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Prevent an Eczema Flare-Up When Traveling: 10 Simple Tips

Traveling can be exciting, but for those prone to eczema flare up when traveling, it might not be truly enjoyable. “If you’re traveling somewhere cold, or somewhere like the desert, where there’s not a lot of ambient humidity, your skin can dry out and feel different,” says Suzanne Friedler, MD—a clinical professional at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

This blog will clarify why traveling can worsen eczema, identify potential triggers, and offer tips to help keep your skin healthy on the go.

Why Does Eczema Flare Up When Traveling?

According to the National Eczema Association, there are typical triggers of eczema flare-ups when traveling that you should consider to maintain healthy skin.

  • Changing climates: One of the most common reasons eczema flares up when traveling is a sudden shift in weather conditions, whether cold or dry. The National Eczema Association explains that climate factors, including seasonal changes, extreme heat or cold, and dry or humid weather, can trigger eczema flare-ups. Additionally, altitude changes, prolonged exposure to hot water, chlorine, saltwater, skin yeast, and overgrown Staph bacteria can also contribute to flare-ups. For instance, long flights can exacerbate symptoms due to low humidity levels in airplane cabins, which may leave your skin feeling dry and irritated.

  • Contact allergies: When traveling, you’re exposed to new materials and substances that can cause allergic reactions in your skin. For example, hotel linens and detergents can trigger contact dermatitis, a type of eczema.

  • Food allergies: It’s wonderful to enjoy local cuisines during your trip, but it can be a minefield for those with food allergies. This partly leads to digestive issues and eczema flare-ups. Be aware of some ingredients like shellfish, nuts, soy, and even some types of dairy, which are common allergens.

  • Stress of travel: Although traveling helps relax and unwind, you’re sometimes stressed out due to tight schedules, long journeys, and crowded airports. And “stress was the single biggest trigger of their eczema flare-ups, with significantly more women (57%) affected than men (41%)”, says the National Eczema Society.

10 Tips for Managing Eczema Flare-Up When Traveling

Our expert tips below help you prepare thoughtfully and practice self-care for eczema flare-up when traveling.

1. Pack all your eczema treatments

You should have a travel-sized kit for your go-to over-the-counter (OTC) products. This should include lotions and moisturizers, antihistamines, pain relievers, and shampoos, according to the National Eczema Association.

2. Avoid using hotel soaps and lotions

Some hotel toiletries contain harsh chemicals that can irritate sensitive skin. According to a study published in Skin Therapy Letter (2011), fragrances and preservatives are the two most clinically relevant allergens found in cosmetic products. Patch testing is the gold standard for identifying these allergens. To avoid irritation, bring your fragrance-free soap, lotion, and hair products when traveling.

3. Minimize time spent in water

Taking a bath and shower can strip moisture from your skin, especially in places with hard, polluted, or chlorinated water. According to the National Eczema Association, soaking in a lukewarm tub for 10 to 15 minutes is ideal for skin wellness.

4. Keep skin balanced

When your skin loses its natural moisture balance, it becomes dry and irritated. This is when you should use an emollient or moisturizer at least twice a day and every few hours for extensive eczema flare-up when traveling. According to the National Eczema Society, adults should use at least 500g of emollient per week if eczema affects a large area of the body, while children should use at least 250g per week.

Ceramides—and lipids-containing creams can “form a protective layer on the skin, locking in moisture while keeping out impurities,” says National Eczema’s clinic-certified experts. You can also consider gel-cream with similar properties, like Active ReLeaf Spot Gel, for a more gentle skin-feel than creams.

5. Prepare for food and beverage allergies in advance

Pack some food allergy medications for both minor and severe allergic reactions. In addition, when dining out, inform restaurants of your food allergies or even carry a local-language allergy card for international traveling. Be mindful when trying unfamiliar foods to help keep your eczema flare-ups under control.

6. Bring your own bed linens

It seems inconvenient to bring your silk pillowcases or sheets with you! Hotel linens are often washed in harsh detergents or treated with chemicals that can trigger eczema flare-ups when traveling.

7. Choose eczema-friendly clothing

When traveling, pack outfits made from soft, breathable fabrics like bamboo or cotton, as they are gentle on sensitive skin. Loose-fitting clothing is also ideal, as it helps minimize friction and allows your skin to breathe. For more details on the best clothing fabrics for eczema, check out our dedicated blog post on this topic here: Is Polyester Bad for Eczema?

8. Prepare for air travel comfort

Air travel can be brutal on your skin, with low cabin humidity drying it out in no time. Before boarding, slather on a thick moisturizer to keep your body hydrated. Consider reapplying as needed to dry areas like your hands and face. However, be mindful not to overuse products, and choose creams or serums appropriate for your skin condition.

9. Travel with a portable humidifier

Nowadays, you can easily buy mini, portable humidifiers to add moisture back into the air in dry spaces like hotel rooms. This helps prevent your skin from being excessively dehydrated and reduces the risks of eczema flare up when traveling. Be sure to purchase products from reliable brands for the best results.

10. Protect your skin with the right products

Eczema flare-ups are closely tied to your skin wellness, so it’s important to choose the right skincare products. Start with the basics like sunscreen, creams, and serums, or other over-the-counter treatments.

For sunscreen, make sure to pick one that’s alcohol- and fragrance-free with at least SPF 30 for protection from both UVA and UVB rays. If you’re not sure which sunscreen is best for eczema, check out our blog post on this topic here: Why Does My Eczema Flare Up in the Summer? 

You’ll also want to look for products that are made with natural ingredients, ceramides, and healthy acids to keep your skin moisturized without any harsh side effects.

Try to use supplements tailored to eczema, like Liverty Dynamic Drops. This can help support your skin from the inside and even reduce stress, which can play a big role in flare-ups.For a complete skincare routine, try pairing the Active ReLeaf Spot Gel with Liverty Dynamic Drops in the Dynamic ReLeaf Duo for a well-rounded skincare solution.

Travel Stress-Free With Phoilex’s Eczema Care Solutions

With 10 tips to manage eczema flare up when traveling above, you will better prepare for your journeys and maintain a good well-being. For skincare treatments, it’s recommended to consult a healthcare provider for advice on which products can work best for your skin and how to use them to receive the best results.

Phoilex offers products with natural, anti-inflammatory ingredients that provide lasting relief from eczema. Our products stand out from the others, ensuring your skin receives the care it needs.

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