What Is the Disney Rash?

Health Line

4 hours ago

So-called 'Disney rash' is a condition known as exercise-induced vasculitis (EIV). You can prevent EIV by staying hydrated and avoiding too much sun exposure. If symptoms occur, wet coverings and anti-itch cream may help.
A 'Disney rash' may not be the souvenir you had in mind, but many visitors to Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and other amusement parks find that they get it.
The medical name for Disney rash is exercise-induced vasculitis (EIV). This condition is also called golfer's rash, hiker's rash, and golfer's vasculitis.
This condition results from a combination of:
hot weather
sunlight exposure
sudden, prolonged periods of walking or exercising outdoors
That's why people who spend long days strolling at theme parks may be prone to it.
In this article, we take a look at the symptoms, treatment, and prevention strategies.
What are the symptoms of Disney rash?
Although EIV is often called Disney rash, the condition isn't a true rash.
Instead, EIV is a condition in which small blood vessels in the legs are inflamed. Swelling and discoloration can occur on one or both ankles and legs. It often affects the calves or shins, but it may also affect the thighs.
EIV can include large red patches, purple or red dots, and raised welts. It may itch, tingle, burn, or sting. It may also cause no physical sensations.
EIV is typically confined to exposed skin and doesn't occur under socks or stockings.
It's not dangerous or contagious. It usually resolves on its own. You'll typically see it clear up around 10 days after returning home, once you're away from the conditions that brought it on.
What's the best way to treat Disney rash?
Use cool washcloths or ice packs
If you're experiencing this temporary form of vasculitis, using a wet covering, such as a towel, on your legs can help treat it. Keeping your legs cool with ice packs or cold washcloths can also help soothe irritation and reduce swelling.
Apply anti-itch cream
If your rash is itchy, taking over-the-counter antihistamines or using topical corticosteroids may provide relief. You can also try using witch hazel towelettes or an itch-reducing lotion.
Stay hydrated
Don't let yourself get dehydrated. Drinking water and other fluids may help alleviate and prevent EIV.
Elevate your feet
It may be hard to rest while you're out and about on vacation, but try to build in rest breaks with your legs elevated whenever possible.
You may be able to do this while someone holds your place in ride lines and during snack or meal breaks. Ducking into air-conditioned kiosks or restrooms with seated areas can also help.
Check guest services
Disney and other theme parks typically have first aid stations throughout the facility. They may stock anti-itch cooling gel to use on your skin. You can also gear up with some ahead of time.
Soak your feet
When the day is done, treat yourself to a cooling oatmeal bath. Keeping your legs elevated overnight may also help.
How can you prevent Disney rash?
Anyone can get Disney rash, but women over age 50 may be most at risk, according to a 2015 article.
No matter your age or sex, you can take some steps to help prevent this condition during vacation.
Protect your skin from the sun
Research from 2016 indicates that keeping your legs and ankles covered with light clothing, such as socks, stockings, or pants, may help. This will reduce your skin's exposure to both direct and reflected sunlight.
Anecdotally, some people report that using sunscreen has the same effect.
Wear compression clothing
Older research from 2006 indicates that people who have already experienced an episode of EIV may be able to prevent future occurrences by wearing compression socks or stockings. Compression leggings and pants are also available.
However, more research needs to be done on the effectiveness of compression clothing in preventing EIVs.
Massage your legs
That same small study suggests manual lymphatic drainage massage could be of benefit as well.
This gentle massaging technique is geared toward draining lymph (fluid) out of the legs and increasing blood flow in both deep and superficial leg veins. Here's how to do it.
Drink water and go light on salt
Drink lots of fluids and avoid eating salty food. This will help prevent the swelling associated with EIV.
Wear moisture-wicking clothing
If it's hot and sunny, protect your legs from sun exposure by covering them with light-colored fabric or sunscreen.
If it's humid, try wearing moisture-wicking socks for added comfort. Covering your skin will help prevent further irritation.
What does Disney rash look like?
Here are some photos of Disney rash (exercise-induced vasculitis).
What else could it be?
In addition to EIV, here are some other rashes and skin irritations that may occur while you're on vacation:
Heat rash (prickly heat). Heat rash can affect adults or children. It occurs in hot, humid weather and results from skin-on-skin or fabric-on-skin chafing.
Urticaria. This condition is earmarked by hives brought about by raised body temperature. It can occur if you exercise strenuously or sweat profusely.
Sunburn and sun poisoning. Too much sun exposure can cause sunburn or sun poisoning to occur. Also known as sun allergy, this condition can result in a painful, itchy red rash and blisters. You can avoid it by using sunscreen or covering your skin with UV-protective fabric.
Contact dermatitis (allergy). While on vacation, you might be exposed to environmental irritants you're sensitive to or allergic to. These can include hotel soaps and shampoos and the detergent used to wash your bedding.
When to contact a doctor
Disney rash generally clears up independently, but you might need to see a doctor for more severe cases. A doctor can help you manage Disney rash if it:
is very Itchy or painful
lasts longer than 2 weeks
returns with other forms of exercise
A doctor might run tests to confirm that Disney rash is causing your symptoms. You'll likely be tested for allergies and other skin conditions with similar symptoms.
After Disney rash is diagnosed, you could be prescribed an antihistamine or a topical corticosteroid cream to help manage your rash.
Tips for staying cool and comfortable while on vacation
Disney rash may not be the only tourist-related malady you experience while on vacation. Here are some other vacation-related conditions and their fixes.
Preventing aching feet and legs
People claim to clock in anywhere from 5 to 11 miles per day at theme parks like Disney. That amount of walking is bound to take its toll on feet and legs.
Wearing well-fitting, comfortable shoes is a good way to ensure that your feet can handle the challenge. Make sure you choose footwear that allows your feet to breathe and provides ample support.
Choose footwear that's appropriate for hiking in hot weather, and your feet, legs, and back will all be in better shape at the end of the day.
Flip-flops and flimsy sandals may not be your best bet. But they're handy to keep with you for a quick change at the very end of the day.
Avoiding sunburn
Wear sunscreen, whether the sun is bright or you're walking around on a cloudy or hazy day. A hat and sunglasses can help protect your face and eyes. Also, consider opting for light-colored sun-protective clothing.
If you do get a sunburn, treat it with home remedies, such as aloe vera, oatmeal baths, or cool compresses. If your sunburn is blistered or severe, check in with your hotel doctor or stop by a theme park first aid station for treatment.
Staying cool
It can be hard to escape from heat and humidity at a theme park, but there are ways to stay cool on the go. Consider the following:
Carry a battery-operated or paper handheld fan. You can also find battery-operated fans that attach to strollers or can clip onto wheelchairs.
Use a personal, handheld water mister on your face, wrists, and the back of your neck for an instant cooldown.
Keep drinks in a small cooler with an ice pack or frozen bottle of water.
Wear a cooling bandana with activated polymers around your forehead or neck.
Wear a cooling vest. These usually use evaporative cooling or come with a cold-pack system.
Wear moisture-wicking fabrics to keep skin comfortable and dry.
The most important thing is to drink plenty of water or other hydrating drinks. They can be cold or not. Staying hydrated helps your body do what it does best to keep you cool: sweat.
Takeaway
It may be vacation, but a day at a theme park can be grueling, even if you're in excellent physical condition. At the end of the day, try to build in some quiet time when you can rest and recharge.
Getting a great night's sleep will also help rejuvenate you for the next day's fun. Drink lots of fluids, and avoid having too many dehydrating substances like alcohol and caffeine.
If you develop a Disney rash, plan to take a cool bath or shower, followed by an application of skin-cooling gel or ointment. Remember to elevate your feet.