Plan ahead before you book

Holidays are good for the soul, but eczema likes a little forward planning. Before you book, think honestly about how your skin behaves in different climates. Some people find their eczema settles beautifully in strong sun and sea air, while others find that heat, sweat, sand and chlorine make the itching far worse. A dry, heavily air-conditioned hotel or a cold, windy city break can leave skin tight and cracked. If your eczema is moderate to severe, or you take immunosuppressant medication, speak to your GP or dermatology team before you commit. It is also worth arranging travel insurance that specifically covers your skin condition, and carrying your UK Global Health Insurance Card alongside it — the card is helpful, but it is not a substitute for proper insurance.

Pack more treatment than you think you need

Running out of emollient in a country where you do not speak the language is a miserable way to spend a morning. Assume that you will use more than usual, that a flare may need extra applications, and that flights or luggage can go astray.

• Double your usual supply of emollient and topical steroid, so a flare or a travel delay never leaves you short.
• Pack it in your hand luggage. If your checked bag disappears, your treatment does not disappear with it.
• Carry a copy of your repeat prescription and, if you can, a short letter from your GP listing the generic names of your medicines — brand names vary between countries.
• Keep tubes out of direct sun and hot cars. Most creams are happiest below 25°C, so avoid the glovebox and the beach bag.
• Decant small pots of emollient for day bags, and label them clearly.
• Do not forget your antihistamine if you use one, any medicated bandages or garments, and a perfume-free soap substitute.

Sun, sea, sweat and air conditioning

Sunlight genuinely helps some people's eczema, but a sunburn on top of inflamed skin is a different matter entirely. Use a fragrance-free sunscreen of at least SPF 30, reapply it through the day, and remember that emollients should go on at least twenty minutes before sunscreen — otherwise the sunscreen cannot do its job properly. Be aware that paraffin-based emollients can soak into clothing and bedding and make them more flammable, so keep away from barbecues and open flames.

After swimming, rinse off salt, sand or chlorine and pat the skin dry rather than rubbing, then moisturise within a few minutes while the skin is still damp. Chlorinated pools soothe some people and sting others, so test a short swim before committing to a long one, and skip hot tubs if heat is one of your triggers. Air conditioning is quietly dehydrating: apply emollient more often, keep a small pot in your bag, and try not to sit directly in the airflow. Loose cotton layers, worn over the skin rather than scratchy wool or rough seams, will help you stay comfortable in the heat.

Getting there: flights and long journeys

Cabin air is very dry, so moisturise generously before boarding and again mid-flight, and drink plenty of water. Keep your topical steroid and emollient in your hand luggage in a clear bag with your prescription paperwork, so security checks are straightforward, and mention your medicines if you are asked about liquids. Loose layers help with the sweaty-then-chilly cycle of long journeys, and a soft scarf or wrap can protect your face and neck from dry cabin air. If you are crossing time zones, set phone reminders so your application routine does not drift — it is easy to lose track of whether you have already moisturised, and easier still to forget.

If your skin flares while you are away

First, do not panic and do not borrow anyone else's cream. Start with a pharmacist, who can advise on simple measures and tell you whether you need to see a doctor. Your travel insurance will usually have a medical helpline, and your hotel reception can often point you to a local clinic. Take your prescription and GP letter with you to any appointment.

Be cautious about creams bought casually in markets or described as herbal or natural. Some contain potent steroids that are not declared on the label, and applying a strong steroid to the face or skin folds can cause real harm. If your usual topical steroid is not controlling the flare, seek advice rather than simply stepping up the strength on your own. Get prompt medical help if you notice weeping, yellow crusting, spreading redness, pain or a fever, as these can suggest an infection. Once you are home, tell your GP or dermatology team about any treatment you were given abroad, so your longer-term plan stays on track.