This insight was written by allergy community volunteers, August 2025
Holiday periods are exciting! It's time to have fun, whether that be with close friends or family, going for walks, watching movies, sleeping in and more. When the holidays come, students get ready for assignment-free periods and have more free time for adventures, activities and hobbies.
However, for those living with eczema, the holidays can be a little bit different. Long nights out, a different routine, new activities and environmental changes may trigger flare-ups. This may cause distruptions, require medical attention and make the holidays less enjoyable.
So, if you have eczema, what are some tips to manage eczema during the holidays?
Tip- Learn and understand your triggers
There are several types of eczema, and triggers can be different for everyone. Each type of eczema can have different triggers; some causes of eczema may include allergens/irritants, stress, family history of eczema, certain environmental triggers, etc.
It is essential to understand what affects you. This will help you know how to manage your eczema on a day-to-day basis.
If you have eczema, are experiencing skin-related symptoms that have similarities to a type of eczema or have concerns/questions about eczema in general, please speak to a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis, to understand how to manage individual symptoms and also to set up an Action Plan in the case of symptoms.
Tip- Keep a skin care routine and treat your Eczema
Some people may think skin care is just for the face, but for people with eczema, it can mean looking after their entire body. Finding the right products for our skin can also be challenging and time-consuming.
Creams such as moisturisers may be good for dry and itchy skin. There are also a variety of over-the-counter and prescription treatments available for eczema. It's also important to read the ingredients in all of the products you apply and patch test before using them. This is as some products may contain ingredients that you may be allergic to or that could be an irritant. You can check their ingredients by reading the labels, using apps that list ingredients or by contacting the manufacturers directly.
It's always important to speak to and be guided by a qualified healthcare provider about the moisturisers, creams and treatments to find what works best for you, and what doesn't.
Tip- Have warm baths and showers
For individuals living with eczema, have a short lukewarm bath or shower, rather than very hot or cold ones.
To help your skin stay hydrated, you may apply moisturiser immediately after bathing or showering to lock in moisture. This will be based on your skin care routine and what you discuss with a qualified health care provider.
Tip- Manage your stress
Stress does not cause eczema, but for some people, it may make symptoms worse or trigger flare-ups. Managing stress may therefore be an important part of eczema care.
The holidays can be a good opportunity to focus on mental health and wellbeing, and may even be a chance to take a break from screens.
Here are some activities you can try that may help manage stress during the holidays-
- Read a book: Find something new or re-read a favourite. (You can also listen to e-books, so you can cut back on screen time while still catching up on your favourite book)
- Listen to music or play music: Catch up on tunes from your favourite artists, listen to some new music or if you can play an instrument or sing, play your favourite tunes.
- Journaling: Get a notebook and a pen or pencil and write out your feelings privately.
- Practice breathing: Research some meditations and breathing techniques to practice and try out.
If you’re finding it challenging to manage stress or feeling overwhelmed during the holidays or in general, please speak to a qualified health care provider. There are also support groups that run for people who have eczema and allergies, where you can speak to others about your eczema. Please contact us if you'd like to learn more.
Tip- Weather and temperature changes
Holidays often bring travel, new environments, and sudden shifts in temperature, depending on the time of the year, the locations you travel to or if you spend time indoors or outdoors.
For people with eczema, these changes can increase the risk of flare-ups, and there are some adjustments that you can make that may help you feel comfortable while enjoying your holidays.
In colder weather or environments:
- Keep your body temperature steady, dress in layers, and protect exposed skin with scarves and gloves.
- Avoid going from cold to very hot environments (for example, stepping into a hot shower or sitting too close to a heater or fire).
- Keep indoor temperatures steady (around 20°C) rather than relying on direct heat sources.
- Use a recommended thicker moisturiser to try to prevent dryness and lock in hydration.
In warmer weather or environments:
- Try to stay cool, wear light breathable clothing, and rinse off sweat when possible.
- Choose a recommended sensitive-skin sunscreen that works for you, as some sunscreens may sting.
- Try to apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes after your usual skincare routine to allow it to form a protective layer.
- Avoid sitting directly under or in front of an air conditioner.
- Protect yourself from the sun (for example, wear breathable clothing, a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and seek shade when you can).
It's always important to speak to and be guided by a qualified healthcare provider about managing your eczema and for any recommendations or treatments.
FINAL WORD
Thank you for reading this insight. Many people live with eczema, and it can make everyday life challenging, especially during the holidays, depending on what you have planned, the time of the year or your environment.
Everyone’s eczema is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. Take your time to understand your triggers, maintain your skincare routine, manage stress, and adapt to weather or environmental changes, as these may make a real difference to reducing flare-ups, your comfort and confidence.
Remember, you are not alone in managing eczema or your allergies. Support is available through qualified health care providers, support groups, support organisations, and others living with eczema.
We hope you have a great time on your holidays.
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This insight was contributed by volunteers and community feedback. We thank them for their efforts, creativity and care in bringing these insights to helping Australians with allergies live a safer and happier allergy life.
The information provided on Allergy Life Australia is to generally educate and inform you about living with allergies, intolerances and conditions, and is not intended as medical instruction or as a substitute for diagnosis, examination and advice by a qualified health care provider.
