A red blotch on your shin, the area of leg below your knee, can occur suddenly after running, even if you have never had exercise-related skin irritation before. Although it is not typically dangerous, a red shin blotch can be more than just a cosmetic concern -- it can sometimes require medical treatment. This makes it important to understand why red shin blotches can occur after running and how they can be remedied.
Symptoms
A red blotch on your shin that develops after running can vary from a mild to severe irritation. It can be accompanied by pain, a prickling sensation, discoloration, itching, swelling, dizziness, rapid pulse, stomach cramping, fever, lack of sweating, bleeding and nausea, according to the Mayo Clinic. You can also notice swelling in other areas of your body such as the legs or feet. In severe cases, FamilyDoctor.org notes that you can experience a choking feeling or have trouble breathing.
Causes
You can develop a red blotch if your shin rubs against irritating fabric or clothing while running. A red blotch can also be due to heat rash, a condition in which sweat does not evaporate but instead clogs your sweat ducts and causes an itchy rash. Wearing long pants or synthetic fabrics can also trap heat and prevent sweat from evaporating properly, leading to a red blotch on your shin after running. Some medical conditions, such as exercise-induced allergies, can also trigger skin irritation and blotching.
Treatments
Apply petroleum jelly, calamine lotion or baby powder to your shin to help ease symptoms. Change into dry clothes immediately following your workout to help avoid irritation. Wear cotton fabric instead of coarse fabric to eliminate friction. Always wear clean clothing when you run -- dirt, debris and dried sweat can irritate your skin and cause red blotches on your shin. Take an antihistamine prior to your workout if you suspect an exercise-induced allergic reaction.
Warnings
Seek medical attention if the red blotch on your shin worsens or lingers for more than a couple days. In addition, contact a doctor if it is accompanied by a fever, swollen lymph nodes in the groin, armpit or neck, pus drainage, chills, redness or warmth. These could be symptoms of an infection or dangerous underlying medical condition such as deep vein thrombosis or a blood clot.
Member Comments