Flare-Ups and Flight Delays: My Itchy, Awkward, Eczema-Fueled Travel Adventures (& What Finally Helped)

Traveling with eczema can be extremely challenging—whether your flare-up starts in the middle of packing, on the airplane, or halfway through the trip.

Once your system tips into stress mode, it’s really hard to get out of a flare, and even the most exciting destination can turn into a struggle just to get through the day (and night).

I know this firsthand. I’ve lived it on solo trips (where I had to do everything myself), including during long stretches abroad. I’ve had flare-ups while trying to enjoy some of the most beautiful places in the world—while struggling mentally, physically and emotionally to cope and make the most of each experience.

After years of trial and error, I finally found real, lasting support that actually made a difference—not just another cream or list of foods to cut out. I learned how to support my body before and during travel, manage flare-ups without panic, and even turn travel into part of my healing.

In this post, I’m sharing everything that’s helped—from the packing hacks and plane strategies, to the functional medicine approach that finally worked and a list of wellness retreats around the world that actually support eczema and chronic skin conditions.

So whether you’re flaring now, planning your next trip, or just dreaming of feeling better—this one’s for you.

🔹 This post may contain affiliate links, including Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I only share what I genuinely recommend. Thank you for your support!

🩺 Disclaimer:
I’m not a medical professional or dermatologist—just someone who has lived with eczema for years and has spent a lot of time figuring out what works (and what doesn’t) through trial, error, and research. This post shares my personal experience and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or product, and remember—what works for one person may not work for another.

Petra Quests & Questionable Cures

We were halfway down from the Monastery in Petra, which meant I’d already survived 800+ brutal stone steps—with eczema-covered hands, plus joint pain in my knees that forced me to audibly say “ow” on every single one. No exaggeration: every. step. got its own “ow.”

Our little group kept stopping to rest for someone who needed frequent breaks, and at one of those stops, a local woman selling water and trinkets pulled me aside. She pointed to my hands—cracked, dry, raw from the heat and overuse—and said, almost reverently, “I had what you have. But I found a magical plant. It cured me.”

Then she proceeded to give me extremely specific directions. Not just “it grows over there”—no, this was a full-on mapless quest. She described exactly where I should hike to find this mysterious, healing plant growing in the wild terrain around Petra.

It felt like I had been handed a side mission from an ancient herbalist scroll—somewhere between a folktale and a riddle. And for a split second, I genuinely considered it.

But someone in our group gently whispered, “I don’t think she means eczema. This sounds like she had leprosy.” And just like that, my potential transformation arc got downgraded from spiritual skin-healing quest to let’s not get lost in the Jordanian wilderness today.

I’ll tell you the rest of that story soon—along with the time a Romanian mom on a castle road trip pulled herbs from the roadside and made me a cream, the disastrous airplane perfume incident, and the surprisingly emotional moment when I realized my hands were finally, miraculously… soft.

But first, let’s talk about what it’s really like to travel with eczema—and how, after years of trial, error, tears, steroid creams, and supplement hoarding, I finally found what works for me. 

My eczema hasn’t vanished completely, but it no longer runs the show. I’ve figured out how to manage flare-ups, support my body before and during travel, and even enjoy the journey without constantly bracing for the next flare.

🧩 Why Travel Triggers Eczema (And What You’re Up Against)

Travel puts your skin through the wringer—even before you arrive.

Between dry airplane air, new allergens, unfamiliar food, stress, and disrupted routines, it’s basically the perfect storm for a flare-up. Add solo travel into the mix, and you’re doing everything yourself while your skin is freaking out.

Some of the biggest travel triggers for eczema include:

• ✈️ Air travel – dry, recycled air + pressure changes = instant dehydration
• 🧴 Fragrances & products – hotel lotions, soaps, even airline wipes
• 🥘 Food & drinks – hidden allergens, different oils, spices, or additives
• 🧳 Stress & logistics – packing, navigating, time zones, and lack of sleep
• 🧼 Environmental triggers – dust, pollen, mold, humidity, dryness

It’s not just about skin—it’s about what’s going on under the surface. That’s why flares don’t always show up immediately… and why managing eczema on the road takes more than just slapping on cream and hoping for the best.

