Don’t let eczema ruin your ski holiday: Tips and advice for enjoying the snow while managing eczema

Taking a family holiday with a child who suffers from eczema can add a further layer of complication to your trip. There is so much to consider, and even more to pack, to keep your child comfortable. A trip to the snowy ski slopes can be even more tricky, as the cold air outside and high heating inside can aggravate eczema symptoms.

Despite the difficulties, a ski holiday can be lots of fun and is a great way to make lasting memories. As always, when you are planning a holiday involving a child with eczema, it pays to be super organised and to think ahead.  Here, we share our tips on choosing the right resort, hassle-free travel and what to take with you on the slopes so that you make the most of every day, without further aggravating itchy skin.

Getting there

For a healthy, happy break for the whole family, there a few things to consider when planning your ski holiday.

Firstly, you should be careful about choosing a destination and think about how you will get there.  Whilst you may dream of having the mountains to yourself in a remote chalet in the Italian Dolomites, it might not be the best venue in reality.  Somewhere closer to the UK – the French Alps for example – means you have the option to drive. While flying has benefits, it does tend to dry out the skin and aggravate eczema. Plus, you will also be limited to the amount of lotions you can take on the flight.

Opting for a ski resort that is within driving distance can give you more freedom to pack everything you need to keep eczema at bay. Also, having a car with you at the resort also gives you the freedom to head out and about during your trip. And you’ll have the means to get to a local pharmacy if you need to.

If you do decide to fly, don’t forget to pack some emollient in your hand luggage. You’re usually allowed up to 100ml.  Some airlines may allow larger quantities if you have a letter from your child’s doctor or prescription. Be sure to find out before you set off for the airport. Planes have low humidity and can dry out skin very, very quickly. Be prepared to apply emollient regularly during the flight and make sure your child drinks frequently to stay hydrated.

Choosing your resort

Once you’ve picked a ski destination and decided on your travel arrangements, there are a few things to look into before choosing your resort.

While hotels and ski chalets are a nice treat, they can be difficult to manage from an allergies point of view. You will have a limited choice over the food options, and the times that meals are served. Going self-catering on your ski holiday will give you more freedom to buy and cook for your family’s needs. These self-catering options also tend to have hardwood floors for easy cleaning, which is ideal for kids with dust allergies.

On the slopes

In our experience, it’s a good idea to choose a resort that has at least some gondolas rather than only chairlifts to the slopes. This will reduce your child’s exposure to the cold and help to keep their eczema under control. A gondola will also give you the chance to organise your children out of the cold, get them warm and dry and apply any emollients and lip salves they might need.

Another good tip is to book afternoon ski lessons. The weather is typically slightly warmer then, making the experience more pleasant as well as being easier on the skin.

Clothing

Consider the clothes you are bringing for your little ones. It is vital to keep them warm, but also try to avoid clothes that are too tight-fitting against their skin as it can irritate eczema. Aim for thermals that are made from natural fibres, preferably cotton, to keep eczema under control.

If you have to use synthetics, then try them out on your kids before you set off to make sure they aren’t too irritating. Read more about eczema friendly fabrics here.

Don’t forget to pack your ScratchSleeves scratch mitts and pyjamas too!

Laundry

Bring your own trusted washing powder with you if you are going self-catering. Even if you recognise the brand, detergent formulations often vary between countries.

Cold protection

Take multiple pairs of gloves and socks and keep some spares in your bag at all times. There’s nothing like having to wear damp gloves for aggravating eczema on hands and wrists. It is also well worth getting your kids a cotton snood or face cover to protect their faces from the cold weather.

Sun protection

When you are skiing, you need to protect yourself from all of the elements, such as the cold and the sun.  Bring plenty of sun cream, emollient and moisturiser with you. Sun cream is often very expensive to buy at ski resorts, and you might struggle to find your brand of emollient when abroad. A high lipid moisturiser is essential for the whole family, as the changing temperature will cause the skin to dry out.

Rest

Plan at least one day off from the slopes. Your whole family will appreciate the rest time, and your child’s skin will need a break from the harsh elements. This doesn’t mean a day wasted on your holiday though; there are usually plenty of indoor things to do nearby as well as enjoy family time with games and hot chocolates too.

Prevent flare-ups

If you have a go-to product or routine that can help to manage eczema flare-ups, then remember to take what you need when travelling. It is much easier to prevent eczema flare-ups than cure them, and it reduces the stress and discomfort for your child too.

Relax and have fun!!!

Once you have your plan in place, then it is time to enjoy your holiday with your family. After all, you deserve this break too!

Do you have any advice to share?  If so, head over to our Facebook page or email us at info@scratchsleeves.co.uk.

Here at ScratchSleeves, we don’t just share our experiences of bringing up an eczema child and favourite allergy-friendly recipes, we also manufacture and sell our unique stay-on scratch mitts and PJs for itchy babies, toddlers and children. We now stock sizes from 0-adult years in a range of colours. Visit our webshop to see our range of eczema friendly clothing for babies, children and adults.