A hike can invigorate the mind and body, but some people end up with blotchy, red ankles for their efforts. Most cases of red blotches around the ankles after hiking result from exposure to certain types of plants and insects. Fortunately, most cases of red blotches on the ankles after hiking are preventable and treatable with ointments or medication.
Features
After hiking, red blotches might appear randomly around the ankles or in a pattern such as a straight line or in the area above the top of the sock or below the hem of the shorts or pants. In many cases, the red blotches itch, and the itchy feeling could intensify after initially scratching the itch. The itchiness and blotches might spread into other areas of the skin, such as the foot and lower leg. Some people might develop blisters, which might fill with fluid or ooze. Rarely, additional symptoms such as joint pain, swelling of the affected area, chills and fever can develop.
Causes
Plants such as poison ivy, oak and sumac, common in suburban and rural areas of the United States, contain a substance called urushiol that initiates an allergic reaction in up to 85 percent of people who come into contact with it, according to the American Academy of Dermatology website. Hikers might inadvertently brush up against the plant while walking or climbing, and red blotches can develop after skin contact with the plant. When hiking through woodsy areas, people might come into contact with insects such as ticks and chiggers, which can infect hikers with diseases, including Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, which cause blotches and rashes.
Treatments
Thoroughly washing the skin with a strong bath soap and laundering clothing and hiking boots or shoes in hot water immediately after hiking can remove urushiol and any lingering insects from fabric that might cause red blotches to worsen or redevelop. Red blotches and itching that result from chigger bites are treatable with application of ointments such as benzocaine, hydrocortisone and calamine lotion, says the Ohio State University Extension Service website. People with red blotches accompanied by blisters, fever or joint pain might require prescription medications such as steroids to reduce itching and swelling, antibiotics to prevent secondary skin infections and pain relievers to reduce pain.
Prevention
If at all possible, hike on cleared trails or paved areas to avoid exposure to substances that cause skin reactions. When going out on a hike where paved or cleared trails are unavailable, wear tall boots and long pants and tuck the pant legs into your socks to help prevent poisonous plants from brushing up against the skin or insects from attaching to the lower legs and ankles. According to the Ohio State University Extension Service website, applying an insect repellent containing DEET might also help prevent biting insects from attaching to the ankles and causing red blotches. Studying a field guide of poisonous plants and biting insects in the area where you will be hiking can also help prevent accidental exposure to substances that cause skin reactions.