Preparing for a Trip with Eczema

The better you prep, the fewer “emergency pharmacy run in a foreign country” moments you’ll have. I’ve learned that prepping for a trip with eczema isn’t just about what you pack—it starts way before that.

Start with Your Triggers (And Track Them)

Learning my personal eczema triggers was a game-changer—especially when it comes to travel. I track flare patterns, food, exercise, and even stress using either a journal, a spreadsheet, or apps like EczemaWise or EczemaLess.

I also use MyFitnessPal to track meals and workouts—it helps me track nutrients and spot trends and gut-skin connections I’d otherwise miss.

And I don’t just track itchy skin—I include stuff like headaches, hives, bloating, or random brain fog. Because eczema flare-ups don’t always show up right away… but they’re usually tied to something.

Know Your Destination

Research where you’re going in advance—not just for fun activities, but for flare-up risks:

• Climate and humidity (dry air is rough on skin)
• Air quality or allergens (especially indoors)
• Common ingredients in local cuisine

When I was in Turkey, I learned quickly that nuts are in everything because they’re locally grown. Their hospitality was amazing, and they always helped when I asked—but I had to ask every time.

Plan Around Your Specific Triggers

Think about where eczema tends to sneak up on you and build in prevention. That could mean:

• Avoiding down pillows or wool blankets
• Making sure your hotel has air conditioning
• Packing your own detergent or pillowcase

On a trip to Sedona in 2025, I noticed the hotel had feather pillows—something I’m allergic to. Thankfully I caught it and asked for different ones before it became a problem.

Pack for Your Skin (Because Style Doesn’t Mean Much When You’re Flared Up)

I used to throw in some steroid cream and hope for the best. That did not go well.

On a trip through Egypt and Romania, I had active flare-ups the whole time. It started on the plane, and it only got worse—dust, stress, constant movement, and zero idea how to stop it.

In Egypt, locals constantly asked if I was okay, worried about my hands.

In Romania, I stayed with the parents of some friends who lived there and took me on a road trip to castles in the mountains. My friend’s mom noticed my eczema, and had my friend’s dad pull over on the side of the road throughout our trip to pick herbs as she noticed them. She made me a homemade cream back at the house.

It helped  temporarily, but… yeah. Eczema isn’t something you can just rub a plant on and fix long-term.

Back then, I didn’t know that. I didn’t know how to calm my system or prevent the flares. I just kept pushing through.

Now, I do things differently.

I don’t leave it up to chance or hope a hotel lotion won’t trigger me. I bring what I know works:

• Breathable, eczema-safe clothes (mostly cotton)
• My own skincare and haircare
• Fragrance-free detergent sheets
• Badger brand mineral sunscreen — just four ingredients and zinc-based
• Zinc- and Tencel-lined eczema gloves, wraps, hydrocortisone and steroid creams (for when I need them)
• Vaseline in a roll-on stick — it’s less messy when I’m on the go, but use whatever emollient or cream works best for you
• First aid kit with Band-Aids and a prescription antibiotic cream (stronger than Neosporin)
• Supplements that help me stay ahead of flares
• Allergy support: Allegra, Benadryl (for emergencies), Ollois Histaminum pellets (which actually stop my itching most of the time), nose spray (I use XClear religiously, it’s all natural and less drying than saline spray) and eye drops.
• Protein-rich snacks and electrolyte mix — I’ll talk more about food later, but I always pack something safe so I’m not caught hangry and itchy (plus protein is key for eczema).

It’s not minimalist. It’s not glamorous. But it’s what makes the trip possible—and makes me feel like I’m not just surviving, but actually showing up in my life again.

I have more things that I packed for eczema that I can fit in this post, so I made a printable PDF that you can download for free when you join my email list!

Navigating Eczema on Flights

​​Planes are basically metal dehydration tubes with recycled air, unpredictable temperatures, and—if you’re really lucky—perfume being sprayed mid-flight by the airline staff (looking at you, Ryanair).

Add in pressure changes, stress, and the joy of breathing everyone’s exhaled dust for hours? It’s a flare-up waiting to happen.

Here’s What I Do Now to Fly Without Falling Apart

• Hydrate early (and often). I drink water with electrolytes before the flight and during. I like Jigsaw Adrenal Cocktail—minimal ingredients, no additives.
  
