Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesManagementWhen to See a ProviderDiagnosisPreventionSimilar Rashes
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Management
When to See a Provider
Diagnosis
Prevention
Similar Rashes
The Disney rash is a skin condition in which blood vessels have been damaged due to intense exercise done in the heat. Also known as golfer’s vasculitis, golfer’s rash, and exercise-induced vasculitis (EIV), this rash is common among golfers, runners, hikers, and those who walk around for long periods of time at theme parks (like Disney World).
EIV will often go away on its own, but you may need to take a break from physical activity and take steps to manage the discomfort that comes with Disney Rash.
This article explains how EIV happens and the common symptoms of Disney rash. It also discusses how to prevent or manage the rash during exercise or a vacation in the sun.
Wendy Bumgardner
Disney Rash Symptoms
Symptoms of the Disney rash may include:
Is Disney rash serious?Disney rash is not a serious condition and does not indicate any health issues. It typically resolves on its own within 10 days.
Is Disney rash serious?
Disney rash is not a serious condition and does not indicate any health issues. It typically resolves on its own within 10 days.
What Causes Disney Rash?
Disney rash commonly occurs when a person is exercising and the extremities are exposed to heat. This causes blood flow to the medium-sized or small vessels in the lower extremities to increase.
Blood rushes to the small vessels to help prevent the body from overheating. If there is a problem with return blood flow, prolonged exercise in a hot or humid environment irritates the subcutaneous (under the skin) tissue on the legs and ankles.
People who have rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, two autoimmune diseases, are more prone to developing Disney rash.
14 Heat Rash Remedies: At-Home Treatment and OTC Options
Common Causes Related to Activity
There are several common activities known to trigger a Disney rash. These include:
Disney Rash and GeneticsOther 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.
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.
How to Manage Disney Rash
Disney rash often subsides on its own within 3 to 10 days. To manage the symptoms during this time, you should limit physical activity, especially activities in hot temperatures. To reduce the pain and swelling and prevent further complications or recurrence of the rash, follow these tips:
Can you still walk around with a Disney rash?You should take some time to rest if you have a Disney rash. Staying out of the heat is an important way to reduce your body temperature and improve your symptoms. Limit exercise and your time in the heat until your symptoms improve.
Can you still walk around with a Disney rash?
You should take some time to rest if you have a Disney rash. Staying out of the heat is an important way to reduce your body temperature and improve your symptoms. Limit exercise and your time in the heat until your symptoms improve.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Steroids—such as prednisone—should only be used for cases of severe cutaneous vasculitis with blistering and ulceration.
Diagnosing Disney Rash
A diagnosis of the Disney rash is based on several factors, including a history and physical examination as well as various diagnostic tests including:
There are two primary reasons to conduct lab tests or imaging tests when a person has the Disney rash, including:
Preventing Disney Rash
You can prevent Disney rash with many of the same strategies used to manage an existing rash, such as wearing compression stockings and keeping your legs elevated. Some other tips for preventing Disney rash include:
Rashes Similar to Disney Rash
There are several other rashes common in the summer months that could be mistaken for the Disney rash. These include:
Heat Rash (Prickly Heat)
Heat rashis an itchy rash that is pink or red that is likely to occur because of blocked sweat ducts.
What a Heat Rash Looks Like on Darker Skin (and What to Do Next)
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from ©DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Reproduced with permission from ©DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
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.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoPlant dermatitis from contact with a rhus tree.Reproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
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.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from © DermNet and © 2019 Acta Dermato-Venereologicadermnetnz.org2023.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet and © 2019 Acta Dermato-Venereologicadermnetnz.org2023.
Summary
Disney rash is a type of rash that affects people who spend a lot of time on their feet or exercising in hot, humid environments. It is also called exercise-induced vasculitis.
8 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto 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. 2016;17(6):635–42. doi:10.1007/s40257-016-0218-0DermNet NZ.Exercise-induced vasculitis.Hospital for Special Surgery.Vasculitis.Espitia O, Dréno B, Cassagnau E, et al.Exercise-induced vasculitis: A review with illustrated cases.Am J Clin Dermatol.2016;17(6):635-642. doi:10.1007/s40257-016-0218-0Jud P, Hafner F.Exercise-induced vasculitis.CMAJ. 2018;190(7):E195. doi:10.1503/cmaj.171377University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.Summer rashes.MedlinePlus.Heat rash.MedlinePlus.Poison ivy, oak, and sumac.
8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto 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. 2016;17(6):635–42. doi:10.1007/s40257-016-0218-0DermNet NZ.Exercise-induced vasculitis.Hospital for Special Surgery.Vasculitis.Espitia O, Dréno B, Cassagnau E, et al.Exercise-induced vasculitis: A review with illustrated cases.Am J Clin Dermatol.2016;17(6):635-642. doi:10.1007/s40257-016-0218-0Jud P, Hafner F.Exercise-induced vasculitis.CMAJ. 2018;190(7):E195. doi:10.1503/cmaj.171377University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.Summer rashes.MedlinePlus.Heat rash.MedlinePlus.Poison ivy, oak, and sumac.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto 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. 2016;17(6):635–42. doi:10.1007/s40257-016-0218-0DermNet NZ.Exercise-induced vasculitis.Hospital for Special Surgery.Vasculitis.Espitia O, Dréno B, Cassagnau E, et al.Exercise-induced vasculitis: A review with illustrated cases.Am J Clin Dermatol.2016;17(6):635-642. doi:10.1007/s40257-016-0218-0Jud P, Hafner F.Exercise-induced vasculitis.CMAJ. 2018;190(7):E195. doi:10.1503/cmaj.171377University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.Summer rashes.MedlinePlus.Heat rash.MedlinePlus.Poison ivy, oak, and sumac.
Espitia O, Dréno B, Cassagnau E, et al.Exercise-induced vasculitis: a review with illustrated cases.Am J Clin Dermatol. 2016;17(6):635–42. doi:10.1007/s40257-016-0218-0
DermNet NZ.Exercise-induced vasculitis.
Hospital for Special Surgery.Vasculitis.
Espitia O, Dréno B, Cassagnau E, et al.Exercise-induced vasculitis: A review with illustrated cases.Am J Clin Dermatol.2016;17(6):635-642. doi:10.1007/s40257-016-0218-0
Jud P, Hafner F.Exercise-induced vasculitis.CMAJ. 2018;190(7):E195. doi:10.1503/cmaj.171377
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.Summer rashes.
MedlinePlus.Heat rash.
MedlinePlus.Poison ivy, oak, and sumac.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
