travelling as Lupus patient

[Saralife]

hi everyone,

Been long time since I wrote here.

please I will like some advice regarding travelling in Africa.

I have been here in Europe for over 15 years and I haven’t been to Africa all this years.

Was diagnosed with lupus 2018 in Italy.

I wanted to ask for any advice on sun cream and any precautions.

Thank you 🙏🏾

[Debbie_kinsey Administrator LUPUS UK]

Hi Saralife

One of our members with lupus wrote this fantastic blog on her tips & tricks for travelling with lupus, including things to think about for the flight, hotel, and while you're away: lupusuk.org.uk/travelling-w...

We also have this blog about going on holiday with lupus, which has some similar tips but also some advice about how to travel with medication, travel insurance, and speaking to your doctor well in advance so you can arrange any vaccinations, develop a health plan and any medications you need for the trip, and get a letter with your prescription if you'll need it when transporting medications you are on. lupusuk.org.uk/going-on-hol...

I hope these articles are helpful to you, but please feel free to get in touch with any questions you have. Your doctor should be able to give you specific advice on anything you need to do in terms of your own treatment plan and any additional medications or vaccinations you may need.

Take care,

Debbie

[MariaVT]

Hello, I use Body shop Skin Defence SPF 50 for my face and P20 SPF 50 for kids sun cream. Both are excellent and I would recommend them.

[Pickzie]

in addition to the tips and tricks in Debbie’s message, you may want to think about vaccinations well in advance. For example if yellow fever vaccine is required as this is contraindicated as it’s a live vaccine, especially if you are on immunosuppressants.

I wish you well with your travels- I had a great time in South America last year and am looking to Sri Lanka this year. Just needs a little extra planning

[cathie]

It might be sensible to check out any creams before you go. I had a terrible time with a skin reaction to the perfume in these products. I wouldnt have wanted to be far from home with that red puffy skin. Everyone is different so I'm just sharing my own experience. For me the reactions took several weeks to subside and I had to keep out of direct sunlight. Ended up at Dundee Ninewells where they did a week long series of tests which identified the culprit was perfume. They didnt have a viable alternative to sun cream - offered Dundee cream which is a very thick barrier. I hope you have a great time wherever you plan to go to in Africa.

[lupus_paradise]

Hi Saralife, sounds like you are off on an exciting adventure! I travel for work and play all the time so it's doable. Some suggestions in addition to the others: travel insurance - make sure you get some and it covers pre existing conditions. Medications - you need to keep them with you (not in checked bags) and I bring extras in case something goes wrong. Also you might want to talk to your dr about what to do if you have a flare and bring your prescription steroids just in case. I have my own first aid kit with over the counter meds for all the little challenges that are esp inevitable when changing climates (ie hydrocortisone for rashes, electrolytes etc....) And finally a hat, sunglasses and eye drops if you suffer from dry eyes. Hope that hwlps! Have fun!

[Wytchylady]

Hi. It's been a long time since I've travelled so not sure about current advice. I'd say check with your consultant, specialist nurse or GP about what you might need depending on where you're going to.The higher the SPF suncream the better, at least f50. Check out Eclipse (via Lupus UK) on sun protection clothing.

I swear by Tilly hats for head and face protection. Available online.

Happy travels X