• Eat protein before and during. I bring something like Nuzest chocolate protein powder or Paleovalley bone broth protein (no stevia or hemp, which I’m allergic to), Aloha bars (chocolate chip cookie dough is nut-free) and Chomps meat sticks.
  
• Take supplements ahead of time (whatever I’m currently using to support my skin/gut).
  
• Moisturize and protect. I do a quick emollient layer (I use roll-on Vaseline when traveling) and wear eczema gloves or sleeves—especially on long flights. This is seriously a game changer.
  
• Noise-canceling headphones, sleeping mask, and audiobooks or podcasts are my go-to tools for calming down and staying chill.
  
• I’ll also do some breathwork or meditation, stretch before the flight, and get up to walk around mid-flight to keep my lymphatic system moving.

(If I don’t, my hands get puffier than an airplane dinner roll, which I don’t indulge in anymore since finding out I’m gluten intolerant.)

The Ryanair Incident 🙃

Budget airlines might save money, but they often cost you peace (and skin). On one flight, Ryanair sprayed perfume—on the passengers in front of me. I ended up standing in the back of the plane because of my asthma, and they didn’t care.

They also blasted bright lights on a nighttime flight and made nonstop loudspeaker announcements to sell products. So yeah, maybe go with a bigger airline if you can.

Other In-Flight Tips

• Wipe down surfaces (tray table, seatbelt, armrests) with fragrance-free wipes –  wearing gloves to protect your hands if you have hand eczema, like me
• Avoid “free” lotions and mystery hand wipes
• Pack your own snacks so you’re not stuck with mystery airline food

Managing Eczema While on Your Trip

Eczema doesn’t take a vacation just because you do. Even with all the prep in the world, flare-ups still happen—usually at the worst possible time. But now, I know what to do when they show up.

The Sedona Flare-Up

When I flew to Sedona, I skipped using my gloves and Vaseline on the plane. I thought, “Eh, it’ll be fine for a short flight.” It wasn’t.

🌀 Sedona is one of the few places that blends natural beauty with actual energy healing. I wrote more about that here if you’re curious.

The dry air on the plane + the desert climate + high altitude + not protecting my skin = a full-on flare by that night. I ended up in my hotel room with my hydrocortisone cream and eczema gloves, trying to get it under control. It took rest, hydration, and dialing everything back—but by the next day, I felt mostly better.

Also: shout out to Badger brand zinc sunscreen. I brought it on that trip, and it didn’t just protect my skin from the sun—it actually calmed the flare, too (zinc is great for eczema if your skin tolerates it)!

How I Stay Ahead of Flares Mid-Trip

I don’t do anything fancy—I just stick to what works and keep it as consistent as I can.

• I prioritize sleep, even if it means saying no to early excursions or skipping a night out.
  
• I hydrate like it’s my job, using electrolytes daily and tracking my water.
  
• I keep protein high, especially in the morning (30+ grams before coffee is a non-negotiable, and around 1g per lb of body weight each day).
  
• I take supplements and stick to safe, anti-inflammatory foods as much as possible.
  
• Dry-brushing and/or lymphatic drainage massages before showering and rinsing off allergens before bedtime.
  
• I do my skincare routine—yes, even when I’m exhausted. I do wet wrapping with my eczema gloves and moisturizer,  plus additional things that I do for my nighttime routine. For me, this includes oral care, eye care and a wind-down routine with breathing exercises and more things. Every night.

And when I need to slow down, I let myself. I’d rather miss a hike than spend three days dealing with a full-on flare because I pushed too hard.

Managing Triggers During Activities

Different trips = different triggers. Here’s how I handle the most common ones:

• Swimming: rinse off before and after, moisturize right away, stay hydrated
  
• Horseback riding: gloves, antihistamines, and hand-washing immediately after (plus shower ASAP also)
  
• Hiking: cotton/organic clothing whenever possible, protein snacks, cooling cloths, and don’t forget to break in your shoes (make sure you’re wearing the right shoes for hiking – like actual hiking shoes, high-quality tennis shoes, or Chaco sandals)

If you read the intro, you’ll remember the Petra moment—me, halfway down from the Monastery, knees loudly protesting with every step, hands flaring in the heat, and a local woman sending me on a quest for a magical plant.

