You just got done with a long, magical day at Disney only to discover a rash on your legs! Is it the Disney Rash? Here’s what the the Disney Rash is along with some tips on preventing it and treating it to allow you to have the most magical trip ever!
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.
Why is it called Disney rash?
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.
It’s simply called a Disney rash because it so often occurs to people at Disney due to the heat and amount of walking that happens there!
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 to prevent the Disney Rash?
The rash can affect anyone but women over the age of 50 tend to be more susceptible to it. Here are some tips to prevent the Disney Rash
Cover Your Skin
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).
Drink Water
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.)
Elevate your Feet
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. Whenever you get a drink immediately take an ice cube out to use on your legs.
photo credit More Time to Travel
Keep Out of the Sun
Another thing to do to prevent the Disney Rash is to limit how much you’re in the sun! You’ll really want to try to stay out of the sun as much as possible.
Exercise Before You Go!
Start a walking program well before you go to Disney. This will help your legs, muscles, etc get prepared for all the walking you’ll be doing while at Disney and prevent you from getting a Disney Rash!
Take Ibuprofen
One final thing you can do is consider taking Ibuprofen before you start the day as it has inflammatory properties.
How to treat the Disney 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.
Is Disney Rash contagious?
No, the Disney Rash isn’t contagious! You don’t need to worry about passing it on to anyone else.
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!
Heat rash (miliaria) is very common among Disney World visitors, especially during hot and humid seasons. The name tells it all – a rash that is the result of heat. These rashes usually appear in the folds of skin and areas that are covered by clothing because of friction and because air cannot circulate and evaporate sweat. This rash forms when sweat glands clog, forcing sweat to remain under the surface of the skin. This can cause skin to redden along with raised bumps and even small, liquid filled blisters. Infants are especially prone to heat rashes and thick, heavy sun screens that block the pores can also contribute to heat rash. Heat rash is can also be a problem for people using scooters in the areas where their bodies are pressed against the seat. The great thing is that heat rash typically resolves on its own when skin cools down though medical attention may be required if the blocked sweat ducts become infected. Avoid tight clothes and fabrics that don’t “breathe” when you know you’ll be in a hot and humid environment.