There’s a point with this bastard of a disease where your world starts to shrink. The first things to go are the big plans. That lads’ holiday you were thinking about, the weekend away with your partner—they all get filed under “too much hassle.” Before you know it, the furthest you’re willing to venture is the big Tesco on a good day. The very idea of travelling with HS becomes a joke.
I know that feeling. The sheer exhaustion of just existing can make the idea of navigating an airport feel like a proper mission. But I’m here to tell you something I had to learn the hard way, from the Caribbean to the Baltics: your world doesn’t have to shrink. Travel is still possible. It’s different, aye. It requires a bit more planning and a lot more plasters. But it is possible.
The Mental Hurdle: Giving Yourself Permission to Go
Before we even get to the packing list, let’s tackle the biggest obstacle: the voice in your head. It’s a proper little bastard, isn’t it? It whispers all the worst-case scenarios. What if you have a massive flare-up on the plane? What if it bursts in the hotel pool? What if you spend the whole trip in agony?
They’re all valid fears. But here’s the brutal truth: you could have a massive flare-up while sitting on your own sofa. You could spend a week in agony watching the rain outside your own window. HS is an unpredictable shit wherever you are. The question is, are you going to let it steal the sunshine as well as your comfort? Saying “sod it” and booking the flight is the first, and biggest, victory.
The Practical Shite: Building Your HS “Go-Bag”
Right, so you’ve booked it. Proper job. Now for the planning. Think of this as your pre-mission brief. A bit of prep here saves a world of pain later. Over years of living out of a suitcase, I perfected my HS travel kit. Here’s what you need:
Your Essential Medical Kit
Don’t leave home without this stuff. Pack more than you think you’ll need; it’s better to bring it back than be caught short.
- The Right Dressings: Pack a variety. Those Mepilex silicone foam dressings are a godsend—gentle on the skin and absorbent. Throw in some simple non-adherent pads and some good old-fashioned gauze for good measure. (For a deep dive, check out my Ultimate UK Bandage Guide for HS).
- Antiseptic Wipes & Sprays: An absolute must. Perfect for a quick clean-up in an airport toilet or a hotel room.
- Your Painkillers: Bring your usual go-tos, but maybe chat with your GP about something a bit stronger just in case of an emergency flare-up.
- A “Just-in-Case” Letter from Your GP: If you’re carrying any prescription meds, a simple letter from your doctor explaining your condition can save you a world of hassle at security. For official guidance, the UK Government’s page on travelling with medication is worth a read.
The Clothing Strategy
Forget fashion; we’re dressing for survival.
- Loose and Breathable: Cotton and linen are your best mates. Think loose t-shirts, comfortable shorts, or flowy trousers. Avoid tight, synthetic fabrics that trap heat and sweat.
- The Power of Dark Colours: A simple but effective trick. Black, navy, or dark grey clothing is your best camouflage if you’re worried about leakage. It buys you peace of mind, and that is priceless.
- Double Up: I always wore an extra t-shirt or vest underneath my main top. It’s an extra layer of protection and confidence.
Don’t Let the Bastard Win
I remember one of the first trips I took with my wife, Veronika. We were in Helsinki, then Tallinn. I had a couple of evil little lumps brewing in my groin, making every step a carefully considered negotiation. The old me would have stayed in the hostel room, feeling sorry for myself.
But I didn’t. I got up, got dressed, and walked through those ancient, sun-sparkled streets with her. We ate, we drank, we laughed. Was I in pain? Yes. But the memory I have isn’t the pain. It’s the sight of her smiling, the crisp Baltic air, the feeling of being alive and somewhere new.
The memories you make will always be bigger than the pain it took to get them. HS takes enough from us. Don’t let it take the world. Pack your bag, book your flight, and go.
Have you managed to travel with HS? What’s the one item in your go-bag you can’t live without? Share it in the comments.