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 over-active immune system that speeds up cell growth as related.
It’s not contagious and is usually triggered by external triggers (varies 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 which use diet and exercise to manage flare-ups but at the same time, strenuous exercising 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 is reflective of those who have or desire an active lifestyle but may have felt limited in the types of exercises they can do while not making it worse for 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 cause your skin to rub together, causing chafing and inflammation.
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This 3-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 on your skin, focusing to avoid agitating 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 on your entire body – doctors recommend within five minutes post-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 and natural oils and psoriasis-specific products will aid you.
