If you visit Disney World often, you’re probably familiar with the term, “Disney rash,” but the technical term for it is Exercise-Induced Vasculitis (EIV) – and it’s incredibly painful. Below, we provide some helpful tips on how you can treat and prevent EIV if you develop it on your next trip to Walt Disney World.
What is Disney Rash?
Disney rash is a type of blood vessel inflammation that affects the lower parts of the legs after walking or performing any type of strenuous exercise for an extended period of time in warmer weather. While this can develop after any prolonged activity, it developed the nickname “Disney rash” because of how common it is for those visiting the theme parks.
While it can affect anyone at any age, women who are 50 years or older are more prone to developing Disney rash than anyone else. Fortunately, the Disney rash isn’t contagious and will usually heal on its own within two weeks after development.
Symptoms of Disney Rash
You can usually determine Disney rash by the following symptoms:
- Large red or purple patches on your legs
- Swelling and/or discoloration on the thighs, calves or shins
- Raised welts
- Red dots on your leg
In other cases, those affected may experience burning, tingling, or itching.
How to Treat Disney Rash
If you develop EIV during your Disney World vacation, there are several things you can do to treat it. First, apply some anti-itch ointment to the affected area to reduce the itching. If you don’t have any with you, don’t fret; many Disney World resorts and theme parks have a first-aid station that may be able to provide you with an anti-itch cream or another type of cooling gel to give you some relief.
Next, you want to make sure you go back to your resort and soak your legs in the tub. The same thing applies if you’re home, as well. After soaking, keep your legs elevated as much as possible.
Last but not least, you want to drink as much water as possible. The more water you consume, the more the swelling will go down.
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How to Prevent Disney Rash
Unfortunately, those who have already experienced EIV have a greater chance of developing it on their next vacation. Because of this, it’s recommended that you wear compression leggings or socks to help avoid another episode.
You also want to make sure your skin is fully protected. While you should always wear sunscreen to reduce burns and to protect yourself against skin cancer, wearing it can also prevent EIV. Likewise, you can also wear lightweight clothing to mitigate how much exposure your legs get. The best thing you can do to prevent the onset of Disney rash is to keep your legs protected from sunlight.
Furthermore, do your best to avoid salty foods, as they can increase swelling. So, unfortunately, that Mickey-shaped pretzel may have to wait until next time.
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Final Thoughts
Fortunately, Disney rash will go away on its own, but it can be incredibly painful to experience and can put a real damper on your vacation. By staying hydrated, using a personal fan, and wearing comfortable shoes, you can help prevent this inflammation. It’s also recommended that you bring anti-itch cream with you on your upcoming trip.
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Have you ever experienced Disney rash? Let us know how you treated it in the comments.
As a self-proclaimed Mouseketeer, Courtney Dercqu is a fan of all things Disney. Between decorating her desk with souvenirs from the park, to making unique mouse ears and having a dedicated Disney Instagram, Courtney is a true believer in the magic of a Walt Disney World vacation. Having had more than 200 articles published on various content, Courtney’s excited to share her knowledge and experience with everyone! Be sure to follow her on Instagram for all the Disney magic.
