Introduction:
Can psoriasis patients play sports? – “Is it okay for me to continue playing sports while I have psoriasis?” (Some people worry about how much their psoriasis can affect their ability to participate in sports). It can be very concerning for younger athletes who do not want their psoriatic condition to affect their ability to play sports.
There is nothing that can hold a person back from enjoying sports because they have psoriasis. Actually being physically active can benefit your entire well-being and may help control the psoriasis symptoms. The important factor here is knowing how your skin will react when you are active and taking the necessary precautions.
A real-life case from my patient:
A 22-year-old college athlete (a football player who had started his college career) came to me for an appointment after playing for about 3 months. His main complaint was:
- “I am getting irritated by sweat from playing football since my skin starts to sting from sweat.”
- “My clothes cause irritation on my skin due to my skin having psoriasis.”
- “I am feeling embarrassed when I am with my teammates.”
Instead of telling the patient he could no longer participate in football, I encouraged him to manage his triggers (sweat, clothes friction, self-image) and continue playing football.
After about 30 days, he no longer experienced irritation and confidence increased as he continued to play football without experiencing flare-ups.
This approach to managing your psoriasis will help you be able to enjoy your sport? Adapt to your triggers, do not avoid playing the sport.
1. Select the correct sports wear
Friction is one of the most important aspects of playing sports. When tight, rough fabric rubs on your skin, it can cause irritation to your psoriatic plaques. I generally suggest:
- Wear cotton or other breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics that are loose fitting
- Avoid wearing rough seams & tight elastic areas of your clothing
- Wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing can greatly decrease skin irritability.
2. Control excessive sweating
Sweating while you participate in a sporting event is perfectly normal, however, some people with psoriasis may experience some stinging or itching when sweating.
I usually recommend:
- Take breaks frequently to wipe off the sweat as necessary
- Shower as soon after exercising as possible
- Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser to clean the skin
- Keeping your skin clean will help prevent skin irritation and will help control the chances of having a psoriasis flare-up.
3. Apply moisturizing creams prior and post activity
This is often not considered by most athletes as an integral part of their pre and post-exercise routine.
Applying a thin coat of moisturizer:
- Before exercising → to help to protect your skin from the harmful effects of friction
- After exercising → to provide moisture back to the skin
Using any natural oil as well as creams your dermatologist recommends will usually work well.
4. Stay hydrated during training
Your body may not have enough water to keep its organs working effectively, often leaving very little for your skin, making it dry. Reminding patients that your skin can show signs of dehydration.
Hydrating before, during, and after any type of physical activity keeps your skin hydrated.
5. Be cautious with exposure to the sun
Outdoor sports mean more sun exposure; the benefits of sunlight are often outweighed by the negative effects of sun exposure. The proper amount of sunlight exposure will help improve psoriasis, while too much sun will trigger psoriasis to worsen.
- If you are participating in any outdoor event early in the morning or late in the evening.
- Use sunscreen on areas not affected by psoriasis.
- Avoid long periods of time in harsh sunlight.
Finding a balance of sun exposure is the key to improving psoriasis symptoms.
6. Manage stress and performance.
Although sports are very beneficial to your body, they can be very stressful:
Stress is one of the top causes of psoriasis.
There are many ways that can help reduce some of the stress from the mental aspects of sports, such as:
- taking deep breaths prior to all competitions,
- being relaxed mentally,
- trying not to focus on how your skin looks and being confident in your overall self.
7. Stick to your skin care routine
Routine over a high-level use of products.
An example of a basic routine would include:
- Gentle cleansing
- Moisturizing daily
- Avoid using harsh products
Athletes who follow only one of the above steps often experience fewer flares.
8. Eating to Keep Your Skin Active
Like your muscles need nutrition when playing sports, so does your skin require the same kind of food to be healthy.
Foundational recommendations:
- Anti-inflammatory foods such as fruits, vegetables, and omega 3s.
- Limit processed and sugary foods
- A balanced diet helps maintain good athletic performance and helps your skin recover.
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Conclusion:
Sports and psoriasis can coexist harmoniously. Many of my patients often hear me say: “Psoriasis does not limit you; how you treat your psoriasis does.” Ultimately, while taking risk, you can continue to be:
- An active participant
- Confident in themselves
- In charge of their bodies
In summary, living with psoriasis doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy life as before; rather you just have to work together with your body to be able to enjoy all life has to offer.
FAQs
1. Can I play sports if I have psoriasis?
Yes, absolutely. With proper care, sports can even benefit your overall health.
2. Does sweating worsen psoriasis?
Sweat can cause temporary irritation, but proper hygiene and care can prevent flare-ups.
3. Which sports are best for people with psoriasis?
Low-friction activities like swimming, yoga, and cycling are often more comfortable.
4. Should I avoid swimming pools?
Chlorine may irritate some people, but moisturizing afterward usually helps.
5. Can injuries trigger psoriasis?
Yes, due to the Koebner phenomenon, skin injuries can lead to new patches.
6. How do I prevent flare-ups during sports?
Wear proper clothing, stay hydrated, moisturize, and manage stress effectively.
Written by –
This article is written by Dr. R. S. Sonawane.
M.D. (Homeopathy), DI (Homeopathy), London
Psoriasis Specialist Doctor in India
Dr. R. S. Sonawane is India’s first Homeopathic Psoriasis Specialist, with over 39 years of dedicated experience in treating psoriasis and related chronic skin conditions using a holistic, patient-focused approach. He holds advanced training in homeopathy and has helped tens of thousands of patients achieve long-term relief from psoriasis through personalized, immune-balancing treatment plans designed to address the root cause of the condition rather than just symptoms.
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