What’s in My Travel Day Bag?
A Dermatologist’s OTC Essentials
It’s summertime! For us, that means more day trips, vacations, family get-togethers, playgrounds, pool days, and amusement parks. So, I put together a list of some of my favorite items that accompany this Mama who likes to be prepared… at least in the skin department.
Cerave Itch-Relief Moisturizing Lotion/Cream – I love, love, love this stuff. I recommend it daily in the office. This cream contains Pramoxine which numbs the itch sensation sort of like Lanacane Spray numbs a sunburn. This alleviates the itch sensation within 2 minutes and lasts up to 8 hours; what a relief for bug bites! I use this myself at least every week. It looks bad if a dermatologist is digging at a bug bite.
Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar– This is what I use to wash in the shower every day. I like to bring a small bar along to wash with because public restroom soaps and hotel soaps are disastrous for me. It is gentle, and I love the clean but not overpowering scent. I used to be obsessed with the Antibacterial version of this bar, but it is not available anymore. If the antibacterial version is reformulated and reintroduced, I will switch back. I don’t like bacteria.
Mupirocin Ointment (RX) – This is the only RX item on this list, but it is such an essential for me I couldn’t leave it off the list. I use this in place of other antibiotic ointments. This one effectively kills MRSA when other OTC antibiotic ointments do not. We use it for every little cut, scrape and pimply like bump that inevitably occurs at the most inopportune times.
Lamisil Cream – This wonderful OTC product works better than most RX antifungals. It is one of the few antifungals that are FUNGICIDAL (kills fungus) not just FUNGISTATIC (slows down the growth of fungus). Lamisil cream works great on feet that have been exposed to all kinds of Yuk as well as in moist folds, to prevent jock itch from taking hold.
A&D ointment – This multitalented wonder works great for chaffed areas, soothing sunburn, and as a sunscreen. The active ingredients are Dimethicone 1% and Zinc Oxide 10%. The Zinc Oxide is an excellent sunscreen in a pinch and is soothing on any rash. The Dimethicone reduces friction.
Foot Glide/Body Glide – Foot glide is to be used on any areas that chafe or rub and can greatly reduce the likelihood of blisters when used preventively on the feet. Body glide is to be used on other folds – underarms, inner thighs, and more – also to reduce friction and prevent irritation. I was introduced to this when I was running a lot, but it works great for a day in a bathing suit as well.
Eucerin Roughness Relief Spot Treatment – This is a brand new one for me, but I love it! I have trouble with calluses on my feet and toes. Nothing is worse than cracked and callused feet in a pretty pair of strappy sandals. This is to spot treat those really thick areas to dissolve the dead skin. The active ingredient is 30% urea, which is completely safe and the highest concentration commercially available in a trusted OTC product.
Fabula Nebulae Desert Rain – A close second is beautiful rings and a pretty manicure on cracked, dry hands. I love to tuck a tin of this skin salve in my purse for some intense moisture and pleasant aromatherapy with lemon, bergamot, orange, and lavender. This works well for hands, feet, and more.
Gloves in a bottle – Last but certainly not least, this moisturizing lotion also protects the hands by shielding them with dimethicone. This lotion puts an “invisible glove” on the hands to protect them from irritants, allergens, germs and so much more. We also keep a big gallon jug of this in the nurse station to protect our hands after washing and using gloves so frequently. It leaves a light silky smooth finish.
Obviously lacking from this list is sunscreen and bug repellent. For more on those, see our latest blog posts.
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