Reviewed by GPhC Pharmacist at Priory Pharmacy Clinical Team, York
Skin problems are one of the most common reasons travellers see a pharmacist after a trip. But most pre-travel advice skips this topic.
Here’s what you need to know about common skin issues from travel and when to get help.
Itchy Beach Rash: Cutaneous Larva Migrans
This is a classic problem after tropical beach holidays.
What causes it:
- Tiny hookworm larvae in sand or soil
- Usually from areas where dogs or cats have been
- The larvae enter through your skin
What it looks like:
- An intensely itchy, red, winding line under the skin
- It moves 1–2cm per day
- Common after trips to the Caribbean, sub-Saharan Africa, and Southeast Asia
What to do:
- It’s not dangerous, and it clears up on its own in weeks to months
- But scratching can damage your skin, so get it checked
- Prescription tablets (ivermectin or albendazole) clear it quickly
How to prevent it:
- Don’t walk barefoot on beaches used by animals
- Use a towel instead of lying directly on the sand
Botfly Infestation (Myiasis)
Found in Central/South America (human botfly) and sub-Saharan Africa (tumbu fly).
What it looks like:
- A boil-like bump with a small breathing hole in the middle
What to do:
- Cover the hole with petroleum jelly this suffocates the larva
- Once it comes to the surface, remove it gently
Important: Don’t try to squeeze or pull it out first. This can burst the larva and cause a bad infection.
Fever and Rash: When to Worry
Dengue, chikungunya, and Zika are viral infections that can cause a rash.
| Illness | Rash Pattern | Other Signs |
|---|---|---|
| Dengue | Red rash with small white patches | Fever, low platelet count |
| Chikungunya | Similar red rash | Severe joint pain |
| Zika | Fine red rash | Red eyes; risk if pregnant or trying to conceive |
Get checked urgently if: You have a fever and rash within 3 weeks of returning from a tropical destination.
Sun Damage and Skin Cancer Risk
The UK has a higher rate of melanoma (skin cancer) than most of Europe.
Why: Many UK travellers get little sun most of the year, then intense sun on holiday. This pattern raises skin cancer risk.
How to protect yourself:
- Use SPF50 sunscreen on all exposed skin
- Reapply every 2 hours, and after swimming
Also watch for: Polymorphic light eruption an itchy rash some people get on first sun exposure of the year. Building up sun exposure gradually can help prevent it.
Fungal Infections in Hot Climates
Heat and humidity make fungal skin infections more common.
Common types:
- Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis)
- Groin fungal infection (tinea cruris)
- Body fungal infection (tinea corporis)
- Tinea versicolor pale or dark patches on the chest and back
Treatment:
- Most cases: over-the-counter antifungal creams (clotrimazole, miconazole, or terbinafine) available at Priory Pharmacy
- Tinea versicolor: antifungal shampoo, or tablets for more widespread cases
Plan Ahead With Priory Pharmacy
Before you travel, book a travel health consultation. We can help you prepare for skin risks specific to your destination.
This article is for general information only. It is not personal medical advice. Book a travel consultation before you travel to discuss your individual needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Travellers can return with a range of skin problems, including fungal infections, bacterial infections, insect bites, scabies and other infestations, as well as sunburn and other UV-related skin damage. The risk depends on the destination, activities, climate and exposure during travel.
Persistent itching, spreading redness, swelling, warmth, discharge, unusual rashes or skin lesions after travel may indicate an infection or infestation, but different conditions can look similar. A healthcare professional can assess your symptoms, travel history and exposures to determine the likely cause.
Seek medical advice if a rash or skin lesion is persistent, spreading, painful, infected-looking or accompanied by fever or other symptoms. It is particularly important to mention recent travel, especially if you visited a tropical or subtropical area or had exposure to insects, animals, freshwater or unfamiliar environments.