Disney Skin Irritation: Know Symptoms, Remedies, and Precautions
Exercise-induced vasculitis (EIV), a type of vasculitis caused by prolonged exercise, particularly in hot weather, is a condition that affects many individuals, especially females over 50 years of age. This disorder involves inflammation of the blood vessels, which can lead to a variety of symptoms.
EIV can be triggered by a wide range of activities, not just the traditional ones like walking, jogging, or swimming. Activities such as cycling, dancing, yoga or Pilates, standing for long periods, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can also increase the risk of developing EIV.
Common symptoms of EIV include intense itching, stinging, burning pain, flushed skin, swelling of the ankle, lower leg, or both, palpable purpura, and a rash on the lower legs that can extend as high as the knees, but are absent in areas that have been compressed.
To prevent EIV, it is essential to take some precautions. Wearing light, loose-fitting clothing can help prevent skin lesions. If exercising in hot weather, finding time throughout the day to rest is crucial. It's also advisable to avoid sugary or alcoholic beverages and very cold drinks while staying hydrated.
After a long day of exercise or wandering, elevating the legs can help manage symptoms. Compression stockings, available for purchase online, can also provide relief. In addition, finding an air-conditioned space to rest in and taking medications such as antihistamines, NSAIDs, and topical corticosteroids can help manage symptoms.
It's important to note that EIV is often associated with activities conducted in hot conditions or those that cause blood to pool in the extremities. Managing stress, staying hydrated, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol can help mitigate the risk of vasculitis symptoms.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher and "UVA/UAB protection" or "broad spectrum" on the label. Scheduling outdoor activities for morning or evening hours when temperatures are cooler is also recommended. Taking a cool bath or shower can help the body stay cool.
If symptoms of EIV do not go away within a week or get worse, it's essential to consult a doctor. EIV usually resolves itself after about a week. Drinking a sports drink to replace lost electrolytes is advised, but individuals with diabetes, high blood pressure, or on a low salt diet should consult a doctor first.
By being aware of the risks and taking the necessary precautions, individuals can enjoy their favourite activities while minimising the risk of exercise-induced vasculitis.
- Exercise-induced vasculitis (EIV) often has symptoms that are related to chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, bipolar, depression, and even lung diseases like asthma.
- Engaging in certain outdoor activities like cycling, yoga, or pilates, especially during hot weather, could potentially increase the risk of developing EIV, which in turn could exacerbate existing medical conditions such as diabetes or depression.
- The science of health and wellness suggests that skincare is a crucial aspect of preventing EIV, as prolonged exposure to the sun can further complicate skin-related chronic diseases.
- A predictive relationship between EIV and weather conditions has been observed, with the disorder more prevalent in hot weather due to the inflammation of blood vessels, which may worsen existing conditions like diabetes or depression.
- To minimize the risk of EIV, it's important to wear appropriate sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher with UVA/UAB protection or broad spectrum) and engage in outdoor activities during cooler hours, such as early morning or evening.
- EIV is associated with activities conducted in hot conditions or those that cause blood to pool in the extremities, making skincare and proper clothing (light, loose-fitting) essential for those with existing skin-related conditions like acne or rosacea.
- People with chronic diseases such as diabetes or high blood pressure should consult a medical professional before consuming sports drinks to replace lost electrolytes, as it could interfere with their current medications or condition.
- By understanding the risks of EIV and taking appropriate precautions, individuals can enjoy their favorite activities while ensuring they are not at increased risk of chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, or depression as a result of their exercise routines.
- In addition to taking medications such as antihistamines, NSAIDs, and topical corticosteroids to manage symptoms, understanding the predictive relationship between weather patterns, outdoor activities, and EIV is vital for overall health and wellness.
