Eczema and Exercise: Managing Excessive Sweating

Although many experts emphasize that exercise is beneficial for eczema, people with this condition often feel discouraged by the idea that substances found in excessive sweating, identified by the National Institute of Health as water, urea, lactate, and minerals, can dry out and irritate the skin, triggering redness, itching, and even flare-ups.

If this challenge resonates with you as someone striving to maintain an active lifestyle, stay with us as we explore what eczema is, its types, common triggers, and the treatments available. You’ll also find practical tips to achieve your fitness goals while keeping your skin healthy and comfortable.

What Is Eczema?

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic condition characterized by dry, itchy, and inflamed patches of skin. It affects people of all ages but is particularly common in children. The exact cause of eczema remains unknown; however, it is believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Those with a family history of eczema, allergies, or asthma are at a higher risk of developing it.

For athletes, physical activity can aggravate eczema due to factors such as exposure to sweat, synthetic fabrics in sportswear, prolonged periods in moist environments like locker rooms and swimming pools, and increased perspiration during workouts. Especially without measures to alleviate these issues.

Types Of Eczema

Dermatologists classify eczema into three main types: atopic dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis, and allergic contact dermatitis. Let’s take a closer look at the defining characteristics of each:

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis, the most common form of eczema, is, as mentioned earlier, more prevalent in infants and young children, although it can persist into adolescence and adulthood. In industrialized nations, cases of atopic dermatitis have risen over the past three decades, now affecting up to 30% of children and 10% of adults worldwide.

While some individuals outgrow it, others may experience periods of remission followed by flare-ups later in life. Symptoms typically appear on the face, neck, hands, and body. In more severe cases, these areas may develop fluid-filled blisters that ooze and risk infection.

Skin irritation showcasing different types of eczema.

The condition generally progresses in cycles, alternating between active flare-ups and periods of relative calm, which makes it difficult to predict and manage over time. During flare-ups, symptoms worsen, while calmer phases leave the skin feeling dry, tight, and vulnerable to peeling or cracking.

Atopic dermatitis arises from a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors. A weakened skin barrier plays a central role, allowing irritants and allergens to penetrate more easily and triggering an overactive immune response that results in inflammation.

Irritant Contact Dermatitis

Irritant contact dermatitis presents with redness, swelling, dry patches, and itching localized to the area of contact, leading to thickened, cracked, and increasingly sensitive skin. These symptoms are most common on the hands and face, but any part of the body exposed to an irritant can be affected.

Triggers vary widely and often include harsh soaps, disinfectants, and certain chemicals encountered during activities like cleaning, gardening, or construction work. For swimmers, chlorinated pool water or cleaning agents used on sports equipment may worsen skin irritation.

Allergic contact dermatitis

This less common form of eczema is caused by an allergic reaction that occurs after repeated exposure to a specific substance, gradually sensitizing the immune system. The symptoms of allergic contact dermatitis closely resemble those of its irritant counterpart, with affected areas becoming red, swollen, and intensely itchy.

That said, the reaction can spread beyond the initial contact site and may take up to 96 hours to fully manifest, making it harder to identify the exact allergen responsible. Triggers for this condition are varied and include metals like nickel, cosmetics, fragrances, latex, or adhesives in bandages.

The affected areas often depend on the allergen's source, with common reaction sites including the neck, ears, hands, or any area exposed to the allergenic substance. For active individuals, items such as gloves, helmets, or straps may contain allergens that aggravate symptoms during use.

What’s The Link Between Excessive Sweating And Eczema?

In general, sweating is not harmful. As it evaporates, it helps the body regulate its temperature and even contains elements that inhibit the growth of germs on the skin. Unfortunately, for those with eczema, excessive sweating can worsen skin dryness, irritation, and heightened sensitivity, but that’s not all.

Woman with eczema and exercise impact on her shoulder.

Sweat can also block ducts, causing conditions like miliaria, commonly known as heat rash. This occurs when sweat becomes trapped beneath the skin. In addition, friction from damp clothing or skin rubbing during physical activities can trigger chafing and further compromise the skin's integrity.

Incorporating specific products into your daily skincare routine, such as emollient-rich moisturizers and barrier creams, helps lock in hydration and shield the skin from irritants. Antiperspirants formulated for sensitive skin are effective in managing excessive sweating without causing additional irritation.

Equally, applying a body block to fight friction during physical activities prevents chafing and preserves the skin's integrity. Don’t forget to choose the right shampoo for a sweaty scalp to manage sweat and oil buildup while maintaining the skin’s natural moisture. Soothing sprays or cooling gels offer relief during flare-ups, particularly after exercise.