That moment felt like something out of a folktale—part spiritual side quest, part personal reckoning.

What I didn’t get into earlier was why my knees were in that much pain. It wasn’t just the stairs (though 800 is no joke). At the time, I was dealing with gut issues, inflammation, and a fibroid that was slowly draining my iron and energy.

I didn’t know it then, but my body was running on fumes. And like a lot of people with chronic eczema, there was way more going on beneath the surface than just dry skin.

A fellow traveler offered me Arnica spray, and weirdly—it helped. I’m technically allergic to Arnica, but it didn’t bother me that day. Just like the homemade herbal cream I was once gifted in Romania, it gave me some temporary relief.

But by that trip, I already knew something bigger was wrong. I knew the fibroid was messing with my energy and draining my iron levels, and I’d just had a biopsy before I left. I was planning to get the procedure—a uterine fibroid embolization—as soon as I got home.

That Petra/Cyprus trip was me trying to push through one last time. I canceled an entire month in Turkey because of how bad my symptoms had gotten. I spent most of Cyprus low-energy, working and recovering at the beach, counting down the days until my procedure.

When I got back, I had the embolization, and I thought that would fix things. But the following year, after a severe allergic reaction to hemp protein powder that spiraled into anxiety, insomnia, and new, severe flares… I knew I needed more.

Not more creams. Not more pills. Actual help. Actual answers.

That’s what finally pushed me to try functional medicine.

Functional Medicine & Long-Term Eczema Healing

​​I didn’t jump into functional medicine lightly—or quickly. I had followed my practitioner online for years, always thinking, someday. But after my allergic reaction to hemp protein powder triggered new, severe flares, swelling, and constant anxiety, I finally hit that point. I knew I couldn’t keep doing what I was doing. I needed something deeper.

Why Functional Medicine?

From crisis to clarity: Left, a brutal allergic reaction to hemp protein powder that finally pushed me to seek real, root-cause help. Right, a moment at the airport months later—hands clear, skin soft, and finally traveling with hope (and a bag full of supplements) instead of fear.

Most doctors just handed me creams, told me to moisturize, and waved me out the door. But functional medicine looked at the actual causes: gut imbalances, inflammation, hormone issues, nutrient deficiencies, stress, and more. They ran better labs—not just “you’re in range,” but “what’s optimal for you.”

My eczema functional practitioner did GI testing and better bloodwork—the kind of stuff I’d begged doctors to run before. Turns out, I had Candida, parasites, and H. pylori, which explained years of acid reflux and underlying inflammation. No doctor had tested for any of it.

⚠️ Important fact: Biologic meds like Dupixent literally say not to take them if you have parasites or eye issues like chronic allergic conjunctivitis, which I have. And yet, every doctor who recommended them? Never tested me once.

My primary care, doctor, allergist, and dermatologist weren’t supportive about my choice to go the functional medicine route—but later, when I came back with clearer skin? They noticed.

The Gut-Brain-Skin Spiral

That allergic reaction wasn’t just skin-deep. It sent my nervous system into a tailspin. I was taking Benadryl and anxiety meds just to get through the night. I felt like I was losing my mind.

And while writing blog content for a client during that time, I stumbled into the science: the gut-brain-skin connection. It all made sense. The gut controls inflammation and detox. When it’s out of balance, skin flares—and so does anxiety. Then the anxiety triggers more flares. It becomes a cycle you can’t escape from… until something breaks it.

Functional medicine was my interruption to that cycle.

What About Diet?

Before functional medicine, I’d tried all the things: eczema elimination diets, Candida diets, random food challenges. Some of them helped a little—but only if I stuck to really extreme food restrictions (which is hardly possible in everyday, busy life, but even less so when traveling).

I was constantly afraid of eating the wrong thing. I regularly found myself in the grocery store on the edge of tears, feeling totally lost about what was “safe.” I’d cut so many foods that I wasn’t eating enough—and even though my meals were technically balanced, I was only eating twice a day. I was scared of so many ingredients that I kept rotating the same few foods until I was sick of them. Sometimes, just the thought of eating made me feel nauseous.

