For quite some time now as the weather’s been heating up, you’ve been eagerly anticipating your upcoming vacation. And while summer should be a time for carefree fun, the prospect of painful eczema symptoms could keep you from enjoying your time off.
But just because you happen to suffer from atopic dermatitis (the medical term for eczema), it doesn’t mean you need to put vacation plans on hold.
Here are tips to help you manage your eczema flare-ups as you get out there and enjoy summer vacation with family or friends.
What to Pack
Don’t rely on the hotel’s soap. It’s best to bring your own hypoallergenic products, the same ones you use at home, while you’re on holiday. Transfer your favorite shampoo and conditioner to smaller travel bottles to save room in your luggage.
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Unless you are only taking in the nightlife during your vacation, chances are good you will have your fair share of sun exposure. So remember to pack plenty of protective sunscreen, such as our Eczema Honey Gentle Hydrating Sunscreen.
You need sunscreen to prevent damage from the harsh ultraviolet rays given off by the sun, and to help keep your skin barrier properly moisturized.
Bring loose-fitting garments and at least one wide-brimmed hat to ward off the sun. As WebMD puts it, it’s best to avoid “nylon, wool, rough linen, or any fabric that’s stiff or itchy. Generally, cotton is best.”
Bed comfort is essential too, for eczema sufferers. Some will pack their own bed sheets and towels (of the most comfortable and hypoallergenic variety) instead of using the hotel’s, which might be made with synthetic materials or otherwise just feel too scratchy.
If you suffer from allergies (or know you are going to a destination where there are allergens that trigger a reaction in you that you don’t usually experience at home), remember to pack allergy medication.
Keep Hydrated and Cool
Look for shade when you’re out and about, and make sure you have plenty of water with you at all times so you can stay hydrated. You’ll want to remain cool too, to keep yourself from sweating excessively, since sweat irritates the skin and can help lead to flare-ups.
In fact, if your shirt becomes drenched with sweat and is sticking to your body, it’s a good idea to replace it with a dry shirt as soon as possible. Keeping dry is essential for avoiding eczema discomfort.
Find shade or an air conditioner and wear garments made with breathable fabrics (opt for clothes that are looser fitting than usual—it’s time to relax!).
Hitting the Swimming Pool or Ocean?
If your summer holiday plans include the possibility of swimming, make sure that you rinse yourself off as soon as you emerge from the water. Salt in sea water and the treatment chemicals (including chlorine) for swimming pools can be very harsh and irritating to anyone’s skin, let alone those who suffer from eczema.
Remember to moisturize afterward, and you will want to reapply more sunscreen if you plan to remain outside after your dip in the water.
How to Deal With Symptoms
Vacation is a time to reduce stress! So you would think that being on summer vacation will automatically cut down the possibility of eczema symptoms. But if you’re the type of person who has trouble relaxing, there are some tricks you can try to bring eczema relief.
For many people, daily exercise does wonders for reducing stress and keeping atopic dermatitis at bay. Even going for a brisk walk can help in this regard.
Yoga is designed to make you feel relaxed and will be useful to release the pressures of all the logistics you went through, from arranging transportation to getting settled with accommodations.
Some people with eczema swear by meditation to keep them calm, while others rely on guided meditation (such as listening to a soothing person speaking to them through headphones).
If yoga or meditation isn’t really your thing, focus on something distracting, such as watching a movie, playing a game or sightseeing.
Make sure to get plenty of rest and fresh air. Apply moisturizer consistently to pamper your skin throughout the day, or use a moisturizing sunscreen.
Making Sure You Have a Great Summer Vacation
Summer vacation is the perfect antidote for stressful conditions. This is especially true after so many of us have been under lockdown during the coronavirus pandemic restrictions to help promote public health and safety.
Eczema Honey Gentle Hydrating Sunscreen
Remember that Eczema Honey’s products, such as our sunscreen, will help protect your skin and make you feel more comfortable while out under the harsh rays of the sun.
What, in your own experience, has helped you the most to manage your more severe eczema symptoms? Please let fellow readers benefit from your experiences with eczema relief, by letting us know in the comments section below.
Sources
- WebMD: Eczema and the Weather
- https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/eczema/eczema-weather-tips
