Exercising & Eczema

Exercise is important to everyone, it is good to keep healthy on both the inside and outside. Mentally it makes people feel better about themselves and others around them. Physically it makes you look better, and your ability to do more becomes easier. It can be tough with eczema though.

Eczema throughout my life

I have suffered from eczema my whole life. Some days are good and some days are really bad. I have always been active in sport or fitness. In my childhood and teens, I would have cracked skin on hands and feet; along with rashes on arms, legs, and torso. In my twenties, I seemed to have it under control. In my late thirties to forty-two, I have had a hard time managing my skin. I have suffered from red skin syndrome since 2015.

Overheating and eczema

Overheating is a problem when you have eczema, kind of like an old beat-up car that keeps overheating and you don’t get very far! Keeping cool is a must. Find something you like that will make you happy and not overheat.

Running with eczema

I used to run half marathons, I have run in the Manitoba Marathon, the Sydney Marathon, Adelaide Marathon, and the Adelaide City to Bay 12km. The last run I did was back in 2014. I do not run anymore. I find that I get too hot and itchy, especially in the summertime.

Bodybuilding and red skin syndrome

My favourite thing is lifting weights at the gym. It is less intense and does not get me as hot. I tend to do more bodybuilding exercises and slow tempo. In 2013 and 2014, I competed in Body Building Competitions, taking first place in my weight division on State and Austral Asia Level Competition. I love to train in the morning. Go in at 6 am and get it done; a great way to start your day! What I found difficult when I was suffering from red skin syndrome was sleep, I would take allergy medication to help me sleep, and then in the mornings, I was too tired to go to the gym. So I would go through spurts when I was going to the gym and not going at all because of my eczema.

Hand eczema when training

I own a Grip & Lift Australia; which I sell Grip Strength gear. I have been published in Men’s Health Magazine on Grip Strength. I can rip phone books in half with my hands. When my hands hurt and are suffering from eczema or pompholyx it does affect my training and my business, in a way.

Ice hokey with red skin syndrome

I play ice hockey for 4 months of the year and during my suffering from red skin syndrome, I found it really hard on my body. I would overheat and my whole body would feel like I’m on fire. I would get teased in the change room because I was so red. I would take ice-cold showers to cool down. I love the sport, so I endure the suffering that comes along with it.

NHL three-time Stanley Cup winner Marian Hossa has suffered from eczema or atopic dermatitis. His skin condition was so severe that he had to retire from playing professional ice hockey in the NHL.

Working out after topical steroid addiction

Since I have figured out my issue with red skin syndrome in March this year and my addiction to topical steroids I seem to be more active again! I am playing hockey and not having issues after the game. I am getting better sleep and getting to the gym whenever I can. I feel more energetic. My hands do not hurt as much and I do not overheat or get itchy as much. Fingers crossed I can keep up with this routine and have healthier skin.

Well, this is until my next flare up. Such is life with eczema!