5 days ago
Travel expert issues warning over 'incredibly painful' Disney rash
A Disney expert has warned about a painful-looking potential side effect to fun-filled days spent at theme parks - a very unsightly rash.
Stephanie Peters, a US special needs travel professional who frequently shares her wisdom on visiting Disney parks with her 68,000 followers on TikTok, posted recently about the uncomfortable irritation that thrill-seekers might not expect from a Disney holiday.
Posting on her stephpetersautismtravel TikTok account, Stephanie says: 'If you want to avoid the Disney rash, here's three things you can do.'
The travel expert explains: 'Sometimes when people go to Disney, they end up getting something that's called the Disney Rash.'
She continues that the skin flare-up, which often appears on the legs, can be 'extremely painful' and many people who get it don't understand what causes it.
The condition she continues is known as 'exercise-induced vasculitis (EIV)' and is 'caused from prolonged walking or running in excessive heat'.
The good news is, say medical professionals, is that it's entirely harmless and often goes away on its own without treatment.
In her video, Stephanie offers her own tips on how to avoid the skin irritation, including staying hydrated, elevating legs when possible and wearing compression socks.
Health practitioners also advise staying out of the heat - but say the rash will usually fade after two weeks with no long-term effects.
Stephanie says she's so concerned about keeping hydrated while visiting theme parks that she carries a liquid IV - which contains electrolytes to enhance hydration -with her.
Exercise-induced vasculitis is also known as 'golfer's vasculitis' because it's common amongst fans of the sport who spend long days in hot weather outdoors on fairways.
What causes it? According to the NHS, it's a blood vessel inflammation that affects the lower parts of the legs, often after 'strenuous exercise or activity for a long time, especially in warm weather.'
Last month, it was revealed that a Disney Hug Rule exists for the actors who play characters at the brand's parks and resorts.
The unofficial guideline suggests that the hugely popular characters often seen doing meet-and-greets should only pull away from a hug when the child does, allowing little ones to hug the character for as long as they want.
The rule is in place due to the heartwarming sentiment from Walt Disney; 'You never know how much that child may need that hug.'
And many parents have posted sweet videos of their children embracing everyone, from Winnie the Pooh to Tigger to Elsa from Frozen.
There are many montages of these videos on TikTok – including one from @Flickdash, which has been liked more than 496,000 times.
And in one very cute video, posted by McCall Cook, a little girl called Hazel June is seen running up to Anna from Frozen, hugging her, and refusing to let go for more than two minutes.
In the video, liked by 3.3 million people, Anna constantly talks to Hazel and asks her questions, remaining in character throughout the long hug – and Hazel even goes in for a second embrace.
Hazel's mum McCall captioned the video: I THINK SHE BROKE THE RECORD WHAT DO YOU THINK?
'The Disney hug rule means that characters are to never let go of the child's hug first and to allow the child to hug as long as they want!
'I think hazie wouldve sat there all day long if there wasnt a line behind us haha.'
The adorable video has more than 10,200 comments - and people are welling up.
One said: 'I'm sorry but how do you not break down crying every time this happens?'
Another added: 'Why does the Disney hug rule always make me cryyy����❤️❤️healing that inner child in me.'
A third said: 'This is so pure and innocent ohh my heart.'
But a few people also wondered whether the parents should've stepped in to break up the hug, and let the next child in the queue have their turn.
One said: 'As a parent, I would have stopped it earlier.'
Another blasted: 'The parents should know that the hug went on for way too long as they put the Disney worker in an awkward position.'
It comes after a Disney World visitor ignited a heated debate on social media after claiming she was denied access to a ride due to her 'inappropriate' gym attire.
Nicole Arena, a personal trainer from the U.S., took to TikTok earlier this month to document her experience during a visit to Orlando's Walt Disney World Epcot park with her husband.
In a series of videos posted to her account @arenalifts, Arena said she was 'dress-coded' for wearing a white Nike sports bra and black leggings - an outfit she described as typical gym wear.
