Dealing With Inverse Psoriasis at a Theme Park

It’s been stressful times over here helping my mom and dad physically and financially during mom’s cancer treatment. So, in an effort to do something for just us, we invested in annual passes to the most magical place on earth.

The magic is also conveniently located an hour away from our home. Not so convenient was the reappearance of my psoriasis. This left me dealing with inverse psoriasis at a theme park.

Burning and itching skin in public

It was a nice 4 or 5 month stretch with little-to-no red, burning, itchy skin. It’s only fitting to wake up with the skin between my legs and underarms on fire on Valentine’s Day weekend.

Nothing says romance like some fresh red, burning, itching skin. The universe has a sense of humor, I tell you. We had also designated the weekend as our first time going to the theme park as annual pass holders.

Walking with uncomfortable skin

The decision wasn’t made on a whim, either. We’ve toyed with the idea of getting these passes for quite some time. I count the passes as a health benefit. For example, it’s a decent amount of walking (between 6 to 9 miles per day) in the fresh air with plenty of entertainment.

This is a great way to burn off anxiety and stress. Also, it doesn’t hurt that there’s always new fun food to try. Another perk, annual passes enable us to do a few hours and allow us to leave whenever. Like if we can’t swing an entire day, no problem!

Not being rushed for time and feeling like you wasted a ticket is something someone living with several chronic illnesses can appreciate. Okay, back to my red, burning, itching skin that is about to experience about 6 to 9 miles of friction.

Packing and preparing to spend the day at a theme park

Thankfully, I hadn’t scratched anything raw while I was asleep. I have nails and it has happened from time to time. Getting dressed and packing supplies for the day was taking a little longer than anticipated.

This, unfortunately, put us behind in the timeline I had planned out in my head. On more than a few occasions, I found myself saying to the husband, “We are getting annual passes for this reason. No rushing.”

I grabbed some supplies for showering and aftercare. Next, I set aside some items to place in our backpack. For the shower, I grabbed the doctor-recommended clinical soap that I mainly use on wounds and raw skin. It’s mild, scentless and my skin doesn’t feel icky after using it.

I pulled my tube of steroid cream out. I rarely use it and reserve it specifically for freshly emerged patches of inverse psoriasis. Lastly, my trusty, doctor-recommended clinical strength unscented deodorant.

After-shower routine with inverse psoriasis

After showering, I gently towel dry. Next, I apply a thin layer of the steroid cream in all the crevices affected by inverse psoriasis and then air dry. I want the steroid cream to absorb really well.

Once my skin is dry, I glide the clinical strength deodorant stick on the affected areas under my arms. This is something I've done for plaques under my arms, as well. Treating the in-between groin and leg area is different. First, I get a smudge of the clinical-strength deodorant on a tissue and then apply it to the affected areas.

I'll usually go through a few issues to avoid cross-contamination. Pro tip: On do-nothing days, I’ll do the shower and steroid ritual as explained above. Then, once dry, I apply a layer of coconut oil rather than the deodorant.

Planning ahead with a chronic condition

I packed my prescription antibiotic in our backpack. Also, I packed a little container of coconut oil in case I needed to reapply, later in the day, to chafed sensitive skin. Another thing we both packed were spare clothes.

It's Florida and you never know if a torrential downpour will hit from out of nowhere. I made sure to choose something that can breathe and offers comfort, so as to not harm my raw sensitive skin.

Since we were no longer leaving “early,” we decided this would become a recon day. This placed less pressure on us if we got stuck in traffic or couldn’t get on a ride because the park utilizes a reservation system.

The parks make you book things now, which is great as someone who juggles chronic conditions. You're at least guaranteed to do three big things if not more while you are there.

Heat and warm weather triggers psoriasis

I called guest relations to ask about medical conditions preventing you from using your annual passes for a stretch of time. There’s a system in place for that, which is quite relieving.

I also found a pass that has blackout dates. This makes the passes more affordable for us and also blocks us from visiting the parks during the hottest months. Heat is a bad trigger for several of my conditions including my inverse psoriasis.

I also have an ADA pass because of my psoriatic arthritis. It enables you to not stand in line during a long wait, and they will give you a return time.

Able to still enjoy the day with inverse psoriasis

Despite being very busy due to a holiday weekend, it was wonderful! My skin didn't bleed or hurt, and the weather was a balmy 60 degrees. This was perfect weather for both of us.

After a while, I was able to forget that my inverse psoriasis had even tagged along to the theme park. We’ve gone back two more times since then, and my skin is no worse for the ware.

Should my skin remain mildly inflamed during the warmer months, I anticipate that I’ll need the coconut oil mid park visit. Only time will tell.