Have You Heard Of The Disney Rash?
Disney Rash? I thought I’d heard it all but what is this Disney Rash everyone is talking about?
The Disney Rash is a rash that appears on your lower legs with red bumps appearing on the skin. This is caused from the blood vessels irritated and start swelling. The medical name for Disney rash is exercise-induced vasculitis (EIV). Golfer’s rash, hiker’s rash, and golfer’s vasculitis are also names associated with this because Disney Parks are not the only place you can get it.
What the Disney Rash is NOT.
The Disney Rash is not dangerous or contagious. You don’t get it because of a chemical found at the parks (as some have hypothesized) and chiggers, sand flys, bed bugs and virus’s are not to blame for it. It doesn’t itch or burn but it does look nasty and it usually goes away after a few days.
How do you get the Disney Rash?
photo credit More Time to Travel
Basically, the rash is a combination of the sunlight exposure, hot, humid weather and prolonged walking. Hmmm, those are the conditions of walking around the Disney Parks. Now you understand the name!
How can I prevent getting the Disney Rash?
The rash can affect anyone but women over the age of 50 tend to be more susceptible to it. Because sunlight is a big culprit, clothing covering the skin can help in the prevention. Long pants, socks that are longer can be a good idea and some have even said that sunscreen has the same effect. (Note: Dave’s daughters don’t allow Dave to walk around the parks with black socks up to his knees while sporting his Bermuda shorts. They tell him the rash is a better look).
In order to diminish the swelling to the legs, drink plenty of water and try to avoid lots of salt. Remember that any quick service restaurant will give you free cold water. (This is one way way save money at the parks! See or other tips here.)
When you rest at the parks, elevate your feet as much as you can and if at all possible, wrap cool towels around your legs. (I know, I know, where are you going to find “cool towels” while waiting in line for It’s a Small World? Well, when you get on the ride, take your towel out of you pack and dip it in the water and wrap it around your legs…problem solved! Just kidding!) Another idea is simply taking ice cubes and massaging your legs with them.
photo credit More Time to Travel
Try to stay out of the sun as much as possible.
Start a walking program well before you go to Disney.
Consider taking Ibuprofen before you start the day as it has inflammatory properties.
Finally, what do you do if you get the rash?
First, you are not alone. Many people get the Disney Rash so there is nothing to be embarrassed about. Many of the prevention ideas should be done if you get it.
Ice your legs (keep them cool), stay out of the sun, elevate your legs and drink plenty of water. In addition to these steps, you can use a topical anti-itch cream or aloe vera gel for burning. Prickly heat powder can be used and keep the area free from sweating.
To sum it all up, a Disney Rash might put a fashion damper on your vacation but won’t prevent you from doing anything you had planned! Starting a walking program is so important, we have it mentioned on our list of 7 things not to do before going to Disney (don’t be out of shape!). You can see the other 6 here!
Finally, we can’t do a post about the Disney Rash from walking without mentioning our favorite Disney shoes. Check them out here!
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