Best Exercises When You Have Atopic Dermatitis

Working out keeps you healthy, but when you have atopic dermatitis (AD), sweat and a change in body temperature can also trigger a flare-up. How can you enjoy exercise but still avoid itchy, sensitive skin?

The Science Behind Sweating and Atopic Dermatitis

Sweating is like your body’s natural air conditioning — it cools it down when it gets too hot. It’s normal to sweat when you exercise or have a fever. It can also happen when you’re anxious or there’s a change in your hormones, like during menopause.

Water is the main element in sweat, and other minerals like sodium are mixed in. When you have eczema, sweat dehydrates your skin in two ways — through fluid loss and the drying effects of sodium. These things work together to set off the cycle of dry skin, itching, and scratching, all signs of an AD flare.

People who live with eczema say sweating is one of their most common itch triggers. In one small study, 96% of those surveyed said sweating made their eczema worse. As a result, you may avoid activities that make you sweat, like exercise. But there are ways to enjoy the benefits of working out without working up too much of a sweat.

Which Exercises Are Best for People With Atopic Dermatitis?

Regular exercise is one of the best ways to improve your health. It helps control your weight, lowers your chance of illnesses like heart disease and some cancers, and helps keep your brain sharp as you age. The best exercise is one that you enjoy and keeps sweat and AD flares at bay. Here are some ideas:

Low-intensity exercises

Exercises that make your heart pump hard are the ones most likely to make you sweat. Low-intensity sustained-state (LISS) exercises are workouts that keep your heart rate steady. You may sweat a little but should still be able to talk without much effort. Think about lower impact exercises or modified versions that will keep sweat to a minimum, such as:

• Walking. If you want to stay out of the sun, take a stroll at a museum, shopping mall, or another large public area.
• Swimming laps. Swimming and water aerobics are both low impact and good for your heart, joints, flexibility, and strength. If chlorine irritates your skin, you can try applying a layer of moisturizer before getting in the pool. Be sure to shower right away when you get out. If you can, ask someone on staff at the pool when the chlorine is usually added to the water, and see if you can schedule your swim at a time when most of it has evaporated. Be sure to avoid water with chlorine if it irritates your skin.
• Strength training. You can use your body weight (pushups, pullups, crunches, leg squats), free weights, weight machines, or resistance bands.
• Yoga. Focus on gentle styles of yoga, like Hatha.
• Tai chi. This form of exercise includes slow, focused movements coupled with deep breathing.