Other Eczema Triggers

Eczema can be influenced by numerous external and internal factors that intensify its symptoms. Let’s explore some of the most common ones.

Allergens: Pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and certain foods provoke immune responses. Identifying and minimizing exposure to these triggers is key to managing symptoms.

Irritants: Everyday items like detergents, fragrances, and certain fabrics disrupt the skin barrier, exacerbating eczema. Choosing gentle, fragrance-free options and wearing soft, breathable materials helps reduce irritation.

Climate and Humidity: Cold, dry weather dehydrates the skin, while hot, humid conditions may increase sweating. Maintaining stable indoor humidity levels and protecting the skin from harsh weather mitigate these effects.

Stress: Emotional stress is a common trigger. Techniques like mindfulness, meditation, or physical activities promote relaxation and may lessen the impact.

Diet: Common culprits include dairy, nuts, and gluten. Keeping a food diary and consulting a healthcare professional assists in eliminating dietary triggers.

Eczema Treatments

Skincare Regimen: Regular moisturizing is fundamental in eczema care. Applying emollient-rich creams or ointments immediately after bathing retains moisture and restores the skin's barrier function. Remember to choose gentle, fragrance-free cleansers to minimize irritation.

Topical Treatments: For active flare-ups, topical corticosteroids are commonly prescribed to reduce inflammation and itching. These treatments vary in potency and should be used under medical supervision to avoid potential side effects. If corticosteroids are ineffective or unsuitable, topical calcineurin inhibitors serve as alternatives.

Phototherapy: Exposure to controlled ultraviolet (UV) light benefits individuals with moderate to severe eczema by reducing inflammation and decreasing reliance on topical medications. This treatment requires consistent sessions and professional monitoring.

Systemic Medications: For severe cases unresponsive to topical treatments, systemic options like oral corticosteroids or immunosuppressants are sometimes required. These treatments suppress the immune system to control symptoms but carry a risk of side effects, making careful medical oversight crucial.

Biologic Therapies: Advancements in eczema care have introduced biologic drugs that target specific components of the immune system involved in the condition. Often reserved for severe cases, these are administered via injection under specialist care.

Collaborating with healthcare providers to create a personalized treatment plan helps manage eczema effectively while minimizing risks.

Tips For Managing Sweat With Eczema

Stay Hydrated Before And After Exercise

Proper hydration helps regulate body temperature and supports overall skin health. It is recommended to drink water a few hours before starting your workout and to stay hydrated during exercise.

If you’re exercising outdoors, always carry one or more bottles of water to drink or use for cooling down your body. At the gym, sip water every 10 to 20 minutes. Rehydration is just as important after exercise, so aim to consume water within 30 minutes post-workout and continue throughout the day.

Wear Loose, Cotton Clothing

If possible, choose loose-fitting clothing made of 100% cotton to absorb moisture and keep you comfortable during exercise. While tight-fitting apparel made from synthetic materials like polyester and nylon is trendy, it can cause friction and trap heat, which is less than ideal for those with eczema. Take care when selecting workout attire.

Group practicing low-impact exercise in a yoga class.

Go For Low-Impact Workouts During Eczema Flare

In case of eczema flare-ups, it’s best to reduce the intensity of your workout and try activities like yoga, pilates, or tai chi. This way, you can stay active, strengthen your muscles, and minimize excessive sweating and overheating.

Remember to listen to your body at all times and adjust exercise intensity accordingly, maintaining consistent activity without compromising skin health. Don’t hesitate to seek guidance from an instructor who can provide a personalized workout routine tailored to your needs.

Exercise In A Cool Place

Do you go to a gym? Make sure it is well-ventilated, or position yourself near a fan. Prefer working out outdoors? Bring a portable fan, and consider exercising early in the morning or at night when temperatures are typically lower. Practical strategies to cool your skin effectively after a workout, such as using cold compression wraps or cooling towels, can soothe irritation and prevent itching.

Take Lukewarm Or Cool Showers After Exercise

A shower after exercise helps remove sweat; however, individuals with eczema must avoid hot water at all costs, as it can strip the skin of natural oils and cause both dryness and irritation. Another important point is to always carry your eczema care products with you so they can be used before and after any physical activity.

Post-shower, gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel, leaving it slightly damp. Of course, your skincare routine should include an after workout body wash specifically formulated for sensitive skin, as well as other solutions we've mentioned throughout the blog, such as a moisturizer.

While sweating is inevitable, applying the tips we’ve shared can make exercise less of a hassle and turn it into an enjoyable activity that benefits your body. At Avanza Skin, we understand that people with active lifestyles need specialized skincare options. That’s why we strive to create products with formulas designed to help you maintain healthy skin, regardless of what sport you practice. Explore our catalog and start your tailored skincare journey today.