Exercising With Eczema: Everything You Need to Know
If you have eczema, even thinking of partaking in any physical exercise can cause you to have your doubts. This is quite understandable. What you should know, however, is that exercise is good for you and you can work out without causing any of your symptoms to flare up.
Exercise is a fundamental part of staying healthy and is good for individuals who have eczema too. Studies have shown that there is a strong link between eczema and stress. When you hit the gym or pavement, your body begins to release “feel good hormones,” called endorphins, which positively impact your mood and kick stress to the curb, leading to overall happy, healthier skin, minus the nasty flare-ups.
Exercising also helps maintain your weight, keeps you active, and builds fitness and strength, which are all encouraging incentives for those who may be considering engaging in physical activity.
12 Things You Should Know If You Have Eczema and Want to Exercise
The question on everybody’s lips is, how do I exercise without causing flare-ups, redness, and itchiness? The following guidelines are primarily focused on individuals with eczema and will ensure you can work out with ease. The following tips can also be used by people who have sensitive skin.
1. Pick the Right Time and Environment
Exercising with eczema at the right time of day will ensure that you do not sweat too much. Settling to go for a walk in the early morning or evening is best when the sun rays are less harsh and the temperature is cooler. If you are exercising at a gym, pick out locations where there is a fan, vent, or air conditioner to help you keep cool.
2. Adapt Your Workouts
Change up your workouts to stop from overly sweating. Consider yoga as an alternative or workouts that are low intensity. Focus on stretching, toning, and strength. Swimming is also a wise option, but always shower afterward to rinse off any excess chlorine or salt. My eyes seem to get irritated in chlorine along with open scabs so try to swim at the beach or lake rather than a pool with many chemicals.
3. Come Prepared
Apart from your trusty water bottle, add your skin products to your gym bag. Arriving prepared will stop skin irritations from occurring. Do not wait to get home to treat any dry patches or red spots. Treating them with a cream you have on hand will stop the condition from becoming worse.
4. Take a Break
It is essential to take a breather while exercising to allow your body to sufficiently cool down. These breaks can include taking a sip of water and drying off any excess sweat.
5. Wipe off Gym Equipment
Wipe down any gym equipment before and after use. Equipment that incorporates foam, such as yoga mats, can harbor germs. Many studios now have wipes and sanitizer readily available, so make use of these.
6. Stay Hydrated
Keeping up with your fluid intake is essential and even more important when you are doing in any physical activity. Your skin is the largest organ, so taking care of it is fundamental. Not staying hydrated can damage it even further and cause skin ailments such as eczema to become aggravated.
7. Think Airy, Breathable Fabrics
Steer clear of clothing that is tight and made from non-breathable fabrics. It is better to invest in top quality items that keep you cool and dry while exercising.
Cotton and silk are both light fabrics that are breathable and stop the body from overheating. Avoid wool and synthetic material such as polyester. These fabrics are known to trap moisture between the skin and clothing and this can cause flare-ups.
8. Keep a Soft Towel Handy
Invest in a soft, plush towel to wipe away your sweat. Abrasive, rigid, or rough fabric can irritate your skin even further. Consider patting your skin dry using a wiping motion to eliminate further irritation. The less friction, the happier your skin will be.
9. Moisturize
Apply a sensitive, eczema-friendly cream to your body before and after working out. When your body sweats, you lose the moisture in your skin.
The cream creates a buffer and locks in moisture, which can stop the skin from becoming dehydrated. Apply it 30 minutes to one hour before exercising to allow the skin to properly absorb the body cream.
10. Wash
Having a shower right after your workout is necessary as it will wash away unwelcome germs, which are often more prevalent in fitness studies. If the bacteria ends up on the skin, especially on individuals with sensitive skin, the bacteria can spread, causing flare-ups and infections.
11. Avoid Hot Showers
A hot, steamy shower may be on your list right after you exercise, but steer clear of them. Hot water activates flare-ups. Opt for lukewarm showers (or cold ones if you are brave enough!).
