Sweating during an intense workout can be a cleansing and invigorating feeling. But if you live with psoriasis, that post-workout endorphin rush can be overshadowed by an uncomfortable flare-up.
Although you'll want to follow your doctor's specific recommendations, you probably shouldn't eliminate exercise from your daily routine. After all, regular workouts can de-stress and keep your weight in check, both of which can help control psoriasis. In fact, an October 2018 review in Cureus recommends exercise as a complementary treatment for the skin condition.
How does exercise affect psoriasis?
In general, psoriasis manifests as red, dry patches on the skin that may itch, burn, or hurt. However, like many other skin conditions, the severity of psoriasis varies from person to person.
It can also appear on almost any part of the body, including the torso, arms, legs, elbows, knees, and even nails, depending on what type you have. As a result, the type of exercise you do can be more or less painful for your skin, depending on where the condition is in your body.
For example, chlorine in a swimming pool can dry out your skin, making it more prone to breakouts, while running or jogging can make your skin rub, causing chafing and inflammation, particularly on the inner thighs and armpits.
When you exercise, your blood vessels dilate, allowing more oxygen and nutrients to flow to your muscles and skin. This can lead to redness of the skin and, in some cases, can lead to more itching.
However, that doesn't mean that people with psoriasis should skip their favorite workouts. In fact, vigorous exercise may help lower your risk , according to an August 2012 study in JAMA Dermatology. The idea is that people who exercise this way have less overall inflammation.
3 home remedies to control psoriasis flare-ups
Take a short, warm shower
Showering too often can lead to dry skin. But if you exercise every day, it is inevitable, right? Fortunately, there are some shower guidelines you can follow to help prevent your skin from feeling painful, itchy, or dry.
Although you might like a super hot shower after a strenuous workout, keep the water warm. Controlling steam in the bathroom will also help prevent dryness, so keep the bathroom door closed and avoid using a fan. Also, limit your shower to five to 10 minutes.
Then evit to dry skin and t towel. Instead, gently apply or pat your skin dry with a clean towel to avoid additional friction on the skin, especially in areas where you may have painful or itchy patches of psoriasis.
Use a mild body wash
While in the shower, avoid harsh cleansers, soaps, or body cleansers. If you have any products recommended by a doctor or dermatologist, you will definitely want to use them for psoriasis.
Otherwise, choose cleansers that don't dry out your skin. Evit to ingredients such as alcohol, alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), retinoids and fragrances. These ingredients can dry out your skin's natural oils and cause more itching, redness, or a burning sensation.
Be sure to use a mild, hydrating cleanser that doesn't scratch the skin or disturb the outer layer of the skin.
Apply a moisturizer as soon as possible
Once you've gotten out of the shower and dried off, apply a moisturizer to areas with this skin problem, or even the entire body, within five minutes of showering. This will help retain hydration and prevent dryness.
Evit to moisturizers or other strong fragrance ingredients as mentioned above for the wash. Give priority to products that your dermatologist or doctor recommends, and supplement with psoriasis-friendly products at your local pharmacy.
Look for lotions or creams that help prevent itching and repair the skin. Some brands even make psoriasis-specific moisturizers that do not contain harmful or harsh ingredients.
