You never know when an eczema (atopic dermatitis) flare‑up will interrupt your daily plans. That’s why whether you’re leaving home for an hour or a week, it’s good to take a few things (and strategies) with you so you’re prepared for what may come.
Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes dry, itchy patches of skin that can become inflamed, cracked, or infected. Eczema advocate and influencer Ashley Ann Lora knows these effects all too well. Diagnosed as a baby, she grew up navigating severe, constant symptoms. As she grew up, she educated herself on her condition, plugged into the eczema community, and got proactive. Part of that proactivity included making a plan for when she’s out of the house.
“I created what's called a resource bag – something that includes either mental practices or actual products you can have on hand on hand when you’re flaring up,” says Lora.
With a few tools, she says, you can feel more in control, even when your skin isn’t. Your bag will be unique to you, but there are certain categories and strategies you can look to for success.
Think Before You Go
Eczema (also called atopic dermatitis) affects more than 31 million people in the U.S. Typically, flare-ups are triggered by environmental factors like weather, irritants, and stress. Before you even pack a bag, think ahead by asking yourself questions about where you’re going and what you may encounter along the way.
“Think about the environment to which you are traveling because environmental factors can affect eczema flares,” says Brendan Camp, MD, dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in Midtown, New York, and Long Island, New York.
Camp suggests asking yourself:
- Will it be hot, cold, dry, or humid?
- Will I be able to stick to my usual skin care routine?
- If not, how close can I get to maintaining it to avoid my eczema from flaring?
- What else might trigger a flare? (Bugs? Air pollution? Pets?)
The more you think through the possibilities, the better you can prepare your toolkit.
Products That Protect and Soothe
Moisturizing regularly and protecting your skin are two of the most important foundations of eczema care. Keeping the skin barrier hydrated helps reduce inflammation and prevent flare‑ups. Moisture also helps prevent cracks in the skin that can lead to infection.
Because eczema’s symptoms and triggers vary widely from person to person, your to-go toolkit should have the products that work best for you.
For Lora, that includes:
- A thick moisturizer (like petroleum jelly)
- Hand sanitizer
- Cooling tools like an ice pack
Make sure your moisturizer of choice is fragrance-free and dye-free and thick enough to keep moisture locked in. This helps keep itching and irritation in check.
“Know that fragrance-free is not the same as unscented,” says Camp. “Products labeled ‘unscented’ may contain masking fragrances.”
For longer trips, consider bringing your own laundry detergent, soap, shampoo, and even sheets. Anything that will touch your skin for a long period of time or toiletry that will impact your eczema is worth space in your suitcase.
Camp also recommends packing:
- Loose, breathable clothing (like cotton)
- Medications in your carry-on (not checked luggage)
Above all, don’t forget your eczema treatments. Think through whether they’ll need special attention when you travel.
“If you have severe eczema and it is managed by a biologic medication, consider if you will need to keep your medication refrigerated,” says Camp. “Some biologic medications are stable for a week or longer at room temperature.”
If you’re unsure, check with your doctor before you leave.
Know How and When to Use Your Tools
Lora knows the products her skin likes best, but she also has a step-by-step approach for managing a flare when it happens.
“When I start feeling itchy on my hands, the first thing I do is to put my hands under cold water,” she says. “That calms down the itch and allows my mind to focus.”
She follows up the water care with moisturizer. If that doesn’t take care of the itch, she escalates to an ice pack. Relying on a system for a flare can help keep you feel more in control. You can go into action mode with the steps you’ve decided on beforehand instead of panicking about what to do next.
Having a strategy in place helps you manage your mental health, which is a key part of managing your eczema. Lora says she uses writing to process how eczema affects her day-to-day life.
“I journal about the frustrations, why I feel like I don’t have any energy, and why I can’t do X, Y, or Z,” she says. “That has been super healing for me.”
Journaling is an easy aid to take on the go, as are other stress-relief techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and deep breathing exercises.
Tips for the Workplace
If you sit at a desk or have a workstation, stock it with your preferred moisturizer. If you’re on the go at work, get a pocket-sized version to keep with you at all times. Moisturize problem areas at least twice a day, if not more. Bring your own soap to work if handwashing has your hands aching.
“Frequent handwashing and alcohol-based sanitizers can dry the skin on your hands and trigger eczema,” says Camp.
You should also take stock of what you have on hand as your needs change. Eczema is a complex condition influenced by both genetics and environment, and your triggers can evolve over time. Things that aren’t a problem now can become an issue later. Lora didn’t even learn about triggers until her mid-20s, but has already experienced a shift in what sets off her flares.
“I recently learned that I was allergic to BPA, something I wasn’t allergic to when I was younger,” she says.
Her most important tip, she says, is to collaborate with your doctor as you come up with an on-the-go bag.
“I encourage everybody to co-create this resource bag with their doctor to make it as personalized and as effective as possible,” she says.
Your dermatologists can help you identify triggers, adjust your treatments, and recommend the safest products to help soothe and heal your skin.
