In-Flight Eczema Hand Cream and Skincare Remedies

In-Flight Skincare Remedies for Eczema-Prone Skin

Dealing with eczema hands or other sensitive skin issues while traveling by plane can be challenging. The low cabin humidity dries out the skin, while high-touch surfaces introduce irritants. Arm yourself with the right gentle, moisturizing hand cream and other remedies to manage eczema inflight and keep flare ups at bay.

Understand Eczema Triggers While Flying

First, recognize components of air travel that can trigger eczema symptoms:

• Very low humidity dries skin excessively.
• Cramped quarters raise stress levels.
• Touching armrests/tray tables transfers allergens or chemicals.
• Strong fragrances from other passengers may irritate.

Packing the proper in-flight eczema hand cream and taking preventative steps lets you avoid a bad skin reaction thousands of feet in the air.

Choosing the Best Eczema Hand Cream for Flights

An ultra-hydrating, fragrance-free hand cream tackles the extremely drying airplane environment. Look for the following eczema-friendly ingredients:

• Ceramides - Naturally occurring lipids that nourish and protect.
• Hyaluronic acid - Powerful humectant to boost moisture retention.
• Oatmeal - Soothes and calms itchiness and redness.
• Shea butter - Deeply moisturizes without clogging pores.
• Glycerin - Draws hydration into the outer skin layers.

Other Handy Products for In-Flight Eczema Care

Round out your flight-friendly skin relief kit with these items to remedy eczema hands midair:

• Small bottle of gentle hand sanitizer - Cleans hands before applying cream without drying further.
• Roll-on cortisone cream - Quickly reduces swelling and redness from a flare-up.
• Travel-size facial misting spray - Provides a quick moisture boost and skin calming.
• Soft cotton gloves - Protects hands and helps cream absorb more effectively overnight.

Soothing Skincare Routines Between Flights

While en route to your destination, be sure to hydrate parched skin during layovers or overnight stays. Follow these tips:

• Apply a thick layer of eczema hand cream and cover with gloves for 15-30 mins to allow deep penetration.
• Use hotel sink mini bottles to wash hands once instead of multiple hand sanitizer applications.
• Rinse hands and apply more rich moisturizer after washing.
• Drink extra water to counteract body-wide dehydrating effects of flying.

Prevent Eczema Flare Ups Before Take Off

You can prep skin in advance of your travels to minimize in-flight irritation and need for eczema hand cream application. Try these proactive steps:

1. Identify and Avoid Your Specific Triggers

Monitor your flare-ups for a few weeks beforehand and make special note of potential travel-related triggers like:

• Dryness from air conditioning systems
• Anxiety and high-stress situations
• Fragranced products like soaps or perfumes
• Temperature changes moving between hot and cold environments

Then be extra cautious about that set of specific causes while packing, flying, and at your destination.

2. Aggressively Hydrate Skin in Advance

In the two weeks before traveling, intensive moisturizing fortifies skins moisture barrier and prevents cracks or openings where irritants can penetrate:

• Apply hand cream 2-3 times per day plus after every hand washing.
• Exfoliate gently with a wet washcloth to remove dead skin cells that catch irritants.
• Use thicker ointments or balms on hands, feet, elbows and knees overnight.

3. Choose Eczema-Friendly Clothing

Pick apparel materials that wont further aggravate skin on the lengthy flight:

• Soft, breathable natural fabrics like cotton and silk.
• Flowy clothing that minimizes rubbing and chafing.
• Items that fully cover vulnerable skin to limit irritant contact.

Also pre-wash all garments in a gentle, fragrance-free detergent.

In-Flight Precautions for Sensitive Skin

While cramped for hours at 35,000 feet, be proactive regarding touch points and barriers to reduce chances of an uncomfortable eczema flare-up.

Carefully Cleanse Hands

Washing and sanitizing hands frequently is important, but not all products agree with reactive skin. Instead of the planes standard alcohol-based hand sanitizer, use your own gentle cleanser.

• Wash hands gently with lukewarm water whenever possible, using soap alternatives as needed.
• Pat dry hands thoroughly with paper towels before applying eczema hand cream.
• Lightly spray hands with thermal water and gently pat a cream in to boost hydration as needed between washings.

Shield Skin from Irritants

Create a protective moisture barrier whenever possible through the flight to avoid eczema triggers through skin contact:

• Cover armrests and tray table with sleeves, scarves or blankets from your carry-on.
• Use gloves or socks to minimize skin contact with infrequently sanitized touch points.
• Sit on an extra blanket or towel as a clean personal seat barrier.

Check in early to board first for best choice of eczema-friendly seating options.

Manage Stress for Healthy Skin

Anxiety and worry intensifies inflammatory skin issues, so remain relaxed and focused using self-care techniques like:

• Pack familiar, soothing items like photos, blankets or favorite snacks.
• Listen to calming music, meditate or visualize peaceful imagery.
• Shift position, stretch carefully or take mindful deep breaths when restless.
• Politely ask oblivious seatmates to adjust behaviors causing you stress.

Alleviating mental strain combats physical reactions - a key for staving off mile-high eczema woes.

Soothe Eczema Skin Upon Landing

Even if you follow all pre-trip and mid-flight skin saviors, eczema can still act up after hours in the air. Use these tips during disembarking and at your destination to find relief:

• Reapply hand cream after deplaning to combat extremely low airport humidity.
• Carry a portable humidifier in your hotel to maintain hydration overnight.
• Bring your own laundered linens to avoid irritants some travelers may have left behind on hotel bedding.
• Check room HVAC filters are clean and shower before bed to remove airborne particles settling on skin.

Keep fighting inflammation by continually replenishing moisture after an inescapably dehydrating flight.

Know Your Eczema Triggers

Always pack emergency healing essentials like cortisone cream, gloves and anti-itch balms. But most crucially, understand your unique eczema triggers to either prepare adequately or avoid situations aggravating your symptoms.

Armed with preventative hydrating products and skin barrier knowledge, you can take flight without a disastrous eczema flare joining you midair.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.