Travelling with Eczema-Prone Skin
Holidays are a time for relaxation, but they require careful planning when managing eczema. Here’s how to navigate travel with your child’s sensitive skin:
- Climate Considerations: The climate at your destination can impact eczema. Hot and humid environments can increase sweating and itching, while cold and dry climates can exacerbate dryness. Prepare by maintaining your child’s skincare routine with daily emollient applications.
- Packing Essentials:
- Cleansing and Emollient Products: Pack enough baby or child-specific products for the duration of your trip. If you’re unsure about availability at your destination, bring enough for the entire journey.
- Prescribed Treatments: Carry any specific treatments prescribed by your child’s doctor, along with the prescription details.
- Sun Protection: If travelling to a sunny location, bring a fragrance-free, high SPF sun lotion suitable for eczema-prone skin.
- Clothing: Pack cotton underwear and clothes suitable for the weather, whether it’s summer or winter.
- Preventive Advice: When staying with family or friends, provide a list of eczema management tips to help prevent flare-ups. Suggestions include applying emollients daily, avoiding pets in sleeping areas, and keeping the environment clean.
Active Lifestyle and Eczema
Engaging in activities like swimming, playing outside, and sports can be beneficial for children with eczema, provided certain precautions are taken:
- Swimming:
- Pool and Ocean: Chlorine in pools and salt in the ocean can irritate eczema. Apply a barrier emollient, such as Mustela's Stelatopia+ Lipid Replenishing Cream , before swimming to protect your child’s skin.
- Post-Swim Care: Rinse off thoroughly and apply a moisturiser after swimming to maintain skin hydration.
- Outdoor Play:
- Managing Sweat: Sweat contains chemicals that can trigger eczema flare-ups. Opt for relaxing, non-sweaty activities and limit outdoor play during the hottest parts of the day.
- Protecting Against Irritants: Grass and dirt can aggravate eczema. Use sunscreen and an emollient before your child plays outside, and consider playing in shaded areas to avoid direct sun exposure.
- Sports:
- Choosing the Right Sport: Select activities that allow sweat to evaporate and avoid high-intensity sports during flare-ups. Cotton clothing and appropriate hydration are key.
- Pre and Post-Sport Care:
- Before Exercise: Apply an emollient to create a protective barrier.
- During Exercise: Use a mineral water spray to keep skin cool and hydrated. Avoid exercising in direct sunlight and wipe sweat with a soft towel, not clothing.
- After Exercise: Shower with lukewarm water and a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser. Pat skin dry with a soft towel.
By following these guidelines, you can help manage your child’s eczema while enjoying holidays and staying active. With the right preparations, your child can have a fun and comfortable experience, regardless of their eczema.
