Exercise Is Healthy – Tips For Exercising When You Have Eczema or Psoriasis

Don’t let having eczema or psoriasis stop you from exercising. Exercise has so many health benefits, like weight management, cardio vascular; it even helps reduce stress levels.  Exercise promotes healthy circulation, which also keeps your skin healthy.

But heat, sweat, friction and sports injuries that damage skin can trigger eczema & psoriasis.

Keep a clean, dry towel with you to dab (not rub) away sweat as soon as it appears.

Here are some great tips to help reduce triggers than can lead to flares:

Physical activity heats up your body temperature, causing sweat. We sweat to moderate our body temperature.   Your sweat contains salt and acidity that along with loss of fluids, dries out the skin and can also cause stinging.  As your skin’s surface temperature increases, the irritation triggers scratching.

Keep sweat under control by:

Keep a clean, dry towel with you to dab (not rub) away sweat as soon as it appears. Make sure the towel is washed in fragrance free laundry detergent designed for sensitive skin.  Do not use cleansing cloths, as they leave a soap residue on your skin, which can cause skin triggers.

Keep as cool as possible:

Water is your friend: Always keep a water bottle with you and drink frequently to cool down.

* Take breaks to help your body cool down.

* Try exercising early mornings or evenings when it’s cooler.

* Choose an activity that can be done in an air conditioned facility, like walking in a shopping  Mall or working out in a gym.

* Use a fan to help evaporate sweat.

* Water is your friend: Always keep a water bottle with you and drink frequently to cool down. Spray your body with cool water or use a cold compress while working out.

Swimming is great exercise, as cool water keeps your body from overheating.

Swimming is great exercise, as cool water keeps your body from overheating.  While swimming will keep you from sweating, the chlorine and pool chemicals can be drying to the skin.  If you are concerned about exposing your body by wearing a bathing suit, there are alternatives, like full body suits that surfers wear. Protect trouble spots on your skin by applying Vaseline before swimming, it will form a barrier.  If you have a choice of pools, a salt water pool contains fewer irritating chemicals than chlorine pools. The pH of the pool water is also important, so swim in clean, well maintained pools.   Shower immediately after swimming to get rid of all chemicals.  Keep your shower under 5 minutes in duration and use lukewarm, never hot water.  Also, never use harsh, scented cleansers.  Instead, choose fragrance free body washes designed for sensitive skin.  Apply a moisturizer within 2 – 3 minutes after showering to lock in moisture. You can even keep your moisturizer in the refrigerator for extra cooling benefits.

Workout Clothing should be loose fitting to let out heat and prevent irritation from tight fitting clothing rubbing against your skin.  Choose breathable fabrics that feel soft on your skin, such as cotton or clothing that wicks away sweat.  If you choose cotton, make sure to change clothing right away to avoid sweat irritations.  To make clothing extra comfortable, wear inside out so the seams won’t rub against your skin.  You can even cut off any tags.  Wearing clothing in layers is helpful, too, so you can take some off when you get hot.  Always wear clean, fresh work out clothing and wash using fragrance free laundry detergent designed for sensitive skin.

To protect your skin from bacterial infections, always Clean Gym Equipment before and after working out.

To protect your skin from bacterial infections, always Clean Gym Equipment before and after working out.  Use a clean towel when sitting on gym equipment.

Try different exercises to find an activity that works for you.  Low impact exercises like walking, yoga and tai chi provide health benefits with a minimal amount of sweat.  Strength or weight training builds muscle and gives you the extra advantage of cooling down while having to wait in between weight lifting.

Moisturize Before And After Working Out.  Apply a moisturizer one hour prior to working out so that the moisturizer is fully absorbed.  Choose a light, fragrance free moisturizer designed for eczema/psoriasis/sensitive skin.  Except while swimming, avoid heavier ointments.  Just by the heat of your skin, heavier ointments warm up, feeling hot and creating a barrier that locks in sweat.

Low impact exercises like walking, yoga and tai chi provide health benefits with a minimal amount of sweat.

Embarrassed to go to the gym with skin spots?  Consider setting up a home gym, it can even be done inexpensively with workout DVD’s, resistance bands, or a yoga mat.

During Flare Ups – Slow Down Activity. Sometimes flare ups happen, no matter what you do.   Instead of running, switch to walking or swimming.  Slow down your work outs until your skin gets better.

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