Tips to Minimize Eczema and Enjoy the Season.
For many reasons, traveling can present problems keeping eczema under control. Eczema easily occurs when daily skin care is disrupted or if there is contact with irritants or allergens you can’t control. It can also be a change in diet from eating out and ingesting hidden ingredients at restaurants, airports, gas stations or other people's homes. Also, traveling and holidays can be stressful and eczema loves stress!
Below are some tips to keep your eczema or your child’s eczema under control while you are in the train, plane or automobile. The less eczema you experience, the more you will enjoy your holiday and family time.
Bring Eczema Creams/Medications with You When Traveling.
Even if the eczema is under control, it’s worth taking “just in case”. New environments can cause an eczema flare and so can a change in diet from traveling. If you want to save space, pack travel bottles or ask your doctor for samples but don’t skimp. Just when you need it the most, you will run out. You may want to consider putting them in your carry-on.
Airlines loose bags all the time and you don't want to loose your medication. Also, make sure medications are in the proper size bottles and are in quart size ziplock bags if you are traveling by airplane. Keep in mind that if your flight is cancelled, you may not be able to get your bag or if you miss your connecting flight your bag may make it and you may end up in a hotel that night with no medication. Putting your necessary medications and creams in your carry-on will make sure it’s there when you need it. Check your airline website requirements before packing and always plan for the worst. If you don’t want to take the medication, at least write down the names of the creams and strengths so you can discuss it with a pharmacist or doctor if necessary.
Keep the Daily Skin Care Routine While Traveling.
It’s best to bathe or rinse off before bed to remove any allergens or irritants from the day and apply the prescribed creams and emollients.
If possible, bring your own set of sheets and a towel. Hotels can use harsh detergents and perfumes when they launder sheets and towels. These harsh detergents can irritate your skin or cause an eczema flare. Wear full coverage eczema undergarments to protect your skin from these harsh chemicals on sheets while sleeping. These eczema undergarments are eco-friendly and itch suppressing.
Bring Your Own Shampoo, Moisturizer and Body Wash and Don’t Try the Ones in the Hotel or Relative's House.
It’s not worth it if you are sensitive to chemicals. It’s best to keep the same routine with the same products.
Research Where You Would Take Yourself or Your Child if there is a Bad Eczema Flare.
Is there a convenient care or emergency room close to your hotel or relative's house? Is there a pharmacy close by to pick-up a prescription or an over the counter cream/emollient? It’s nice to know this information in case your cell phone has spotty service or your hotel charges for Wifi.
Bleach Baths Can be Helpful to Prevent Infection.
Bleach is easily accessible at most grocery stores and convenience stores. Always talk to your child’s doctor before administering a bleach bath.
If Your Child Experiences an Eczema Flare While Traveling Don’t Wait to Treat it.
Eczema can become infected in dry, cold climates and humid climates so the faster you start treatment the better. Immediately bathe the child and apply an eczema emollient and eczema clothing to combat symptoms.
If Your Child Has Food Allergies, Pack Allergy Friendly Snacks.
Eczema can flare from ingesting allergens such as dairy, gluten, soy, etc. Airport food is the worst and healthy, allergy friendly snacks are virtually non-existent. This is the same if you are on the road - truck stops and gas stations rarely have allergy friendly foods so stock-up if you are driving. It's no fun having a hungry child with food allergies.
Consider wearing or have your child wear protective eczema undergarments or eczema clothing over the normal creams and emollients and under regular clothing. This will minimize exposure to eczema triggers and promote healthy skin while traveling. It will also bring comfort and soothe eczema in dry winter environments.
At AD RescueWear, we wish you happy traveling and fun with your family this holiday season. We also hope you have minimal eczema!
