Tackle Eczema from Exercise

On the surface of the skin exists an oily barrier, and if this is cracked, the result is dry and sensitive skin. Genes, allergies, premature aging, or excessive sun bathing can all lead to cracks in that protective layer.

Skin irritants such as cold temperature, artificial clothing, and chemical ingredients contained in most hair care products and skin creams become a bigger threat to the skin when its structure is weakened.

Skin diseases such as dermatitis, psoriasis, rashes, rosacea and eczema are also a threat when the skin structure is weakened.

Eczema

Skin that is dry, itchy, scaly and red is attributed to eczema. Eczema affects between 10 - 20% of the world's people. There are people, especially children, who report extreme pain from eczema and an overwhelming desire to scratch their affected skin. Oozing pus infected pustules can be a result of the worst cases of eczema. Unfortunately for some, permanent skin damage can occur from eczema.

Eczema and Sports

People with eczema seem to suffer more when working out. In high humidity climates the effects are even worse.

Sweating is a natural reaction of the body as it helps to reduce its temperature when it gets too heated. Eczema is triggered by sweat because of the salt which dehydrates the skin.

There are more factors in sports that irritate the skin:

- Team sports t-shirts: they are often made of synthetic materials

- Hot showers after doing exercise: the hot water dries the skin further

- Showering with chemical based shampoo and soap: chemicals dry the skin

- Swimming pools full of chlorine: irritates the skin

- Locker Rooms: the bacteria and microorganisms found in here can cause infections in already damaged skin

- Lessened skin care: not showering enough after sweating or showering too many times in one day can also cause skin damage

Dry Skin Relief

1. Lessen the amount of time you spend exercising.

2. Do physical activity, like yoga, that does not produce too much sweat.

3. Do your exercise in places that are ventilated and low in humidity.

4. Apply only natural skin care products to your skin. These types of products will impede further irritation.

A major option to relieve your skin without giving up sports and body fitness is the permanent use of natural products.

The key to natural skin care is all natural yet potent ingredients. For dry skin relief choose products with naturally moisturizing elements such as rose hip oil. Known in South America for decades as 'rosa mosqueta', rose hip oil has been used to moisturize the driest skin. An excellent choice for an eczema treatment would include rose hip oil and a regenerative substance to stimulate new cell growth in damaged skin. Choose wisely when looking at all natural skin care products, not all of them work.

- Grant Ferns