One of the things I appreciated most about working with my practitioner is that they didn’t throw me into a super restrictive diet. We worked through food reintroductions, nutrient testing, and gut support without creating more food fear. I finally understood what I actually needed: more protein, more fiber, more support—not less food.

Now, I shop with confidence. I eat meals that are balanced, satisfying, and healing. No more guessing. No more breakdowns in the cereal aisle.

The French Polynesia Test

After about five months of working with the clinic, I went on a month-long trip to French Polynesia—and I was honestly nervous. I was packing and repacking constantly, trying to fit all my supplements into my luggage (I ended up having to take the Big Suitcase). It was also around the start of my period, when I’d normally flare badly. And I was stressed.

I had the trifecta cocktail for a major flareup like I normally have on trips: lots of packing, stress, and my period.

But then something happened.

Standing in the airport, it hit me: My hands were soft. Like, actually soft. No cracks. No dryness. No raw, inflamed skin. I almost cried.

That had never happened before on a trip—especially not during packing, stress, or hormonal shifts. That’s when I knew: all the effort, all the money? 10000000000% worth it.

And not just my skin—my knees felt better, too. I could hike without pain. I had more energy. I still got a gut bug from eating raw tuna (my fault), and yes, I still get mild flares from time to time. But they’re manageable now. I know what to do. I know what my body needs.

I kept working with the clinic for a few more months, and eventually joined their year-long group program to keep the momentum going.

Wellness Travel for Eczema Management

If you’ve ever dreamed of hopping on a plane and actually healing while you travel—not just flaring and surviving—good news: it’s possible.

There are wellness resorts and retreat centers around the world that combine diagnostics, functional and holistic medicine, personalized nutrition, movement, and spa-level care… all in beautiful destinations. Whether you’re in the middle of a flare or finally ready to start addressing the root issues, these places can be a powerful jumpstart to your healing.

You don’t have to figure everything out alone. You don’t have to put healing on pause while you travel. In fact, the right kind of travel can be part of your healing.

Here are some of the top wellness retreats that support skin and gut health, reduce inflammation, and help you reset—mind, body, and nervous system:

🇪🇸🌿 SHA Wellness Clinic – Alicante, Spain

SHA Wellness Clinic offers integrative health with both medical and natural therapies, focusing on diagnostics, nutrition, and skin health. Personalized wellness programs include detox, stress management, and dermatology treatments.

You’ll have access to nutritionists, diagnostic testing, fitness activities, and specialized treatments.

🇺🇸🏜️ Canyon Ranch – Tucson, Arizona & Lenox, Massachusetts, USA

Canyon Ranch focuses on holistic wellness and preventive health, with functional medicine options. They offer customizable wellness programs, including stress management, dermatology consultations, and integrative therapies.

You’ll have access to nutritionist consultations, fitness training, lab testing, and therapeutic spa services—all designed to support skin health and your overall well-being.

🇹🇭🌸 Chiva-Som International Health Resort – Hua Hin, Thailand

Chiva-Som offers wellness journeys rooted in natural healing, functional medicine, and personalized nutrition. Their Nature’s Embrace program includes skin-focused treatments, herbal therapies, fitness classes, and consultations with nutrition and detox specialists.

You’ll also have access to a personal wellness advisor, saunas, steam rooms, and daily meditation or yoga.

🇮🇳🕉️ Ananda in the Himalayas – Uttarakhand, India

Ananda blends Ayurveda with integrative medicine to support skin health, detox, and stress relief. Programs include personalized nutrition, herbal therapies, and wellness rejuvenation options.

Expect yoga, spa treatments, guided meditation, and support from onsite practitioners who specialize in skin and nervous system balance.

🇦🇹🧪FX Mayr Health Center – Lake Wörthersee, Austria

FX Mayr focuses on gut and skin health through functional medicine, detox, and personalized plans. Programs include GI diagnostics, nutritional therapy, and detox treatments to calm inflammation and support the immune system.

You’ll also find fitness sessions, natural skincare treatments, and full-body health evaluations.

🇹🇭🌴 Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary – Koh Samui, Thailand

Kamalaya specializes in stress reduction, detox, and holistic skin support. Programs are customized based on your health history and include lab testing, nutrition consultations, and targeted skin therapies.

