Regular exercise is a great way to keep stress at bay and weight in check, both of which may help control psoriasis. Psoriasis is a skin condition that shows up as dry, itchy patches anywhere on the body that can also burn or hurt. Its cause is mysterious to scientists, but studies point to an overactive immune system that speeds up cell growth.
It’s not contagious and is usually triggered by external factors (which vary from person to person). There are more than 7.5 million U.S. adults who suffer from psoriasis (three percent of the entire population), many of whom use diet and exercise to manage flare-ups, but at the same time, strenuous exercise can also trigger symptoms.
One woman who maintains an active lifestyle, who shared her personal psoriasis story on Healthline, says she manages her psoriasis but admits it’s not always easy.
“At the time of my diagnosis, I was 15 years old and involved in a busy schedule of extracurricular activities. I played varsity lacrosse, took jazz and tap-dancing classes, and danced on my high school kickline team. And I didn’t want to quit any of it. It was a challenge to learn how to coexist with my psoriasis while keeping up all the activities I loved.” She continues, “My packed schedule definitely kept me on my toes. I also think it played a big part in helping me keep my psoriasis under control.”
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Her story reflects those who have or desire an active lifestyle but may feel limited in the types of exercise they can do without worsening psoriasis outbreaks.
An expert who does cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City explains in an interview with LIVESTRONG.com (paraphrased), “The type of exercise you do can be more or less painful for your skin, depending on where your psoriasis is located on your body.”
For example, if you like to swim, the chlorine in a pool can dry your skin, making it more prone to flare-ups, while running or jogging can rub your skin together, causing chafing and inflammation.
This three-step skin routine post-workout will help you combat psoriasis flare-ups while keeping an active lifestyle.
1. Take a brief shower.
Showering too often can dry the skin and cause psoriasis flare-ups, but if you exercise every day, that can be challenging.
Taking a brief shower (under 10 minutes) in lukewarm water will keep the inside air from drying out, so keep your bathroom door closed.
And when drying off, blot or pat your skin gently with a clean towel to avoid extra friction, focusing on avoiding agitated areas where you may have itchy or painful psoriasis patches.
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2. Use a mild soap or body wash.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), soaps that have alcohol, alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), retinoids, and fragrances should be avoided, as should any other unnatural ingredients that can dry out your skin’s natural oils.
Use a gentle, hydrating cleanser or soap that won’t strip the skin or disrupt the skin’s outer layer, or look for products that have been thoroughly researched to treat your skin disorder.
3. Apply a hydrating moisturizer.
As soon as you have dried off, apply a hydrating moisturizer to your entire body – doctors recommend doing so within five minutes of your shower. This will lock in hydration and prevent dryness, which triggers flare-ups.
Avoid moisturizers with fragrances or other harsh ingredients (same as with shower cleansers).
Look for lotions or natural oils that hydrate and repair the skin. Quick research will reveal which products, natural oils, and psoriasis-specific products will aid you.
