Psoriasis and sport - helping you relax: movement and rest
FIRST OF ALL: SPORT AND EXERCISE HELP KEEP US HEALTHY – EVEN WITH LONG-TERM IMPAIRMENTS AND CONDITIONS LIKE PSORIASIS. Among other things, sport reduces the risk of metabolic disorders and has a positive effect on our mental health. Sport also directly counteracts stress – one of the most important triggers of psoriasis flare-ups.
Living with psoriasis is unique. Many things that most people wouldn’t think twice about are minor challenges for psoriasis sufferers – including sport. The good news is that with a couple of useful tips, you too can improve your health and how your body feels through sport and exercise.
Many sports really challenge our body’s performance. This doesn’t just mean the lungs, heart, joints, ligaments, and muscles. Your skin is also put under extra stress.
To ensure that beneficial and fun exercise and sport doesn't make your skin condition worse, you should wear loose and breathable clothing to prevent chafing and overheating. For strenuous sport, special sports clothing made from technical fibers can be a good alternative because damp cotton clothing is more prone to cause chafing. Applying a cream before you exercise can also help protect the affected areas. Make sure to use appropriate sun protection on any areas of psoriasis not covered by your clothes.
Another thing to remember is that skin affected by psoriasis is easily damaged. You should definitely be aware of this if you play a sport with a high risk of injury (i.e. due to physical contact), such as football or handball. Therefore, contact sports and many martial arts are generally less suitable – especially if real fighting is involved.
A third piece of advice concerns water sports.
Depending on where you practice the sport, other effects may come into play. Water treated with chlorine can have a negative effect on your psoriasis, and irritate or dry out your skin. On the other hand, most psoriasis sufferers find salt and brine water soothing. It is best to dry your wet skin by patting it gently with a towel to avoid irritation.
Exercise and sport are also a definite recommendation for people with psoriatic arthritis – not least to improve joint function and maintain joint mobility. Only sports that put a lot of stress on the joints should be avoided.
Cycling, hiking, and cross-country skiing are recommended.
IN SHORT: Sport and psoriasis go well together. Sport helps you and your psoriasis, and keeps you healthy. So don’t let it stop you, exercise as much and as often as you like – but most of all: Have fun!
EXTRA TIP: If your psoriasis does not tolerate your favorite sport (any more) – stop it for a while and try something new. In life it’s never too late for new sporting discoveries and challenges.