Suggest Treatment For Infectious Etiology

Posted on Tue, 11 Nov 2014

Question: A friend of mine has flown in a 22 hour flight a week ago and have some swelling remaining in the lower part of her leg(most of the swelling has gone) . There is some redness around 5-10 square centermeters in size that sometimes is pink red and swollen and other times after rest looks more like a rash. This was intially in one leg and has now come up in the same place in the other leg after about 5 days. This red patch is just above the ankle extending up about 10cm.

Answered by Dr. Shailja Puri (57 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
appears to be infectious etiology

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query on HealthcareMagic.

The patch is erythematous with ill-defined borders.
A history of visit to some other place? country?? raises the suspicion of some infection probably a viral infection.
Spreading of the patch to other leg is again in favor of infectious etiology.
Is the erythematous patch associated with any other symptom like pain, itching or any other symptom?
Was the place that you visited endemic for any viral infection?
This information will help to narrow down the possibilities.

Thanks
Dr Shailja P Wahal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Shailja Puri (54 minutes later)

Hi Dr Shailja,

No itching and just a little pain when a spot below the ankle is pushed. We got off the plane in Vienna and there was only swelling from the plane flight. We then went Rome 3 days later and noticed the a red mark about the same size as in the photo but more red on one leg then appearing on the second 2 days later. Have you any suggestions on how to treat this?. Thanks.

XXXX.

Answered by Dr. Shailja Puri (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Suspicious of vascular disorder.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome again,

A painful erythematous patch below the ankle further raises a possibility of a vascular disorder.

Viral infection is characterized by painless rash usually accompanied by fever.

However, the rash is painful and not associated with fever, I am of the opinion that you should get clinical assessment of vascular system of both legs.

Vascular disorders especially arterial disorders can lead to pain, intermittent claudication (pain during walking for some distance), initially red patch and latter ulcer around the ankle joint.
I suggest you to consult your physician for Doppler studies of the lower limbs.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj