Travelling With Eczema and Allergies as a Family
Travelling as a family can be exciting and refreshing, but when you have a child with eczema and food allergies, it takes a little more preparation and planning. We’ve learned through trial and error that the key to a smooth trip is not just about booking flights and accommodations, but about preparing everything we need to ensure Leyla’s safety, comfort, and health while we’re away.
Here’s a look at all the things we have to consider and pack to make sure our trips go as smoothly as possible:
1. Safe Snacks and Food
We always pack a suitcase full of safe snacks and food for Leyla, especially when travelling abroad. Foods that we know she can tolerate, whether it’s allergy-friendly oat bars, fruit, or homemade meals- are essential. We also bring a portable cooler or flasks with pre-prepared meals for her, particularly when we’re flying. Airport food is often hit or miss, and we can’t afford to take any risks when it comes to her eczema flare-ups.
2. Medication and Medical Supplies
Medication is, of course, a must. We pack all of Leyla’s prescribed treatments, including her eczema creams, allergy medications, and her Jext pen (for severe allergic reactions). We also include a detailed medical letter from our doctor explaining her conditions in case we need to explain her medication at any point. We make sure to take extra just in case, as well as any over-the-counter remedies we know can help manage flare-ups.
3. Special Clothing and Bandages
With her eczema, we have to bring along a lot of extra clothing, everything needs to be made of soft, breathable cotton (preferably organic), which helps reduce irritation. We also pack several bandages or cotton gauze to wrap any areas that are inflamed. This is particularly important for managing flare-ups on the go. Additionally, we make sure to bring extra bedding or towels for when she might need to change out of her clothes during the trip.
4. Local Health Information
Before we even leave, we do some research on local hospitals and pharmacies at our destination. We look up the nearest emergency medical facilities and note down contact information just in case. We also try to find pharmacies that might carry her prescribed creams or allergy medications in case we run out or need a refill during the trip.
5. Language Allergy Cards
This one has saved us on multiple occasions, allergy cards in the local language. We get cards that clearly outline Leyla’s allergies and eczema triggers, so that we can hand them to restaurant staff, store employees, or even taxi drivers if needed. This makes it easier to communicate her needs in places where English might not be spoken, and ensures we can get safe meals and avoid potential allergens.
6. Moisturisers, Creams, and Toiletries
We can’t travel without her moisturising creams and special toiletries. Leyla’s skin needs constant attention, and we make sure we bring enough to cover the whole trip. We pack gentle, fragrance-free products, including hypoallergenic laundry detergent to wash her clothes and bedding. Hotels or Airbnbs rarely have the right products for sensitive skin, so we bring everything we need ourselves.
7. Cleaning Products
When we arrive at our accommodation, cleaning the area is one of the first things we do. We wipe down all surfaces, especially high-touch areas like the bed frame, kitchen counters, and bathroom sink. This might seem like a lot of work, but it’s necessary to reduce exposure to any potential irritants or allergens.
8. Communicating with Airlines and Accommodations
We always speak to the airline and our accommodation ahead of time to make sure they can accommodate Leyla’s needs. With airlines, we ask about their policies on bringing our own food, special arrangements for her seat (if necessary), and any procedures in case of a medical emergency. We also make sure to confirm that they allow us to carry her medication in its proper containers, especially on international flights.
For accommodation, we search for places that will allow us to cook her safe foods. Hotels with kitchens or self-catering apartments are our go-to, as they give us full control over the food she eats. We also make sure to ask if the linens and towels are hypoallergenic or if we can request them to be washed without any harsh chemicals.
9. On the Plane
Before boarding, we wipe down the plane seat and tray table with antibacterial wipes to ensure Leyla’s skin doesn’t come into contact with any irritants. On the plane, we also bring her food in flasks or containers that are pre-prepared, ensuring we don’t have to rely on the airline’s food, which may not meet her allergy restrictions.
10. Extra Costs for Safe Accommodation
Travel is already expensive, but when we’re travelling with a child who has eczema and food allergies, the costs go up. We often have to spend extra to ensure our accommodation can cater to her needs, such as booking places with kitchens where we can cook her meals. It also means choosing hotels or rentals that offer allergy-friendly bedding, or that are willing to accommodate special requests for her comfort.
The Emotional Toll
While the physical preparations are essential, the emotional and mental toll of travelling with eczema and allergies can’t be ignored. It’s stressful, time-consuming, and often isolating to feel like you have to constantly explain why your child can’t have certain foods, use certain products, or even sit in certain seats. It’s even more challenging when other families don’t understand the extent of the precautions you need to take. But for us, it’s about Leyla’s well-being, and ensuring that she has the safest, most enjoyable trip possible.
Conclusion
Travelling with eczema and allergies requires a level of planning and care that most people don’t think about. But with the right preparation, communication, and a little extra effort, we can help make these trips manageable and enjoyable for our family. Yes, it can be expensive and time-consuming, but seeing Leyla happy and comfortable is worth every bit of the extra work. Because no matter how much we have to prepare, there’s nothing more important than her health and happiness.