5 X Stressed Skin On Holiday
Holiday: time for yourself, a little relaxation and a lot of enjoying. Nevertheless your skin may now show signs of stress. Which skin problems are lying in wait for during your well-earned rest? And what can we do about them?
1. Dehydrated, inflamed skin
Flying, alcohol, a different eating pattern, and, of course, sun and sea water on holiday can leave their mark. You don’t look as radiant as you did a couple of weeks ago, the skin around your eyes is puffy and your face, despite being tanned, can have a reddish appearance. The best solution: be sure to apply lots! Not just during or after your holiday, but as soon as you step on the plane. In this way you’ll prevent your skin from dehydrating and the barrier function from breaking down. Use a good moisturiser, don’t be sparing with the sun cream and keep a pure plant oil ready. And if you think that you won’t be getting your daily recommended portion of fruit and veg each day, then take vitamin supplements with you just in case.
2. Red bumps and itching (heat rash)
Itching and bumps after exposure to the sun are common in hot destinations. Although first thoughts are often of a sun allergy, it is almost always linked to a reaction to sun cream products or a harmless rash through the heat. The last complaint mostly appears in places where friction occurs between the skin and clothing. An example is on the back after a day of walking with a rucksack. This rash will usually disappear within a couple of days. If this isn’t the case and the rash gets worse, then you can check with a Doctor. Read this blog about itching and bumps before you go on holiday. As these tips should help you to remain itch free on your holiday.
3. Mosquito bites
One of the biggest annoyances on holiday is undoubtedly the mosquito. And while one person barely notices them, another person ends up with big, red, itchy bumps. If, despite a good mosquito net and anti-mosquito spray, you are still stung, there are ways in which you can relieve the irritation. A simple ice block counteracts the itching and swelling. If you have severe itching then take an anti-histamine before bed. This relieves the itching. A small amount of corticosteroid cream on the fresh mosquito bite also works. And also slightly off label: you can buy ear drops from the pharmacy with 1% lidocaine; this numbs the skin slightly and helps counteract the itching. I always take a tube of Emla cream with me on holiday, which contains a higher concentration of lidocaine, but is only available on prescription. And do your best not to scratch the bites. Because an open wound on the skin is extremely susceptible to infection.
4. Cold sores
UV rays are a major trigger for cold sores. Add flying, late evenings and a change of temperature to this and you have the perfect environment for a new outbreak of the herpes virus. Make sure you have a good lip balm with UV protection. Coincidentally, I am trying a product called Courage & Khazaka at the moment. As soon as I feel it coming I use this pen. The last two occasions the cold sore hasn’t come up, but this may, of course, just be a coincidence. I will carry on trying it anyway. See that you carry a tube of anti-virus cream in your first aid kit. Examples are acyclovir, valacyclovir and penciclovir. Salves with zinc oxide or zinc sulphate also counteract the burning, itchy sensation.
5. In-growing hairs
At home you can go an extra couple of days, while on holiday the razor has to work extra hard. Regular shaving, particularly of your bikini-line and armpits can cause problems such as spots, in-growing hairs and itching. The best prevention is timely beginning with daily exfoliation before your holiday. Do this with an acid or an extremely mild scrub. Try and leave it as long as possible between shaving and always use a clean razor. You can read more tips for shaving here.
Kind regards,
Jetske
Research Physician Cosmetic Dermatology
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