Prins M, Veraart J C, Vermeulen A H, Hulsmans R F, Neumann H A
Department of Dermatology, Academisch Ziekenhuis, Maastricht, Netherlands.
Br J Dermatol. 1996 May;134(5):915-8.
Many people develop skin symptoms after long-distance walks, but little is known about the aetiology of these. In this study we took 11 biopsies from 10 long-distance walkers who walked 80 km. All biopsies originated from purpuric lesions on the lower legs, which had appeared during walking. In all 11 specimens, signs of a leucocytoclastic vasculitis were present with leucocytoclasis, exocytosis of erythrocytes and a granulocyte/mononuclear perivascular infiltrate. Immunofluorescence investigations showed deposition of C3c in many specimens and immunoglobulin M in some. The occurrence of a leucocytoclastic vasculitis after prolonged exercise may be explained by the existence of an exercise altered cutaneous microcirculation, complement activation and an altered immune function.
