Have You Heard of the Disney Rash?

More than 15 percent of American adults are physically inactive. On average, they take only 3,000 to 4,000 steps per day.

Most people don’t realize how large Orlando’s theme parks are and the miles and miles of walking they’ll be doing each day.

Magic Kingdom - 142  Hollywood Studios - 154  Epcot - 300 Animal Kingdom - 500

How many acres?

So what happens when Americans visit a Disney theme park and take 20,000 steps or more daily in hot, humid weather? Many get the Disney rash.

Disney Rash is a nickname for exercise-induced vasculitis (EIV).

When the body goes through a vigorous, active period, like prolonged walking, it creates an imbalance in the normal functioning of the vascular system.

This leads to swollen and weakened capillaries, which can lead to redness and discomfort.

These painful, red or purple splotches appear on areas of the skin not covered by clothing and last anywhere from 3-10 days.

The rash appears in people who typically are not active yet suddenly spend hours walking in hot or humid weather.

Fortunately, the Disney rash isn’t dangerous or life-threatening and usually disappears on its own.

A lack of regular exercise combined with the sheer size of theme parks and Florida heat is a recipe for disaster.

If your body is not used to prolonged periods of walking, start a daily walking routine a few months before your trip and slowly increase your distances to tolerance.

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To learn about prevention and what to do if you get the Disney Rash,

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