eEveryone with eczema has their own cocktail of specific triggers that make their symptoms worse.
“Exercise can mean outdoor activity with pollen, weeds and grasses,” said dermatologist Calvin Williams, M.D., which can all be allergens that cause eczema. I’m here. Essential Dermatology Group“Or exercise could mean exposure to areas like gym mats where microbes like to colonize, which can also lead to inflammation.”
More importantly, our bodies naturally sweat to keep us cool during our workouts. Also, some components of sweat (sodium chloride, urea, and lactic acid) can irritate the skin and exacerbate symptoms such as itching. According to Dr. Williams, “Sweat is one of the most important things he does. Commonly reported triggers”
Of course, fitness is an important part of staying fit, so quitting exercise entirely isn’t usually a good solution. “link between eczema and stress It’s clear that exercise reduces stress and anxiety,” explains Dr. Williams. Therefore, exercising regularly reduce Eczema recurs in some patients.
How to exercise comfortably with eczema
Instead of giving up exercise altogether, it’s best to do a little research and troubleshooting to reduce the chance of skin irritation.
1. Identify your triggers
Dr. Williams recommends that people with atopic dermatitis try to understand exactly what is causing the inflammation caused by exercise so they can find creative ways to avoid them. For example, wearing long pants when running on outdoor trails can prevent your feet from hitting plants.
2. Drink lots of water
Staying hydrated while exercising is always important, but even more so for those exercising with eczema. “Patients who suffer from eczema already have problems with epidermal dehydration,” says Dr. Williams.
3. Wear natural materials
If sweat irritates your eczema, natural fabrics are best. Wearing synthetic materials that trap sweat to the skin can cause further irritation. “Natural materials allow more air flow and absorption of sweat, reducing direct contact of sweat with the skin for long periods of time.” says Dr. Williams. Think cotton, bamboo, or wool.
4. Please clean the mat before use
Disinfect training equipment with antibacterial spray Previous I am against using it to prevent flare-inducing infections. Don’t trust it to be properly cleaned by a former gym goer.
5. Remove while sweating
“If sweat is irritating, clean towels A gentle wipe of sweat nearby can help reduce itching,” Dr. Williams advises.
6. Control chlorine exposure
Chlorine is a known skin irritant, even without eczema. But that doesn’t mean you should avoid pools. “Short exposure to chlorine pools can potentially be helpful and has a similar effect to a diluted bleach bath,” says Dr. Williams. Be sure to get out of your bathing suit and rinse off with fresh clean water as soon as you’re done. To do.
7. Protect your skin with cream
Finally, Dr. Williams suggests using a skin protectant before and after your workout. cetaphil, SerabeAlso Eucerin Helps protect the skin barrier. ” Lather it up, lace it up and get it.
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