Holidays are a precious part of family life. A time that you shouldn’t have to miss out on just because you or a family member suffer from eczema. With proper preparation and a little extra care while away you can have an enjoyable holiday like everyone else. The key is to be prepared, and don’t let your having eczema rule your holiday. Relax and enjoy yourself. After all that’s what holidays are all about.
Be Prepared
There are a few things you can do before setting off on your holiday to help it all run smoothly.
1) If travelling abroad ensure you have sufficient insurance to cover medical expenses if required.
2) Pack loose fitting cotton clothing where possible, as this will allow your skin to breathe.
3) Try to choose a warmer climate to holiday in, as warmer climates tend to be more beneficial to eczema sufferers
4) Put some emollient cream in a small container so that it can be carried with you all the time.
5) If camping take a tub so irritated areas (ie. hands, feet and small children) can be soaked in warm water with oil. This is very soothing and healing.
6) Make sure you take a good supply of creams and moisturisers. You don’t want to run out.
7) Find a good sunscreen that works for you. Patch test to ensure there is no allergic sensitivity before you set off on your holiday.
8) If your eczema is under control before your holiday remember to take your creams in case of an outbreak. Don’t become complacent, it is better to be prepared.
Getting There – Made Easy
Whether traveling by car or plane getting to your destination can be an ordeal, especially when children are involved. Here are a few tips to make the trip more peaceful.
1) Boredom and tiredness will increase itching. Have activities planned to keep little ones amused.
2) Many find long car trips are best carried out at night. The car is of course less hot at this time and children will often sleep, so boredom is not an issue.
3) If traveling by car have regular stops and allow children to get out of the car and run around. This will decrease restlessness.
4) Keep the car well ventilated. Hot, sticky skin will itch.
5) If traveling by plane allow the children to move around the cabin where possible and swap seats occasionally. This will add variety and help decrease irritability which will lead to itching.
6) Hot climates will increase the risk of secondary skin infections developing. Keep the skin clean and observe for signs of infection. Seek medical help immediately if an infection occurs.
Whilst on Holiday
The focus of any holiday has to be have fun. These tips will help your holiday be eczema free and fun.
1) Apply an oil to the skin before swimming in a chlorinated pool to help protect the skin from irritation.
2) Moisturise the skin thoroughly after swimming and after time in the sun.
3) Moisturise the skin thoroughly at the end of each day.
4) Apply bath oil directly to the skin if there are no facilities to soak in bath with oil.
5) Remember to keep your cream with you at all times and use it regularly.
6) Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Arrange activities so that you can be out of the midday heat and sun.
7) Respond quickly to any eczema outbreak so it isn’t given a chance to develop.