I Keep Getting Literal Hives in Disney World and The Reason Was NOT Something I Expected…

There are some Disney fans who claim they “break out into hives” anytime they hear news about price increases or ride closures. However, that’s not what we’re talking about here.

Quincy and Emma at Animal Kingdom Lodge

Instead, we’re talking about legitimate rashes. Specifically, several members of our team have noticed that they break out into hives each summer. It’s not the typical “Disney Rash” that sometimes accompanies moving around the parks either. So what’s the cause? It’s likely the area’s well-known heat and humidity.

According to the Mayo Clinic, this type of heat rash — also known as prickly heat or miliaria — is common in some adults in hot and humid conditions. The hives — which can range from small blisters to deep, inflamed lumps– are caused by sweat being trapped in the skin.

There are generally two types of this kind of heat rash:

Miliaria rubra (A) appears as clusters of small, inflamed blister-like bumps that can produce intense itching.
Miliaria crystallina (B), another type of heat rash, appears as clear, fluid-filled bumps that don’t hurt or itch.

©Mayo Clinic

If you find yourself prone to these types of heat rash, Mayo does provide some preventative measures, including:

In hot weather, dress in loose, lightweight clothing that wicks moisture away from the skin. Don’t wrap newborns in too many layers.
Keep your sleeping area cool and well-ventilated.
Avoid creams and ointments that can block pores.
Avoid drugs that cause sweating, such as clonidine, beta blockers and opioids.

The clinic also recommends limiting physical activity in hot weather, which obviously isn’t the most useful advice for a summer trip to Walt Disney World. However, one can still follow the other preventative measures, as well as doing their best to stay in air-conditioned or shaded areas.

Magic Kingdom Summer Crowds

Generally, this type of heat rash will usually go away once your skin cools down; however, severe forms of the condition might need treatment from a health care provider.

Learn more about doctor visits in Disney World here

Be sure to visit air-conditioned shops to cool off

If you’ve ever found yourself breaking out into hives during a summer trip to Disney World, you may have your answer now! Stay tuned to AllEars for more Disney World health tips.