Skin Health More Skin Conditions What Is the Disney Rash? By Sherry Christiansen Sherry Christiansen Sherry Christiansen is a medical writer with a healthcare background. She has worked in the hospital setting and collaborated on Alzheimer's research. Learn about our editorial process Updated on March 26, 2022 Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Corinne Savides Happel, MD Medically reviewed by Corinne Savides Happel, MD LinkedIn Corinne Savides Happel, MD, is a board-certified allergist and immunologist with a focus on allergic skin disorders, asthma, and other immune disorders. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment Prevention Other Rashes Frequently Asked Questions The Disney rash—also called exercise-induced vasculitis (EIV), golfer’s rash, and golfer’s vasculitis—is common in golfers, runners, and those who walk around in the heat for long periods of time at theme parks (like Disney World). Wendy Bumgardner Symptoms Symptoms of the Disney rash may include: A rash that usually appears on both lower legs, ankles, and thighs and lasts from three to four weeks Single or multiple episodes of the rash Rash that primarily affects the skin that is exposed (sparing the skin that is covered by stockings or socks) Erythema (patches of flushed, red skin) Red patches, purple spots (called purpura), or wheals (called urticarial lesions) Swelling of the affected extremities Severe itching, burning, or pain Causes Disney rash commonly occurs when a person is exercising and the extremities are exposed to heat. This causes an increase in blood flow to the medium-sized or small vessels in the lower extremities. The reason blood rushes to the small vessels is to help prevent the body from overheating. If there is a problem with return blood flow (called venous stasis), prolonged exercise in a hot or humid environment irritates the subcutaneous (under the skin) tissue on the legs and ankles. Common Causes Related to Activity There are several common activities known to trigger a Disney rash, these include: GolfingRunning (particularly long-distance running)Step aerobicsBodybuildingSwimmingHiking Disney Rash and Genetics Other factors related to the cause of the Disney rash may include hereditary factors. Some experts suggest that there may be a genetic link associated with a person's risk of getting the Disney rash. Diagnosis A diagnosis of the Disney rash is based on several factors, including a history and physical examination as well as various diagnostic tests including: Laboratory tests: These check for systemic (involving the entire body) vasculitis, a skin biopsy (tissue examination under a microscope) to evaluate for the presence of leukocytoclastic vasculitis (a possible indication that a person has lupus). Blood tests: Blood tests such as those that evaluate for a high level of C-reactive protein can confirm signs of inflammation. Blood tests can also evaluate whether you have specific antibodies—such as the ANCA test—which checks for antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies. There are two primary reasons to conduct lab tests or imaging tests when a person has the Disney rash, including: To evaluate the impact on other organs (in addition to the skin), which may indicate a person has systemic (involving the entire body) vasculitis.To rule out other causes of cutaneous (skin) vasculitis (other than the Disney rash) Treatment The Disney rash often subsides on its own within three to four weeks; treatment is often aimed at reducing symptoms and preventing recurrence of the rash, these modalities include: Administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and swellingAdministration of antihistamine drugs to reduce itchingElevation of affected extremitiesThe use of compression stockings, which relieve discomfort and promote quicker healing, while helping to prevent subsequent outbreaksAvoidance of vigorous exercise (temporarily, unless the rash involves recurrent episodes, in which exercise in a hot environment should be avoided) Using Steroids for Disney Rash Steroids—such as prednisone—should only be used for cases of severe cutaneous vasculitis with blistering and ulceration. Prevention Tips for preventing the Disney rash may include: Wearing compression stockings: Elastic socks designed to help promote good circulation in the lower extremities. A study found that symptoms of the rash were absent in areas of the legs covered with compression socks.Elevating the legs: This is important after long periods of walking and standing at theme parks.Taking frequent breaks when exercising: This is especially important in hot weather.Wearing cotton or other lightweight fabric that is loose to stay cool: A 2016 study discovered that wearing lightweight fabric helped prevent skin rash from occurring. Other Rashes There are several other rashes—that are common in the summer months that could be mistaken for the Disney rash, these include: Heat Rash (Prickly Heat) Heat rash is an itchy rash that is pink or red that is likely to occur because of blocked sweat ducts. It is often present in areas covered by clothing and often occurs when a person has applied heavy creams, is wearing thick clothing, or is in extreme environmental temperatures. Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac Poison ivy, oak, and sumac can cause a red, swollen, itchy rash that may progress to blisters in areas of the skin that are directly exposed. These plants all contain urushiol, which can cause an allergic reaction. Symptoms usually present within 48 to 72 hours of exposure to the plant and could worsen in a period of up to five days after exposure. The rash usually subsides on its own in a week or two. Swimmer’s Itch Because swimming has been known to be an underlying cause of the Disney rash, it’s important to note that other types of rashes commonly occur from swimming. Swimmer’s rash, for example, is often a result of swimming in stagnant, contaminated water that may be contaminated with parasites from bird droppings. A red, itchy, patchy rash may appear within 48 hours of exposure. The rash may last for weeks but usually subsides on its own A Word From Verywell If you notice signs of a rash after visiting a theme park or after other types of exercise in a hot, humid climate, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider, but know there is no need to panic. You may want to take some preventative measures if a rash appears—such as putting your feet up—but be sure to talk to your healthcare provider before taking medications or applying any type of topical cream or ointment to the rash. Frequently Asked Questions Can essential oils be used to treat vasculitis? There isn’t research showing the benefits of essential oils on vasculitis. Some studies do show that there are anti-inflammatory and anti-itch properties associated with some oils, though, which might be helpful. Tea tree oil has been shown to help with a variety of skin disorders. You can speak to your healthcare provider about whether it might be appropriate to try on vasculitis. Learn More: Benefits of Tea Tree Oil Can exercise induced vasculitis be related to autoimmune disease? Yes. Rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, two autoimmune diseases, can cause the body to attack its own tissue, which can lead to vasculitis. Learn More: Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus How can I prevent Disney rash? Avoiding the hottest part of the day is one step to avoiding exercise-induced vasculitis (Disney rash). Staying hydrated while walking all day in the sun will help, too. You can also prepare yourself by regularly walking long distances before your vacation. Getting used to the exercise will help your body be ready to manage being on your feet all day at Disney. Learn More: What to Do About Swollen Ankles Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 8 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Espitia, O., Dréno, B., Cassagnau, E. et al. Exercise-induced vasculitis: a review with illustrated cases. Am J Clin Dermatol 17, 635–642 (2016). doi:10.1007/s40257-016-0218-0 DermNet NZ. Exercise-induced vasculitis. Pavesi A, Drago F, Basso D, Parodi A. Sport-induced vasculitis. J Clin Exp Dermatol. 2011;02(02). doi:10.4172/2155-9554.1000119 University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Summer rashes. MedlinePlus. Heat rash. MedlinePlus. Poison ivy, oak, and sumac. Pazyar N, Yaghoobi R, Bagherani N, Kazerouni A. A review of applications of tea tree oil in dermatology. International Journal of Dermatology. 2013;52(7):784-790. doi:10.1111/j.1365-4632.2012.05654.x Hospital for Special Surgery. Vasculitis.