Woman rolling suitcase through busy street intersection

As someone who has been living with psoriasis for over 15 years, you’d think I’d have this disease figured out by now. But when you live with a chronic disease, there will always be curveballs. As much as you have your psoriasis under control, you may still be prone to unexpected flare-ups.

It is best to be prepared for any situation. I share the three things I never leave home without.

I always carry a travel-size bottle of lotion in my bags.

You receive samples in the mail, at conferences, or at the grocery store. Throw those babies in your bag.

You never know when your flare-ups will bother you. You will always have something nearby to help ease the irritation if you have lotion with you.

I carry baby lotion whenever I am living that #momlife. It works great on my flares when I need them. I like finding products that serve multiple purposes.

I know people who have been living with sphygmomanic skin that is dry. My lips are very dry.

You will always see me carrying around lip balm wherever I go. I like lip balms that are free of harmful ingredients. One of my favorite lip balms is made with organic cocoa butter, beeswax, extra-virgin coconut oil, and essential oils.

I apply the balm to flare-ups in a pinch. I get small patches of scurvy on my head and ear. I rely on lip balm for my life.

Does anyone else get cold when you leave the house? I will still feel cold even if it is 90 degrees outside.

“A lightweight cardigan has saved me many times. Cotton or viscose are the most absorbent fabrics, so I tend to stick to them. I don’t have to worry about my flare-ups being annoying when it’s cold.”

“I always make sure that the skin care products I buy can be used in multiple ways. If you can get more than one use out of an item, why wouldn’t you?”

It is even better when you know what is in the products. You never know what can cause a flare-up of your disease. One less thing you have to worry about is knowing what the products you are using are made from.

Sabrina Skiles is a lifestyle and psoriasis blogger. She created her blog, Homegrown Houston, as a lifestyle resource for millennial women and those living with psoriasis. She shares daily inspiration on topics like health and wellness, motherhood and marriage, and managing a chronic disease while living a stylish life. Sabrina is also a volunteer mentor, coach, and social ambassador for the National Psoriasis Foundation. You can find her sharing psoriasis tips while living a stylish life on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.