If you have psoriasis , you probably know the importance of physical activity. Regular exercise decreases the risk of many chronic conditions that are linked to the inflammatory skin condition, including heart disease, obesity, depression, and type 2 diabetes.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976294a60c2bf-3bbc-47a6-82df-547b6e47f44c It’s not by accident that swimming is the exercise of choice for many people with psoriasis. Unlike other types of cardio like running and biking, it won’t leave you sweaty or create friction, both of which can exacerbate your psoriasis. Swimming is also a full-body workout that builds cardiovascular endurance, improves joint flexibility, and reduces stress — all good things for controlling your psoriasis and improving your overall health. If you’re lucky enough to take your swims at the beach, you’ve probably noticed it improves your skin. “People with psoriasis almost always report improvement in their psoriasis after a visit to the beach, says Elizabeth Hughes, MD , a board-certified dermatologist at Hughes Clinic Dermatologic Care in San Antonio, Texas. That’s likely caused by a combination of ocean water, sunlight , and stress relief from relaxing by the waves, she says. But for all its benefits, swimming can also cause issues that may negatively impact your psoriasis. Salt water, fresh water, and chlorinated pools can all present challenges without the proper before and after routines. Keep reading to find out how different types of water affect psoriasis, the best way to care for skin before and after taking a dip, and what to avoid to keep your skin as healthy as possible.
Salt Water and Psoriasis Salt Water As Dr. Hughes says, a beach vacation can feel like a skin reset for a host of reasons, including splashing around in the salt water. “Ocean water can gently exfoliate dead skin cells, potentially reduce inflammation in the psoriasis plaques, and may even have mild antibacterial qualities,” she says. That’s because ocean water contains minerals like magnesium, calcium, potassium, and bromide. Those minerals, combined with the 3.5 percent saline concentration, contribute to the gentle exfoliating effect, says Hughes. But the high salt concentration also draws water out of skin cells, making ocean water extremely drying. “It draws water out of skin cells and injures the natural lipid barrier on the skin,” Hughes says. So while the salty water can be helpful in some ways, it’s important to restore the moisture you’ve lost in the water, says Hughes. Best Practices for Swimming in Salt Water Before you decide to get in the ocean or sea, make sure the water is safe, says Hughes. “Beaches vary dramatically regarding their water quality and cleanliness. Apps such as Swim Guide make checking water quality easy,” she says. Levels of enterococcus (a type of bacteria) in the ocean are measured routinely to ensure safe swimming, says Hughes. “Psoriasis patients have about twice the incidence of skin infections compared with people without psoriasis or other skin issues. And psoriasis patients on biologic medications (particularly the TNF inhibitors) have an even slightly higher risk than psoriasis patients not on biologic medications,” she says. Before you go out in the sun, apply a mineral-based, reef-friendly sunscreen . “While some sun is helpful, a sunburn can trigger new psoriasis plaques,” says Hughes. After your swim, shower to wash off the salt and any bacteria, and apply a rich, fragrance-free moisturizing cream to rehydrate your skin. “If those steps are followed, skin will feel much improved at the end of a day of swimming in the ocean,” Hughes says.
Fresh Water and Psoriasis Fresh Water Natural freshwater lakes, rivers, and streams may be the least drying option for psoriasis-prone skin, according to Hughes. These bodies of water lack the salinity of the ocean and the chemical additives of pools, and that means less disruption to the skin barrier. Fresh Water Safety Tips As with salt water, educate yourself about local water quality, she says. Freshwater locations — especially warmer lakes — can carry a higher risk of bacterial contamination. Avoid swimming if you have any open cracks or lesions, which can provide an entry point for bacteria, and always shower after swimming. And although lakes and streams won’t dry out your skin out like salt water, it’s still important to follow your shower with a moisturizer.
Chlorinated Pool Water and Psoriasis Chlorinated Pool Water While chlorinated pools are less drying than ocean water, they don’t offer the same exfoliating benefits, and they can still strip the skin of natural oils, says Hughes. Hot tubs are even worse; the heated water can exacerbate dryness (and they’re hard to swim laps in). But pools have advantages, too: They’re cleaner than many natural water sources, and it’s usually easy to rinse off after swimming, she says. Tips to Keep Skin Calm After the Pool Rinse in the shower before jumping in the pool, says Hughes. This saturates the skin prior to chlorine exposure, reducing the amount of chlorine it absorbs. “Because the skin cells have soaked up the fresh water, there is no room for the chlorinated water. It’s like a barrier to the chlorine in this way,” she says. This is especially important for psoriasis patients, she adds. It’s important to take a shower after swimming in chlorinated water and moisturize immediately after patting your skin dry with a towel.
What to Wear When Swimming What to Wear When Swimming There’s no special swimsuit material or style recommended for psoriasis, but it’s a good idea to rinse your suit of choice after each use to remove chlorine or salt buildup, says Hughes. Should you wear a swim cap if you have psoriasis? That’s a matter of personal preference, says Hughes. While a cap would protect your scalp from sun and chlorine, some people may find swimming less enjoyable if they have to wear one, she says. “Our goal in treatment is to provide a normal skin experience for these patients. So for reasons beyond the effect of the water on the scalp, I would not request a patient to cover their head just because they have psoriasis,” says Hughes. For those who would rather go capless, Hughes suggests washing your hair post-swim with a mild shampoo or medicated shampoo to restore moisture and decrease inflammation, and use conditioner.
The Takeaway Ocean water may improve psoriasis symptoms thanks to exfoliation, minerals, and sun, but it can also dry out the skin. Fresh water is gentler on skin but can carry a higher risk of bacterial contamination. Always check water quality, and avoid swimming with open lesions. Chlorinated pools are clean and relatively safe but can still cause dryness. A shower before and after will help. After swimming in any type of water, it’s important to shower and moisturize to keep your skin healthy.
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