Can I Play Sports With Psoriasis?

In the United States, 3.2% of the population suffers from psoriasis. It is an autoimmune skin ailment that results in plaques, or crusty, flaky spots, on the skin’s surface. On light skin, these plaques might be red, but on darker complexion, they might be purple or violet.

It impacts the knees, neck, elbows, hands, and feet. A person’s illness may fluctuate between active phases, known as flares, and dormant stages, known as remissions. The severity of a person’s symptoms can vary based on their type of psoriasis.Psoriasis patients are also more likely to develop arthritis, depression, diabetes, and heart disease. If you are wondering about the link between exercise and psoriasis, keep on reading this article.

Why it is important to stay active when you have psoriasis

When you have psoriasis, staying active is crucial for enhancing both your general physical and mental health. Being overweight can exacerbate your psoriasis symptoms and increase the frequency and severity of flare-ups. According to the experts, any psoriasis treatment regimen should involve good nutrition and regular exercise. Sports can be included in this activity, from individual pursuits like jogging and bicycling to team competitions.

But whether you have psoriasis or not, not all forms of exercise are created equal when it comes to maintaining a healthy weight. Walking will not be sufficient for weight loss or maximizing your protection against psoriasis flare-ups. Sports like tennis, basketball, swimming, cycling, and running (at least 5 miles per hour) are the most efficient.

In addition, several other health problems like diabetes, cancer, metabolic syndrome, fatty liver disease, heart disease, and high blood pressure are linked to psoriasis. Participating in an active sport will lessen the possibility of comorbidities while lowering your risk for many of these health issues and improving overall health. Aerobic exercise and weight loss can also assist.

Additionally, according to a piece that appeared in the October 2018 issue of the EMJ, people with psoriasis have a 31 percent higher risk of anxiety than people without skin conditions. According to the authors, exercise raises endorphins, a hormone that naturally elevates mood, while decreasing levels of adrenaline and cortisol, the body’s stress hormones.

Additionally, roughly 30% of those who have psoriasis go on to develop psoriatic arthritis, and exercises like swimming, biking, and jogging can help keep your muscles and joints flexible.

Because you can play sports and perform various exercises even if you have psoriasis, but your safety should come fast. Here is how to be safe when indulging in sports and exercise if you have psoriasis

Know what you shouldn’t do

Avoid activities that make your discomfort or flare up generally. Exercises or sports with low impact and intensity, such as a leisurely walk or bike ride, may be more suitable.

A lot of sweat can cause symptoms. Hot yoga and other exercises that make you sweat a lot should be avoided. Sweating is a trigger that makes the symptoms of inverse psoriasis worse. It affects regions where the skin folds.

As a result, some people endure stress. Stress frequently makes psoriasis worse, according to a dependable source. Excessive exercise, cardio, or workouts with higher intensities can cause the body to respond to stress.

Higher-intensity exercise is not suitable for everyone because overexertion might worsen symptoms. But those who effectively control their symptoms might be able to withstand more demanding exercises like running and high-intensity interval training (HIIT).

Exercises with a high impact that place too much strain on already-weakened joints should be avoided by those with psoriatic arthritis. Instead, they can choose low-impact sports like cycling and swimming.

Select appropriate attire.

During workouts, wearing tight clothing can exacerbate skin sensitivity, irritate the skin, and aggravate psoriasis patches. Loose, airy garments and textiles that drain away moisture encourage it to evaporate quickly.

Be consistent

Instead of focusing on duration, aim for consistency and regularity. Walking to run errands and choosing the stairs over the elevator are examples of physical activity.People may change their routine and concentrate on flexibility and range of motion exercises if they feel tense or stiff.

Check out your sports equipment.

Another thing to think about for those with psoriasis is sports equipment. Helmets, shin guards, and other hard protective equipment that rubs or chafes the skin might be problematic. To ensure proper fit, ensure your helmet and other athletic equipment are adjustable.

Put some barrier cream on.

Applying something like zinc oxide is appropriate to keep moisture out of regions where plaques can form and harm your comfort during gaming. This includes your hands if your sport requires you to wear gloves and your feet, groin, and other regions. You can also use top psoriasis shampoo.

Hydrate

Sweating and moisture loss from the skin are possible effects of sports or exercise. Proper hydration should be used to replace lost fluids, as this can keep the skin moisturized and help those with psoriasis avoid flare-ups.

Keep up with your psoriasis treatment schedule.

Most importantly, your dermatologist can control your symptoms, treat your plaques, and lessen your skin sensitivity. Get your psoriasis under control before you fire a shot or swim a lap. Adhering to your treatment plan can help get your skin ready for the field of play and protect it from harm.

Read more:-https://networkustad.com/2022/07/03/5-sports-watches-you-need-to-check-out-this-season/