Sweating during an intense exercise session can feel clean and invigorating. But if you're living 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 manage 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 itself as red, dry patches on the skin that can 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 the 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 located on your body.
For example, the chlorine in a pool can dry out your skin, making it more prone to breakouts, while run or jog it can cause your skin to rub, leading to chafing and inflammation, particularly on the inner thighs and underarms.
When you exercise, your blood vessels dilate, allowing more oxygen and nutrients to flow to your muscles and skin. This can lead to reddening of the skin, and in some cases it can cause more itchiness.
However, that doesn't mean people with psoriasis should skip their favorite workouts. In fact, vigorous exercise may help reduce 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 frequently can cause dry skin. But if you exercise every day, it's kind of unavoidable, right? Fortunately, there are some shower guidelines you can follow to help prevent your skin from feeling sore, itchy, or dry.
Although you might like a super hot shower after a grueling workout, keep the water lukewarm. Controlling the 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 or 10 minutes.
Then avoideda dry offte the skin with the towel. Instead, gently apply or dry your skin with a clean towel to avoid additional friction on the skin, especially in areas where you may have itchy or painful patches of psoriasis.
Use a mild body wash
While you're in the shower, avoid harsh cleansers, soaps, or body cleansers. If you have any products recommended by a doctor or dermatologist, you'll definitely want to use them for psoriasis.
Otherwise, choose cleansers that won't dry out your skin. Avoida ingredients like alcohol, alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), retinoids, and fragrances. These ingredients can dry out the natural oils in your skin and cause more itching, redness, or a burning sensation.
Be sure to use a gentle, moisturizing cleanser that won't abrade 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 your problem skin areas, or even your entire body, within five minutes of showering. This will help lock in moisture and prevent dryness.
Avoida moisturizers with fragrance or other strong ingredients, such as those mentioned above for body wash. Prioritize products 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 don't contain any harmful or harsh ingredients.