12. Ditch the Workout Clothing
Remove your workout clothing and take a cool shower right after your workout. Staying in your exercising clothes for the time after engaging in physical activity will increase the risk of redness, inflammation, spots, and rashes.
The Best Creams, Lotions, and Moisturizers for Eczema
Consider popping one or two of these creams into your gym bag or keep them in your car, office draw, or cupboard at home.
Remember supporting your skin’s moisture barrier is essential in keeping dry and itchy skin at bay!
- Curel Hydra Therapy. Activated by water, this cream can be applied straight onto your skin when stepping out of the shower. It contains glycerin and shea butter, which are great for sensitive, eczema-prone skin.
- Vaseline Intensive Care, Advanced Repair Hand Unscented Lotion. Free of perfumes means this cream is ideal for those who have sensitive skin. Its jelly-like texture also means it locks in moisture for long periods.
- CeraVe Moisturizing Cream. Ceramides found in this cream helps support the skin’s moisture barrier, and it also helps the skin absorb nutrients faster.
- Cetaphil Restoraderm Eczema Soothing Moisturizer. Boasting colloidal oatmeal Filaggrin technology and colloidal oatmeal means this cream is designed to calm and hydrate irritated, eczema-prone skin.
- Avene XeraCalm AD Lipid Replenishing Cream. Rich in lipids and glycerin (which locks in moisture), this cream supports the skin to build up a sufficient barrier and is highly recommended for eczema sufferers.
For more options, consider Ora’s Amazing Herbal or Aquaphor Healing Ointment.
Eczema and Exercise FAQ
Here are a few answers to commonly asked questions related to eczema, exercise, and nutrition.
Can you exercise if you have eczema?
Fluid-loss and sweat (which contains sodium) can dry out the skin and aggravate the skin of people who have eczema. Adjusting the time of day and your environment, treating your skin correctly, and wearing the right clothes go a long way in preventing flare-ups. Preparing adequately means there is no reason why people with eczema cannot live active lives without the irritation.
Will drinking water help with my eczema?
Keeping your skin hydrated through the use of moisturizers and water can resolve issues related to rashes, itchiness, and red patches. Drinking plenty of water before, during, and after exercise will ensure your skin stays hydrated. It is essential to drink water after a shower too!
Does eczema go away?
Unfortunately, not. There is no cure for this skin condition; however, there is an assortment of supplements, medications, therapies, and creams designed to help those who suffer from eczema.
Paying attention to triggers, exercising, diet, and mental health all go a long way in helping to manage your skin condition and prevent skin irritations.
What supplements should I consider?
Vitamin D serves as an immunomodulator, which means it supports the immune system’s regular function and can help prevent flare-ups. Zinc and omega-three not only support the immune system but promote the health of your skin.
Can exercise help with my eczema?
Yes, most definitely. Exercise is imperative to support your bodily functions and can uplift your mood. Stress and eczema go hand-in-hand, so even going for a relaxed walk is sure to benefit you and your skin.
Final Thoughts
Working out doesn’t need to pose a stumbling block for you if you are prone to eczema and related skin problems. All it takes is a few minor adjustments to the way you originally went about exercising, or you may consider another alternative to high intensity exercise like yoga. Irrespective, if you have eczema, it doesn’t mean you have to throw in the towel and refrain from physical activity for all time. Be mindful of the tips and tricks I mentioned, and you will be well on your way to living an active life without the itch.
The Bottom Line: Should You Exercise if You Suffer From Eczema?
Myself and quite a few of my eczema suffering friends also have active lives where we exercise often. It really depends on your skin reactions when you sweat and what level of intensity is okay with your body. Also, nutrition is just as important, if not, more important than exercise!
Now that I have a consistent exercise routine, I make sure I take Collagen Complex as a nutrition supplement for my skin.
This collagen supplement keeps my flare ups at bay especially post-workout when the sweat on my skin sometimes gets itchy or irritated. Studies show that 2.5 – 8 grams of collagen for 8 weeks may give you less skin dryness and a significant increase in skin elasticity. I’ve actually had clear skin for a while now thanks to my routine. Anyways, I hope this helps!