Can Sweating Worsen My Psoriasis?
Does sweating increase psoriasis? It depends on the individual; for some, it is not a trigger for their psoriasis. Sweat alone will not necessarily make my condition worse, but the heat, salt, and friction that come with sweating can irritate the inflamed skin.
Imagine this scenario: it's the summer, you're sweating in your tight shirt, and psoriasis flares up at the worst possible moment. What is happening with you?
Why Sweat Can Cause Trouble
Sweat is basically just water with salt and both are harmless in themselves. However, problems start appearing when the sweat comes in contact with already inflamed skin. The salt stings broken skin and moisture under the sweat makes itchy skin more uncomfortable. Clothes rubbing the skin can also trigger the Koebner phenomenon which means that an injury or irritation causes another lesion. The article Weigle and McBane published in American Family Physician (2013) mentions skin trauma as one of triggers.
There is another interesting fact, which contradicts this statement. According to a study performed by Frankel et al. (2012), which was published in Archives of Dermatology, the risk of developing acne is lower in women, who do more intense exercises. It shows that the problem is not sweating itself. It's the things which happen after exercise.
Sweat vs. Stress: Know Your Suspects
Trigger | What it does | Humor level
Sweating | skin irritates and stingy | Salty and sassy
Tight, scratchy clothes | Friction, possible new patches | Fashion crime
Stress | Linked to flares (Fortune et al., 2002) | The sneaky one
Showering after a workout | Calms the body down | Hero in a towel
Speaking about the other cause of stress, Fortune and colleagues published the article in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research (2002), which showed the connection between the psychological stress and poor outcome of the disease. Thus, if you're sweating due to the stress in the meeting, this also counts.
Everyday Habits That Help
There are some Home tips for healthy skin that you can do almost while sleeping:
- Take shower immediately after exercise, using lukewarm water
- Pat your skin dry, do not scrub it vigorously.
- Choose comfortable, loose and breathable garments
- Moisturize your skin immediately while it's still damp.
- Carry an extra shirt in your bag for the gym day
How about Ayurveda?
Many people search for the Psoriasis Ayurvedic treatment in addition to the traditional methods of healing. Ayurveda considers all body functions, digestion and daily routine, but not only the affected areas. An Ayurvedic practitioner, Dr. Puneet Dhawan, usually mentions this comprehensive approach.
You will be offered many options for treatment of psoriasis with herbs according to Ayurveda. Some popular examples are neem, giloy, manjistha, turmeric and aloe vera. The best herbs for psoriasis treatment in Ayurveda may include these herbs, but there is ongoing research on them, so consider them as helpers, not miracles. However, before starting taking any of them, it's better to consult the doctor because skin can be very sensitive to different herbs.
Diet and sleep are important factors for your skin health. Eating a lot of spicy and fried food and not getting enough sleep will not help. It seems your mom was right when she used to tell you to go to bed early.
Quick Do's and Don'ts
- Do shower and moisturize your skin after physical activity
- Choose breathable fabrics
- Do not scratch your plaques, although it may be tempting.
- Do not ignore your doctor's recommendations just because you have read something online.
The Bottom Line
Therefore, to answer the main question: Sweat sometimes triggers the plaques in some patients, but it is usually the mechanical irritations, not the sweat itself that causes the skin problems. There is no need to abandon physical activities, but it is important to take proper care of your skin after exercise. Karma Ayurveda for natural psoriasis treatment is an example of a place that offers natural ways to cure psoriasis, if that is the choice you make. No matter what you decide, it is always better to be consistent in taking care of yourself rather than to worry a lot.
Key Takeaways
- Sweat irritates the skin and can be a trigger for a new flare.
- There are two troublemakers: friction and moisture
- Regular exercise can reduce the risk.
- Wash and moisturise
- It can be a trigger too
- Herbal remedies are another option for people who prefer this method, but check it with professionals before doing so.
FAQ
Does sweating worsen psoriasis?
Sometimes, especially when the salt or rubbing bothers already annoyed skin.
Should I give up exercising due to psoriasis?
No. Only shower and moisturiser afterward, and your skin will be grateful.
Is hot weather bad for psoriasis?
Yes, some people have such issues, while others don't. So, the state of one's skin does have something to do with it.
Disclaimer
This blog is for general information only and isn't medical advice. Psoriasis varies from person to person, so please consult a qualified doctor or dermatologist before changing your treatment, trying herbs, or starting any new skincare routine. Never ignore professional advice because of something you read online.
