn’t mentioned them Do yours itch? Mine were intensely itchy (hence blaming the cat!) and while the rash usually only appears on lower legs, I did get mine on my stomach as well.

My GP was fascinated as he’d never seen a case before, said I was the hit topic in the staff room!

Forgot to mention, there’s usually swelling as well with HSP. It’s goid to keep a picture timeline to show your GP as well as yourself, makes checking swelling easier.

I hope you get some answers soon

@HastingsLikeTheBattle they do not itch at all. I didn't even realize I had them. They're just weird marks.

So yes, it is a petechial rash. Pop back to your GP. Please don’t got to A&E, it isn’t an accident nor an emergency
Hope you get an answer soon

Thanks @JuniperBeer but I don't have a doctor. I moved to a new town in the summer and there aren't any local doctors accepting patients. I'll see if there is a walk-in in town.

Still haven't seen a doctor and still have the rash. We have a local walk in, but it's only open Tuesday during the day and Wednesday evening. Going to try to get seen on Wednesday after work.

Have you flown and or exercised a lot recently? My husband had something similar (was just a little bit more inflamed) a few months ago after several long flights and doing a lot of walking in the heat during a city trip during the summer.If it is confined to the area above the sock line it could be what is termed 'Golfers Vasculitis' stemming from exercise hence the name.He has since had phlebography etc and all bloods done.All bloods incl.platelets and clotting parameters in order.He now wears flight socks when flying and it has not reoccured.

I have flown and, unless you count walking to the cupboard to fetch more chocolate as exercise, then no. 😂😂

I haven't flown. Oops.