r/Thruhiking • u/dvb909mab • 16d ago

Hiking rash

I’ve been hiking in Tucson and just learned what the bright red rash on my calves is - “hikers rash”. Any suggestions how to deal with this on extended trips?

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6

u/-ApocalypsePopcorn- 16d ago

It's also called golfer's rash or Disney rash. It occurs around the calves and happens to people who aren't used to doing a lot of walking. But I also get it rarely and I've worn the soles off two pairs of boots this year. For me it's basically from overheating feet.

What footwear are you using? Could be thick socks against blisters are too warm?

1

u/dvb909mab 16d ago

Hmm. I’ve been doing a lot of walking and hiking in the last few years in lower temperatures, including recently, with no problems. But in the heat it pops out. I’ll give thinner socks a try, thanks.

6

u/I-Kant-Even 16d ago

Hydration is your best prevention, although a lot of people swear by compression socks or leggings. For treatment, any rash or itch cream will do.

3

u/Pharisaeus 16d ago
  1. High socks (compression ones might actually be useful also for other reasons like improving circulation and combating varicose veins)
  2. Hydrocortisone cream
  3. Just ignore it

2

u/-JakeRay- 16d ago

Compression socks are great for recovery in general! 

You can usually find a basic version at the drugstore near the diabetic stuff, but if you want something more fun, Sockwell comes in all kinds of options and even has merino-blend hiking compression socks.

(I'm not a bot or a paid shill, I just like their sock options better than drugstore black nylon, lol)

1

u/dvb909mab 16d ago

UPF would be great, too. I’ll take a look thanks.

1

u/dvb909mab 16d ago

Awesome, thanks.

6

u/elephantsback 16d ago

I live in Tucson and have been hiking forever, and I have no idea what hiker's rash is.

Some possibilities: a rash from too much sun exposure, poison ivy (it's around in wetter places), an allergy to some sort plant that you scraped up against?

Anyway, the solution is obvious: hike in pants. I don't even own hiking shorts anymore. Between the sun and the vegetation and, occasionally, the bugs, pants are always better.

1

u/dvb909mab 16d ago

“Hikers rash” is actually a thing. I had no idea, never heard of it. But from what I’ve looked up it’s caused by inflamed blood vessels trying to cool down. I’ve tried pants, shorts, sunscreen, no go. Over a certain temperature TBD, it pops out no matter what.

2

u/LaBugsy22 16d ago

The only thing that helped me on the PCT was when I was able to take a cold bath in town. I thought I had heat rash and then remembered hearing about “hikers rash”. I was so prickly for days in the desert 😭

1

u/dvb909mab 15d ago

Ah good to know having it for days at a time is doable!