When you have moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (also known as eczema), it’s a struggle sometimes to avoid flare-ups even when you’re at home. The stress and unknowns that come with traveling to new places present extra challenges. With some planning, you should be able to enjoy your time away. The key is to think through your common triggers and ways to help you avoid them. You’ll also want to have what you need on hand to manage your atopic dermatitis and handle a flare if it does happen. Here are some tips to get you started:
Take Your Own Products and Towels
Someone without atopic dermatitis might be able to get away without taking all their usual products with them. They might use what’s offered in the hotel or another place they’re staying. But when you have atopic dermatitis, certain soaps, cleaning products, and fragrances can trigger a flare. If these are issues for you, it’s best to use mild products without any scent.
To keep your atopic dermatitis under control while you travel, make sure you’ve got all of your usual products with you. That way you won’t need to worry about trying something new that could irritate your skin. This includes soap, shampoos, and lotions. Also consider taking your own towels and sheets since certain detergents might cause you trouble. If you’re going to sleep in sheets washed in a way you aren’t used to, wear long pajamas to keep them off your skin. Or sew two twin sheets together to create an easily packed “sleeping bag.”
Stay Cool
People often travel during the summer months to places where it’s sunny and warm. But heat and sweat also can be atopic dermatitis triggers. Check the weather to see what to expect where you’re headed. If it’s likely to be hot, make sure you’ve got light clothing that breathes well. When it gets too hot outside, take a break in an air-conditioned area. Be ready to make yourself a cool compress or take a cool shower if needed to beat the heat. Pack a handheld fan and layers of clothing to keep your body at a comfortable temperature.
If you’ll be spending lots of time in the hot sun, you’ll also need plenty of sunscreen to protect your skin from burning without irritating it. If you don’t already have one that you know works well for you, test a small amount on your wrist or inside your elbow first.
Think Before You Take a Dip
When you have AD, you have to think twice about anything that’s in contact with your skin. You’ll want to think carefully before going for a swim, whether it’s in a pool or the ocean. The water in a swimming pool might bother your skin. But everyone is different. You might even find that the chlorine in a pool helps your skin. After all, doctors sometimes recommend a little bleach in bath water to help get rid of bacteria. Keep in mind that pools can be chemically treated in different ways. You might react badly to certain pools and not others. It could take some trial and error to sort that out.
You’ll want to use caution also if you’re planning to swim or play in the ocean waves. But you shouldn’t assume your atopic dermatitis is going to stop you from having a good time at the beach. Some people with atopic dermatitis find their skin does really well with saltwater and fun in the sun.
Some tips for swimming without trouble:
- If your skin is already flaring, don’t go for a swim.
- Use plenty of moisturizer before you get in the water. It can help protect your skin and keep it from drying out.
- Take a shower as soon as you can after you’re done swimming with your usual products. Apply another layer of moisturizer afterward.
- The first time you swim, don’t stay in too long. Take a quick dip to test the water and see how your skin does.
Keep Your Stress Levels Low
There’s no question that planning for travel and then actually traveling can be stressful. So do what you can to feel prepared -- and then do your best not to worry. Why? Stress is a common trigger for atopic dermatitis flares. It’s possible that stressful emotions can shift your immune system in the direction of an inflammatory or allergy-like response. Stress also can get in the way of you enjoying your trip.
So while you’re planning for your trip, remember to take breaks and relax. Use these same strategies to help you relax while you're away, especially in those moments when things might not go exactly as planned. What works for you to relieve stress may not work for someone else. Some things to try include:
- Breathe deeply.
- Listen to relaxing music or nature sounds.
- Try a guided meditation.
- Do a little yoga or tai chi.
- Read a book.
- Take a walk.
- Do a relaxing hobby like knitting, drawing, writing, or solving a word puzzle.
Expect the Unexpected
When you have a chronic illness like moderate to severe atopic dermatitis, it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor or other health care provider before you go. If you’re headed overseas, you might need to take some special precautions. This is especially true if you’re taking any medicine for your moderate to severe atopic dermatitis that might weaken your immune system.
The CDC recommends that travelers with a chronic illness should:
- Learn about any health concerns that are specific to the place where you’re going. Find out if you need any extra vaccines or medicines to carry along in addition to your usual atopic dermatitis medicines.
- Pack a travel kit with all your prescriptions and other medicines, moisturizers, or other items you might need to manage your moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. This includes first aid supplies. If you’re flying, keep these items in your carry-on bags. You never know for sure that checked luggage will end up in the same place you do, and you wouldn’t want to be without these necessities.
- Find out in advance where you could go if you were to need a doctor while you’re away.
- Consider getting insurance to cover the costs of the trip if you end up needing to cancel or insurance to cover any unexpected or necessary health care while you’re away.
As you plan for your trip, think through where you’ll be going and what sorts of things you plan to do while there. Since each person with AD is different, you’ll want to consider the most likely triggers for a flare-up and what you can do to work around them as best you can. And if you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor for advice.
Show Sources
Photo Credit: martin-dm / Getty Images
SOURCES:
National Eczema Association: “Bon Voyage, Eczema! How to Travel Without Triggering a Flare,” “What Are Your Top Eczema-Friendly Travel Tips?” “Earning Your Place in the Sun,” “Eczema and Emotional Wellness.”
Mayo Clinic: “Atopic Dermatitis: Understand Your Triggers.”
National Eczema Society: “Swimming and Eczema.”
Current Allergy and Asthma Reports: “Stress and Atopic Dermatitis.”
CDC: “Travelers With Chronic Illnesses.”
