Traveling with Psoriasis

Oh for the love of travel. Before 2020, the most wonderful wanderlust would fill my soul when I boarded a plane and I was off to explore a new space in this beautiful world. After this past year and certain restrictions now lifted, new cultures and people await as well as new memories waiting to be made.

Tips that will make traveling easier

For some people, travel is simple - just throw some things into a bag and jet off into the sunset. When you have psoriasis, this picture might look a little different. This should however not stop you. I have traveled twice with psoriasis in flare and managed to work around it.

Psoriasis might make you adjust your life, don’t let it stop you from living it. Here are some tips and tricks that make traveling with psoriasis a little easier.

Comfort above all else

Whether you are traveling far or near, by car or plane, comfort should be your number one priority. Good shoes, spare socks, and clothes that do not make you itch. I think I would quite comfortably travel in my pajamas if they would let me.

I used to love getting dressed up to travel. It has bitten me in the behind every single time. I now choose the things that I know will not let me down. Choose comfortable clothing and products that will keep the itchy skin to a minimum and the body ache as low as possible.

Medicine kit

Rule of thumb for me. One medicine set in my handbag and one set with a script or letter from my doctor in my carry-on. Then the rest in my luggage. I like to have things and not need them, rather than need them and not have them.

A letter from my doctor stating what I use and why I travel with it is always with me. Particularly for the higher schedule drugs. Make sure you have enough with you for your trip and a few extra days.

Protect yourself

With a low immune system and the impact of this past year, take all precautions to protect yourself. Wear a mask, wash your hands and advocate for yourself if you feel unsafe. Look after yourself extra well at least a week prior to a long flight or road trip. Drink enough water and make sure you eat things that do not aggravate your skin.

Traveling is taxing on the body, the last thing you want to do is to add strain to that. I am careful to make sure on a long flight that I drink enough water and I will often add and an extra kick of re-hydrate. This really helps my skin feel better and my overall well-being.

Routine

Check your accommodations before you book. Make sure you will be able to get some shut-eye while you are away. Sleep deprivation is a sure-fire way for me to get a flare-up and it will be insane to calm.

Also while you are away, be sure to keep up your routine. Keep up with moisturizing and all the things you would normally do. The keeping of the routine will be your saving grace.

It's not easy

Traveling with psoriasis is not always easy. You will have to find ways to make it work. I promise you though, it will be worth it. We all have ways to make things easier for us.

Do you travel often? If you do, would you share some of your favorite traveling with psoriasis hacks with us?