Skin Rash refers to an inflammatory condition of the skin which is associated with itching, burning and redness. While rash can affect any part of the skin, it is more frequently observed around the ankles or the top of the feet. There are no available statistics regarding the prevalence of rash on ankle, however, athlete’s foot, caused due to fungal infection on the skin of the feet is considered to be the most common causative factor.
Athelete’s foot is caused due to parasitic infection by tinea, which is found in the soil, tiled shower rooms and even infected pet animals.
Causes Rash On Ankles
While fungal infection by Tinea is considered to be the most common cause, there are a host of other causative factors that have been linked with the occurrence of rash on the ankles and feet,
- Varicose Veins: This condition is characterized by engorgement of veins in the legs, due to failure of the valvular system within the network. Valves in veins help the blood to move against gravity towards the heart and failure of the valves results in accumulation of unpurified blood in the veins, resulting in rash on the skin.
- Congestive Cardiac Failure: This condition is characterized by edema in the lower extremities, due to inability of the heart to pump at an adequate pace. Edema lasting for prolonged period of time results in skin irritation and causes skin rash.
- Allergic Dermatitis: Allergic reaction to a particular cloth e.g. socks or footwear can also result in rash on the skin. This type of rash is often referred to as contact dermatitis.
- Exposure to the sun can also trigger an exposed of rash on the skin. Keeping the feet soaked for prolonged period of time in water can also trigger formation of rash around the ankles.
- Mosquito or insect bite around the ankles can also lead to rash on the skin.
Formation of wart or corns around the feet is also other important causes of rash on the ankle. Rash on the ankle is also common during the final trimester of pregnancy.
Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Rash On Ankles
The treatment regimen focuses on identifying the underlying cause and treating it promptly. Some of the tips include the following,
- Local application of tea tree oil is vital in the management of rash associated with fungal or bacterial infection. Tea tree oil is a potent anti-microbial agent and can help in eliminating the fungal and bacterial overgrowth.
- Local application of a paste of turmeric with aloe vera is very beneficial in the management of skin rash associated with allergy or infections. Turmeric has anti-microbial properties while aloe vera has soothing effect on the skin.
- Keeping the feet elevated or using stockings to avoid accumulation of blood in the lower extremities is considered very valuable.
- Local application of vitamin E oil along with vitamin A oil is vital in the treatment of ankle rash. Vitamin E helps in healing of the collagen tissue while vitamin A improves the skin tissue in the dermal and epidermal layers.
It is always important to identify the underlying causative factor linked with rash around the ankle joint. Systemic conditions like diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disorders are closely linked with rash on the ankle joint and hence a systematic review is imperative.