Extras include daily yoga, spa therapies, fitness coaching, and deep rest in a calming, natural setting.

🇺🇸🌄 The Ranch Malibu – Malibu, California, USA

The Ranch combines structured fitness, plant-based meals, and functional medicine-style assessments. Their programs support detoxification, inflammation reduction, and skin clarity.

Expect guided nature hikes, fitness classes, nutritional guidance, and diagnostic testing to tailor your experience.

🇮🇩🌺 COMO Shambhala Estate – Bali, Indonesia

COMO Shambhala Estate blends functional medicine with holistic therapies for skin, gut, and stress recovery. Their programs include diagnostics, skin-specific treatments, and nutrition tailored to your health needs.

You’ll have access to wellness practitioners, yoga, meditation, spa treatments, and nutrient-dense meals made with anti-inflammatory ingredients.

Now… want to go on one of these right now? Same.

But before you book anything, here’s how to know which one’s actually right for you 👇

✨ How to Choose the Right Retreat for You

Choosing a wellness retreat isn’t just about the prettiest beach or most luxurious spa. If you’re dealing with eczema, gut issues, or burnout, you want to make sure the retreat actually fits your body’s current needs. Here’s a quick guide:

🧪 Do they offer diagnostics?

Look for places that include or offer optional health testing (GI maps, hormone panels, nutrient testing, etc.). The more data you get, the more tailored your healing plan can be.

🧘‍♀️ How much structure do you need?

Some retreats are jam-packed with programming; others are more relaxed. If you’re flaring or fatigued, lean toward retreats that allow for plenty of rest, slow mornings, and flexibility.

🍽️ Are meals included—and customizable?

This is a big one. Make sure they can accommodate allergies, sensitivities, and specific dietary needs (and ideally offer anti-inflammatory meal options by default).

🌍 Where are you in your healing journey?

• If you’re just starting out, look for retreats with full functional medicine support or nutrition consultations.
  
• If you’ve already done deeper work, maybe you’re just looking for a reset: yoga, nature, good food, and sleep.

🤝 Do you feel safe and supported?

Read reviews. Reach out in advance. Ask questions. You want to feel like the staff actually cares—especially if you’re traveling solo or mid-flare.

🗺️ Plan a More Meaningful Trip

If you’re craving a travel experience that’s healing, intentional, and actually restorative…

My free Travel Wellness Planner is designed to help you map out a journey that feeds your soul.

Embracing Mindful & Slow Travel with Eczema

🐢 Why Slow Travel Can Help

Jam-packed itineraries might look great on paper, but if you’re flaring, fatigued, or just barely keeping your skin calm, the stress of rushing from site to site only makes things worse. (Been there. Regretted it.)

Slow travel lets you:

• Take rest days without guilt
• Stick to your routines
• Stay present instead of panicked
• Actually enjoy the trip you worked so hard to plan

It’s not just a travel style—it’s a healing tool.

🧘 Mindful Travel, No Matter the Pace

Even if your trip isn’t slow-paced, you can still travel mindfully.

That might mean:

• Pausing during an itch attack to ask, “What do I need?” instead of automatically scratching
• Doing quick breathwork or journaling in the morning
• Blocking blue light before bed
• Packing your routines like they’re non-negotiables (because they are)

I’ve had to train my brain to choose healing on the road. It doesn’t come naturally at first—but it’s absolutely possible.

✨ When Healing Goes Deeper Than Skin

It’s taken a mix of approaches to get here—and honestly, that’s the beauty of it. My healing hasn’t been one thing, but many.

Because yes, eczema shows up on the skin—but for many of us, it’s also tied to deeper stress, trauma, and the emotional weight we’ve carried for years.

Travel has helped me not just manage the physical flares, but also unpack the emotional ones. And that’s where some of my most transformative moments have come from.

You can still have amazing, unforgettable, bucket-list-worthy trips with eczema.

It just takes:

• Planning
• Self-awareness
• A little flexibility
• And yeah… maybe your own pillowcase.

Your skin doesn’t get to decide where you go or how you show up.
You do.

P.S. – Need help packing for your skin?

💬 Travel may be solo, but you don’t have to go it alone.
Come join the Facebook group » to share stories, ask questions, and connect with other mindful travelers.

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