7 Travel Tips for Atopic Dermatitis

Traveling with atopic dermatitis (AD) may require some extra preparation, but it doesn’t have to keep you from enjoying a trip.

Hot or humid weather, changes in diet and routine, and unfamiliar soaps or laundry detergents can all irritate sensitive skin and worsen AD symptoms. But with thoughtful planning and a consistent skin care routine, here’s how to travel more comfortably and help reduce the risk of flares while away from home.

1. Pack an Eczema Travel Kit

While you’re packing a suitcase, make sure to prepare a small skin care kit that can help you stay consistent with your routine while on the go and ensure that you have what you need if a flare occurs, says Victoria Perez, MD, a dermatologist at NewYork-Presbyterian hospital in White Plains, New York.

“Emollient [moisturizers] and topical anti-inflammatories are the cornerstones of atopic dermatitis management and should be applied daily without interruption,” Dr. Perez says.

She says your travel kit should include:

• Travel-sized fragrance-free moisturizer to apply at least once daily, especially after bathing.
• Prescription medications and topical treatments, such as corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors, that you regularly use to manage symptoms.
• Oral antihistamines if recommended by your doctor to manage allergies or itch-related sleep disruption.
• Gentle, fragrance-free cleanser. Bring your own hand soap and facial cleanser to avoid using new products that may irritate your skin.
• A lightweight sweater or layer for flights. Airplanes can be cold and extremely dry, so having a soft extra layer may help protect sensitive skin. Bring cotton rather than wool, which can cause itchiness and trigger a flare, Perez says.

2. Manage Medications on the Move

Even if you’re flying, you can bring your prescription medications with you, says Mohammad Jafferany, MD, a professor of psychiatry, psychodermatology, and behavioral sciences at Central Michigan University’s Covenant HealthCare College of Medicine in Saginaw and the president of the Association for Psychoneurocutaneous Medicine of North America.

“Always make sure that either you have a supply of your medications available in the area where you’re traveling to or you have them with you,” says Dr. Jafferany. “Medications are usually allowed in the airport if you have a prescription available to show the [Transportation Security Administration] employees.”

She suggests checking with your doctor about how to handle your dosing schedule if you are on a prescription medication and losing or gaining a significant amount of time when traveling to your new destination.

3. Skip the Hotel Soaps and Lotions

Soaps, creams, and lotions can aggravate any form of eczema, so unless a product is labeled for use on sensitive skin, it’s probably best to opt for your own tried-and-true cleansing and moisturizing items, Van Onselen says.

Although you may not be able to bring them with you in your carry-on, you should make sure to pack the face and body washes, cleansers, and moisturizers you use at home in your checked bag, so you have access to them on your trip. You can also check whether the city you’re visiting has local pharmacies or drugstores that carry your preferred skin care items, she says.

4. Manage Summertime Heat

While cold weather months are often linked to dry skin and AD, Perez says hot weather encountered during summertime vacation is also a known trigger for itching and flares.

Taking steps to keep your body cool and your skin dry may help reduce irritation while traveling in the summer or to warmer climates. Perez suggests:

• Seeking air-conditioned spaces when possible. Taking breaks indoors may help prevent overheating, especially during peak afternoon temperatures.
• Wearing lightweight, breathable clothing. Loose-fitting cotton may help reduce sweat buildup and friction against sensitive skin.
• Shower after sweating. Sweat left on the skin can worsen itching and irritate the skin barrier. Rinsing off after outdoor activities and applying moisturizer immediately afterward may help reduce discomfort.
• Stay hydrated. Drinking enough water may help support skin health in hot weather.
• Avoid intense activity during peak heat. Scheduling walks, sightseeing, or exercise earlier in the morning or later in the evening may help minimize overheating.

5. Bring an Eczema-Friendly Sunscreen

Apply sunscreen about 15 minutes before heading outdoors to protect your skin. For people with AD, Van Onselen suggests mineral sunscreens, made with ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30.

6. Plan Ahead for Food, Drink and Environmental Allergies

If your eczema is triggered by food or drink allergies, research your options for restaurants, grocery stores, and coffee shops at your destination ahead of time. It’s also a good idea to bring some of your own shelf-stable food, in case you need it, says Jafferany.

Each person will have individual allergic triggers they need to be mindful of when traveling to unfamiliar environments, Perez says. “Common allergens include dust mites, pollen, animal dander, and mold, which we encounter on our everyday adventures,” she says.

Get acquainted with your destination so you’re aware of potential triggers to avoid. And bring your travel kit with you in case you need to reach for moisturizers, antihistamines, or prescribed medications.

7. Keep Skin Moisturized During Long-Haul Travel

To protect your skin barrier and keep hydrated, apply moisturizer before boarding, using a thick, fragrance-free option, Perez says.