Eczema and Exercise
Do workouts or exercise make your eczema worse? If yes, then you are not alone. The challenge of staying fit with the exercise turns out to be the main culprit for your health conditions. If you are the one suffering from eczema, these routine activities can become more challenging and daunting. This includes exercising with eczema, as friction, heat, and sweat from clothing or exercise equipment can cause eczema flare-ups.
Exercise is beneficial in many ways as it helps stay strong, motivated and cheerful. It boosts up energy levels, strengthens the immune system and let you get better sleep; however, exercising with eczema can trigger flare-ups due to sweat in some individuals. Your body sweats to regulate body temperature, further this sweat evaporates, skin dries up and is left with a salty residue after evaporation which is responsible for itchy eczema skin and gives rise to itch-scratch cycle simultaneously.
There are many masses who are still skeptical about the exercise and eczema, thus the main question that is in their mind is that can you exercise with eczema? The answer is yes and here are few tips that are beneficial to reduce eczema flare-ups while working out. Many low impact exercises and the daily regime will offer you better results without letting you sweat too much. So, let’s get started to know easy and effective workouts to assist you against eczema triggers.
5 Things You Should Know If You’re Exercising With Eczema
1. Keep yourselves hydrated before, during, and after exercise
It is always recommended to drink plenty amount of water and fluids. An individual with eczema has drier skin so intake of fluids can keep you hydrated and will replace the water lost during sweating. Water dilutes the sodium and minerals in the sweat; as a result, it will cause less irritation. Always have a bottle handy whether you step outside or inside your home. Include lots and lots of fluids in your diet to get rid of itchy skin.
2. Breaks are Essential
Never workout at a continuous stretch to have a fit body. Always recommended to split up your workout routine. Take breaks, let your body cool down and then start again.
3. Clothing Matters
Ensure to use appropriate fabrics while working out. Clothes chosen should be loose fitting, breathable fabrics, and cotton. Avoid synthetics, spandex and tight pair of clothing that allows your body cells to work properly. Always remember to keep your own towel that is washed using mild detergents. Just pat dry your skin to avoid itchiness and irritation while sweating. Wash clothes after you wear them and don’t let then stink in.
4. Moisturize your Body
Do pay proper attention to your body while dealing with the eczema symptoms and follow eczema care tips to get rid of the skin condition. After taking shower, moisturize your body with a medicated or a mild moisturizer to lock in the moisture inside. According to Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, Ceramide containing moisturizers are considered as the best as they are made up of natural fats that are helpful in filling up various cracks between the skin cells in the outer layer.
5. Wash Your skin immediately after working out
It is recommended to not only wash your hands properly but also the entire body after a workout as bacteria are present everywhere and especially those areas where there is a lot of sweating. If you have an option to take a shower after workout session then please go for it to get rid of sweating.
Why does sweating cause itching in eczema?
If you exercise its obvious that your body will sweat and it can worsen atopic dermatitis. Your body sweats in order to cool and maintain the body temperature that rises up while exercising. As the sweat evaporates, the skin becomes dry and is left with a salt residue that can be a major cause for itching and dry skin in eczema sufferers.
However, this does not completely give you an idea to skip exercise and relax. Skipping any physical activity may result in weight gain and as per the New Jersey-based dermatologist Jeanine Downie, “Weight loss, generally speaking, may improve eczema.“Additionally, her regular exercise also decreased her stress level, which might have improved her eczema as well.”
Physical activity boosts up your mind, body, and soul. It can lower down the stress in atopic dermatitis sufferers.
So keep going and manage your skin condition.
Experiment with your daily health care regime and exercises:
Exercise can take any form that is helpful to keep you fit and healthy; although there is no strict type of exercises planned or recommended for people with eczema, just like there is no single treatment. Eczema can be managed well with making few dietary, daily healthcare and day to day supplementary choices.
Gardening or walking can provide a great workout that doesn’t lead to sweating. Always prefer low impact exercise like yoga, pilates, tai chi that will help you gain muscle strength, reduce stress and decrease the level of sweating. If you are a gym person and feel that workout aggravate your eczema then do think outside the gym to get better results.
Bottomline
If you’re experiencing bad eczema flare-ups and don’t feel to exercise, just don’t push yourselves. Always try listening to your body when it’s telling you to rest. We recommend everyone to consult with your medical provider if you have concerns or questions about exercising or if you suspect something serious. If you have noticed that yoga improved your skin or other low impact exercises were beneficial as per your interest and improved your eczema then do share with us by commenting below. Let’s fight together to make a better world!
