Overview

How you go about applying first aid to any problem depends on what is causing it. Walking a marathon exposes your legs to stress, heat and sun. In addition, you may have muscle fatigue in the legs or an insect bite causing an allergic reaction. Recovering from a marathon requires rest, food and water. If you feel ill, dizzy, short of breath or have extensive bruising, seek medical evaluation and treatment.

Step 1

Move indoors or to a cool area and sit down.

Step 2

Elevate your legs with a pillow placed under your feet as you lie down or lean back in a comfortable position.

Step 3

Soak a towel in cool water and lay it over your legs. Remain in this position for 20 minutes to see if redness fades.

Step 4

Rub aloe vera over the affected skin for a sunburn. If the cause of the redness is sunburn, the skin will be hot and sore when you touch it. There may be blisters. Your body may feel achy and you might have chills or a headache. Use the aloe vera product several times a day until the burn fades.

Step 5

Look for a rash on the legs if the problem is not sunburn. A rash may indicate an allergic reaction or contact with a toxic plant such as poison ivy. Rashes present as red dots or large bumps.

Step 6

Take an antihistamine if you determine the redness is a rash. If the rash itches, apply an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream to the affected area.