Preparing Psoriasis For A Winter Vacation

I live in Africa. Our summers are blisteringly hot and our winters are mild, compared to the rest of the world. This probably has a lot to do with being on the most southern tip of Africa too.

For me, winters are still pretty hard though, I flare every winter and it will last all season long. Blessed enough, in summer I will clear up for a few months. One would be inclined to believe the universe was trying to teach me something about balance.

Preparing your psoriasis for a winter vacation

Last year my annual holiday vacation was in Australia, it was hot and humid. Something I am familiar with and am prepared for its effect on joints and skin. This year, we are heading to the beautiful city of London. And we're expecting the polar opposite, emphasis on polar, it is going to be cold. This will be a whole new ball game for me and I would like to be as prepared as possible.

Not knowing how my body is going to react is pretty nerve-wracking. Here are my top tips for traveling into the unknown.

Vacation packing for psoriasis

If I learned nothing else on my last holiday, packing too much clothing is not always a good idea. Particularly, if you are going to be staying somewhere you may be able to do laundry. If your skin is super sensitive to detergent, make sure you research an alternative.  

Pack clothes that do not make your skin itch at all. Make sure to pack layers so you stay warm. Ensure that you visit your doctor before you go and make sure you have enough of whatever prescription medicine you use. A letter from your doctor to confirm what prescription medicine you are traveling with can also be helpful. Some countries can get pretty stick about medicine. It's important that you have enough and pack it all into your stowaway luggage in leak-proof bags.

How to fly with psoriasis in comfort

Flying is so hard when your skin is itchy and your body hurts. Sitting still in the same position for long can be pretty daunting. Choose an aisle seat so that it is easy for you to get up and move around. The fabric on the seats does me no favors, so I take a sarong in flight to sit on.  

Drink loads of water and wear compression socks if you can to help with swelling. Keep a small amount of all the medication you use on hand with you, my rule of thumb is enough for the duration of my flight and two extra just in case. The letter from your doctor should also accompany your supply.

Enjoy your winter vacation with psoriasis

Don’t overthink it. All good holiday planners advice I found, is to not over plan your holiday, I am trying not to overthink what the effect on my joints will be. Packing in all the medication that I need, along with a good attitude and an optimistic mindset.

I have no idea what is coming. My skin and my joints will possibly flare but they also may not. There is no sure way to know especially when you are traveling to a country you have never been to. Consider travel insurance in case of an emergency. The best idea is to wait and trust, you've only prepared so much.

Remember that you are taking a vacation to relax, explore or visit with loved ones. Take photos, have moments to just experience and remember to put your phone down. Taste local food and enjoy every single moment.