Why Working Out Can Make Your Eczema Worse And What to Do About It
Exercise is great for your body and mind. But if you have eczema, working out can be a challenge. The sweat, heat, and friction can trigger flare-ups that leave your skin itchy, red, and irritated. That doesn't mean you have to skip the gym. You just need to understand how eczema and exercise are connected, and how to keep your skin calm while staying active.
Why Does Working Out Trigger Eczema?
If your skin flares up after a workout, you're not imagining things. Eczema and exercise can be a tricky mix. Here's why:
- Sweat: Your body releases salt through sweat. That salt can dry out your skin and make it sting.
- Heat: Warm temperatures increase blood flow, which can make inflamed skin look and feel worse.
- Friction: Tight clothes or repetitive movements can rub your skin raw, especially in areas like elbows, underarms, or knees.
- Stress: Exercise can be a stress reliever, but if you're pushing too hard, it might do the opposite.
So, does sweating make eczema worse? For many people, yes. But it’s not the sweat itself. It’s how your skin reacts to the sweat, heat, and rubbing. The good news is there are ways to manage it.
How to Exercise with Eczema Without Triggering a Flare-Up
You don’t have to give up your workouts. Instead, focus on smart changes that reduce your risk of irritation. Here are some simple tips for working out with eczema:
1. Choose the Right Workout
Some exercises are gentler on your skin than others. Low-impact workouts cause less sweating and friction. Try:
- Swimming in salt-free, chlorine-light pools
- Yoga or Pilates in a cool room
- Walking or light cycling outdoors during cooler times of day
If high-intensity workouts are your thing, just take extra care to manage your skin before, during, and after you sweat.
2. Wear Breathable, Soft Clothing
What you wear matters. Tight or rough fabrics can trap sweat and rub your skin the wrong way. Go for:
- Moisture-wicking, breathable fabrics (like bamboo or soft cotton blends)
- Loose-fitting clothes that let air flow
- Seamless designs to reduce rubbing and pressure
Change out of sweaty clothes as soon as you're done. Letting sweat sit on your skin can make things worse.
3. Prep Your Skin Before You Move
Healthy skin starts before your workout. Try this routine:
- Moisturize with a fragrance-free barrier cream 30 minutes before exercise
- Use anti-chafe balms on areas prone to rubbing
- Skip harsh deodorants or body sprays that can irritate sensitive areas
This creates a protective layer that helps reduce sweat eczema flare-ups during activity.
4. Keep Your Body Cool
Managing eczema triggers during workouts often means keeping your temperature down. Here’s how:
- Exercise in cooler environments when possible
- Use a fan or cool towel during breaks
- Drink cold water throughout your workout
Cooling your body reduces the heat that can make your skin react.
After the Workout: Sweat Eczema Treatment Steps
What you do after exercise is just as important. If you get an eczema flare-up after a workout, follow this post-exercise skincare routine:
1. Shower Soon After
Don’t let sweat sit on your skin. Shower with lukewarm water and a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser. Avoid scrubbing. Pat your skin dry with a soft towel.
2. Moisturize Immediately
Apply a thick, soothing moisturizer right after your shower. This helps lock in hydration and calm your skin.
3. Soothe Any Flare Areas
If you see redness or feel itching, a cool compress or over-the-counter eczema cream with ingredients like colloidal oatmeal or magnesium can help.
What If You Still Get Flare-Ups?
Even with the right steps, eczema and exercise might still clash sometimes. If you notice a pattern, keep a workout journal to track what triggers your skin. Look for things like:
- Specific types of workouts (like hot yoga or spin class)
- Changes in weather or indoor temperature
- New fabrics or gear
This can help you make better choices to protect your skin next time.
When to Talk to a Dermatologist
Sometimes, eczema flare-ups after workouts don’t go away on their own. If you’ve tried all the tips above and still struggle with painful rashes, see a dermatologist. You may be dealing with:
- Exercise rash eczema that needs prescription treatment
- Secondary infections from open or scratched skin
- Other skin conditions that look like eczema but aren’t
A skincare expert can help you find the right treatment plan so you can stay active without hurting your skin.
Quick Takeaways: Workout Tips for Eczema Sufferers
- Sweat and heat can make eczema worse, but you can still exercise safely
- Choose low-impact workouts and avoid overheating
- Wear breathable clothing and change out of it as soon as possible
- Prep and protect your skin with moisturizer and anti-friction balms
- Shower and moisturize after to prevent flare-ups
- Track triggers to better understand what works for your skin
Bottom Line: You Don’t Have to Quit Exercise
Living with eczema doesn’t mean giving up the things you love. It just means learning what your skin needs to stay calm and clear. By understanding how to prevent eczema from sweating and managing eczema triggers during workouts, you can keep moving without the itch.
Take care of your skin before, during, and after you work out. Use gentle skincare, stay cool, and listen to your body. With the right steps, exercise can be part of your eczema care routine not a cause of flare-ups.