How to Exercise Comfortably with Eczema or Psoriasis: A Guide to Staying Active Even During Flares

If you have eczema or psoriasis, you might feel a little nervous about working out. You’re not alone—one study found that 30% of psoriasis patients ceased physical activity because of their symptoms. 

Based on this Reddit thread and others, those with eczema experience hesitancy around working out, too. However, it’s important you continue to move your body, as exercise benefits just about every aspect of your health, including your skin health. 

“Exercise is the single best thing you can do for your body,” says Dr. Rachel Day, MD, Lead Dermatologist at Zest. “Through low-impact workouts, good skincare habits, and consulting with a specialized dermatologist to get a treatment plan that works for you, you can exercise without causing your skin to flare.” 

How does exercise affect eczema and psoriasis?

Eczema and psoriasis are conditions of a weakened skin barrier—that is, the outer layer of skin that’s supposed to protect you from harmful bacteria, microorganisms, chemicals, and other irritants. 

A weakened skin barrier also reduces your skin’s ability to retain moisture. When you exercise, sweat evaporates from your skin, and a salty, dehydrating residue is left behind. This can further dry out your skin and damage the skin barrier, leading to flares. 

Another potentially triggering factor is where you’re exercising. Some people’s symptoms are triggered by outdoor allergens. On the other hand, for some, indoor artificial heating can dry out and irritate the skin. 

But make no mistake, while there are possible triggers connected to working out, that doesn’t mean it should be avoided. 

Research on the association between eczema and exercise is limited, but when it comes to psoriasis, research has shown that physical activity can reduce symptoms. 

What’s more, exercise is a major stress reliever. Why does this matter for eczema and psoriasis? Stress is one of the biggest triggers of flares for both conditions. So, exercise can actually improve your symptoms in more ways than one.

“There are direct and indirect impacts that exercise has on chronic inflammatory conditions like eczema and psoriasis,” says Dr. Day. “But no matter what, in the big picture, it’s definitely good for you and your skin.”

In this reel from the National Eczema Society, therapist and chronic illness specialist, Summer Forlenza, discusses the relationship between eczema and stress. 

What are the best workouts for eczema and psoriasis flares?

So, what can you do if you’re in the middle of an eczema or psoriasis flare but still want to reap the benefits of exercise? 

The safest workouts for your skin are going to be low-impact ones. You can’t completely avoid the natural bodily process of sweating, but you can minimize it. 

Here are some popular low-impact exercises to turn to:

• Yoga: Gentle movements and breathing exercises reduce stress and promote flexibility.
• Swimming: The cool water can soothe irritated skin, but if you’re using a chlorine-treated pool, be sure to shower the chemicals off right after.
• Pilates: Strengthens core muscles while keeping sweat levels manageable.
• Walking: A low-intensity and accessible way to stay active.
• Strength training: Focus on slower, controlled movements to build muscle while limiting sweat buildup.
• Planks and squats: Effective for building strength without excessive sweating—and no equipment is necessary.

However, it’s important to know that your exercise choices shouldn’t be dictated by your skin condition forever. “If your workout routine is being limited by what your skin does or doesn’t tolerate, then you're not optimally managed. We shouldn't adjust the vigorousness of exercise, we should make sure that we're addressing the level of severity of your disease.”

Need a personalized treatment plan that actually works? Zest has you covered with next-day appointments and 24/7 messaging support.

How to care for your skin before, during, and after exercise

You can also avoid exercise-induced skin aggravation with the right pre- and post-workout skincare routine.

These are good habits to get into for anyone with sensitive skin, whether or not you’re currently experiencing an eczema or psoriasis flare.

Here’s what you can do to support your skin barrier and avoid irritation:

Before exercise

• Moisturize: Apply a fragrance-free, emollient-rich moisturizer to lock in moisture and protect your skin from sweat irritation. Dr. Day recommends a moisturizer containing dimethicone.
• Choose breathable clothing: Wear loose-fitting, natural fabrics like cotton or bamboo to reduce friction and allow your skin to breathe. Even though you might be tempted to cover up all your rashes and plaques, trade pants and long sleeves for shorts and short sleeves when possible.
• Plan your workout environment: If outdoor allergens bother you, opt for indoor workouts. Conversely, if dry indoor air irritates your skin, head outside.

During exercise

• Take breaks: Pause periodically to pat your skin dry with a clean towel and hydrate with water.
• Be mindful of your movements: Avoid excessive rubbing or scratching if your skin feels itchy.
• Use a fan: Having a fan nearby when exercising indoors can help keep your skin cool. Have one on hand at home, stay beneath a ceiling fan at the gym, or get a small handheld fan you can carry around with you.
• Adjust your intensity: Listen to your body—if you’re overheating, scale back to a slower pace.

After exercise

• Shower promptly: Wash off sweat with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser, and avoid hot water, which can strip your skin of moisture. If you can’t shower right away, use cleansing wipes or sprays to clean problem areas like your face, neck, and underarms.
• Moisturize again: Reapply a rich moisturizer immediately after showering to restore hydration.
• Change clothes immediately: Don’t linger in damp workout gear; switch to clean, dry clothing to prevent irritation.
• Don’t rewear your gym clothes before washing them. Rather than putting your clothes in your gym bag and putting them back on the next day, always wear clothes that have been washed between workouts. This avoids any lingering dampness or bacteria.

When to see a dermatologist

Like Dr. Day explained, if your desired workout routine is being altered at all because of your eczema or psoriasis symptoms, it might be time for an updated treatment plan.

A specialized dermatologist can help you identify all potential triggers and get to know your unique skin as you work together to formulate a plan that adequately addresses your needs.

Whether it’s through a new prescription, a more rigorous skincare routine, a lifestyle adjustment, or a combination of all three, you can get to a place where your eczema or psoriasis no longer calls the shots.

Get help taking your life back from eczema or psoriasis with specialized, comprehensive dermatology care. Book a free discovery call to learn how Zest can help.