If you are heading off on a long-awaited summer holiday, you will most likely be excited but anxious about caring for your child’s skin in a new location.

Whether you are travelling to an exotic destination or staying closer to home, being in a new space can cause difficulties for eczema-prone skin.

The change in climate can aggravate skin and changing routine, diet and sleeping quarters could cause a flare. While there is no way to guarantee your child will avoid a flare-up, there are steps you can take to help. It would be advisable to take your child’s regular flare treatments with you on your trip to ensure you have access to things that usually help them.

Sunshine

Overheating, sun cream and sweat can cause eczema to flare. A small percentage of those with eczema also react to sunlight, making summer potentially very difficult.

Apply sun cream at least half an hour after any emollients have been applied to the skin and use a brand especially for sensitive skin. We have a specific blog on the best sun creams for eczema, you can find it here.

If your child has photosensitive eczema, you might try UV-blocking full-body suits and hats. These may be suitable for your child and allow them some outdoor time in good weather.

Fabrics

Lots of summer clothes can be made from man-made fabrics that aggravate skin. Look for 100 per cent cotton clothing. If that isn’t possible, like with swimsuits/swim shorts, try to keep these fabrics on the skin for as short a time as possible.

Bedding at your holiday home may be made from man-made fabrics, or washed in detergent that doesn’t agree with your child’s skin. You could consider bringing your own bedding, but this can be difficult when space is limited. It could be helpful to contact the accommodation ahead of time to ask what materials their bedding is made from. Some may be able to provide hypoallergenic bedding. If you can’t squeeze a sheet washed at home into your luggage, try placing a small cotton blanket over the sheet or wrapping the pillow/s in a t-shirt or jumper already in your luggage to protect your child’s skin from the unknown detergents.

Medication

You can carry any prescriptions in your hand luggage as long as they are clearly labelled with your child’s name on the prescription, even if they are bigger than 100ml. If your luggage gets lost, you will still have your medications if you travel with them in hand luggage.

Different countries have different rules on over-the-counter medications, so it is worth taking items such as antihistamines and painkillers that your family may need.

General

Avoiding the hottest times of the day, between 12:00-15:00, can help prevent skin overheating and reacting. Going for a swim in the sea can soothe the skin of some people with eczema, with the salt water helping to heal.

Be careful of sand touching the skin, as this can also be a trigger to eczema-prone skin. Long sleeves or beach shoes might help minimise contact with sand, but still allow beach fun.