Top Tips to Manage Your Eczema on a Road Trip

Summer’s in full swing, and many of us are hitting the open road in search of relaxation, fun and adventure. With eczema in the picture, you’ll want to keep skin and allergy problems from derailing your hard-earned getaway.

While you’ll need to plan ahead for your eczema, a vacation might be just what your skin needs. “A good road trip can do a lot to relieve the day-to-day stress many people with eczema experience at home,” said Dr. Jon Hanifin, professor emeritus of dermatology at Oregon Health & Science University. “We often see people get much better while they’re on the road and away from their usual lives.”

Before you hit the road, here are 9 tips to help you manage your eczema on your road trip.

1. Research your destination

Wherever you’re headed, you should know as much about your destination as possible. This includes the weather, nature and any possible allergies you may have. NEA Ambassador Ashtan Raniga, who lives with moderate to severe eczema, did this before his California road trip. He drove from a dry hot climate in Los Angeles to a more humid marine climate in Monterey, California. “Look at the environment where you’re going,” Raniga suggested. “Are the trees different? Is there pollen? Are there thunderstorms and humidity?”

Any of these environmental factors can cause a flare. “Dust mites, different types of grass, flowers, pollen — just do as much research as possible,” Raniga said. 

2. Review your driving route

Be sure to research the route you plan on taking as well. The areas you drive through might have different climates and environments. Raniga mentioned that driving early in the morning helped him avoid some of the hotter parts of the day while driving. 

3. Dress for the weather

Pack for the weather, both along your route and at your destination. Bring the right types of clothing, shoes, and any other gear you’ll need to stay comfortable along the way.

4. Pack your skincare essentials

Bring plenty of your own “special stuff.” If you live with eczema, you know what it is: your “special stuff” that gets you through the day. Eczema affects everyone differently, and this means that each individual has their own specific way of managing flares. Whether it’s your favorite lotion, your manuka honey, your eyelid cream, you name it: bring plenty of it with you to get through the road trip. Not every gas station across the heartland of America has your favorite type of moisturizer.

NEA Ambassador Amberly Sanden traveled all the way across the country to California. “For me, the hardest part of leaving home was that my skincare routine got all messed up,” she said. “I can’t rely on using a hotel’s shampoo. I have my own prescription shampoo along with a separate steroid just for my scalp.” Sanden mentioned the importance of bringing her own soap, too. “I have to bring all my own lotions and body washes, as well, because I cannot rely on using a hotel’s brand.”

5. Bring your own snacks and food

Sanden and Raniga both mentioned their caution with food while traveling. “I’m allergic to so many things,” said Raniga. “Tomato, soy, peanuts, nickel, oats, you name it. So I brought a special bag full of everything I would want to eat while driving.” Grocery stores might be far and few between, so bring a big cooler and plan out your meals and snacks.

6. Fill (and pack) your medications

Before your trip, fill all of your prescriptions, from your daily medications to the emergency ones you don’t need all the time. You want to be prepared for all situations and have your prescriptions in your travel bag. For example, Sanden said she brought her inhalers and her Epi-Pens. 

And make sure you have enough medicine to get through the length of your trip. Ask to refill your prescription early. If that’s not an option, you may want to transfer your prescriptions to a pharmacy or healthcare provider near your destination.

Raniga didn’t think it would take him so much effort to transfer his dupilumab prescription; it was all in-network, from one dermatologist’s office to another. But when he arrived in Monterey, they weren’t ready for him: he tried to set up a new appointment online through his provider’s patient portal and there was no record of his prescription.

After several hours of phone calls with his regular provider back in Los Angeles, Raniga was finally able to get his prescription forwarded. “Just be sure to call ahead,” he said. “I didn’t do that. And try to set up your patient profile online before you travel.”

7. Consider bringing laundry detergent

If you’re driving a long distance, you may want to consider bringing your own laundry detergent. This is especially important if you have allergies. Raniga mentioned that he brought his own solution. “My thing is to mix hot water and vinegar to do my laundry,” he said.

8. Use your own sleep gear

Don’t forget to pack your sheets and pillowcases. If you’re sleeping outside or camping along the way, consider bringing a liner for your sleeping bag, or try out your sleeping bag before you leave home to be sure it doesn’t make your skin flare. 

9. Throw sunblock in your travel bag

Sunblock is essential no matter where you vacation. To avoid any issues with new products, it’s best to bring a sunscreen that you know suits your skin and doesn’t cause flares.