5 Helpful Tips for Traveling with Psoriasis

Traveling gives you a chance to see and try new things. Every day is a new adventure. While planning a trip can be exciting, the journey to your destination can be a little stressful. Things rarely go according to plan.

Traveling with psoriasis can make things a little more complicated, but don’t let that hold you back from seeing and doing the things you love. Here are some helpful tips to manage your psoriasis on your next vacation.

1. Give Yourself Extra Time

Traveling is fun and exciting – once you reach your destination. But getting there can be stressful. 

No matter whether you’re flying, taking the train or driving, it’s important to make the journey as stress-free as possible. The best way to do this is to give yourself extra time. Get there early. Worst case scenario, you have a little extra downtime at the start of your trip. 

But you’ll regret having to rush and stress if you give yourself just enough time to get where you need to go.

2. Pack Your Skincare Medical Supplies in a Separate Bag

Keeping your psoriasis skincare products and medical supplies in a separate bag will make them easily accessible and easy to find when you need them. Having to dig through your suitcase under a mountain of clothes can be stressful and frustrating.

Use a separate travel-size personal care bag or even a gallon-sized Ziploc bag would work well. Keep all of your supplies in this bag, including your:

• Soaps
• Creams (you may need to transfer to a travel size bottle)
• Medications
• List of prescriptions and their dosages
• Insurance card

This way, if you need medical care during your trip (hopefully you won’t), you will know exactly where to find everything you need.

3. Watch Your Eating Habits

Traveling is all about experiencing new sights, sounds and foods. While it’s perfectly okay to indulge a little or try something new, do your best to eat clean for the majority of your meals.

Some foods can contribute to inflammation and flare-ups, while others can actually help combat inflammation. Try to eat as much fresh fruits and vegetables as you can while traveling so that you feel your best and can really enjoy your time away.

4. Don’t Forget to Relax

When planning a trip, it’s easy to jam-pack your day with activities. You’re in a new place, so naturally you want to see and do as much as you can.
But remember that vacations are supposed to be about relaxing and de-stressing – getting away from it all. 
Don't overdo it. Give yourself some time to relax and enjoy the downtime, especially after a physically demanding day. Your body will thank you for giving it the rest it needs.

5. Choose Warm Destinations

While you shouldn’t necessarily limit your vacations (if you enjoy skiing, go for it!), warm and sunny climates can help calm psoriasis. Colder climates, on the other hand, can have the opposite effect. 

Choosing a warm destination may bring you some relief while allowing you to enjoy a stress-free trip. 

Just remember to be smart about your sun exposure. Even if it helps with your psoriasis, it’s important to make sure that you’re wearing sunscreen and protecting against excess UV exposure.

If you’re traveling with psoriasis, these five tips can help. But above all else, give yourself permission to enjoy your time away and don't allow your psoriasis to define you.