{"id":584621,"date":"2026-04-15T00:00:31","date_gmt":"2026-04-15T00:00:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/584621\/"},"modified":"2026-04-15T00:00:31","modified_gmt":"2026-04-15T00:00:31","slug":"does-working-out-help-psoriasis-or-make-it-worse","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/584621\/","title":{"rendered":"Does Working Out Help Psoriasis or Make It Worse?"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you have psoriasis, you probably know that it\u2019s an inflammatory condition. And if you exercise regularly\u2014say, by sweating it out in a HIIT class<\/a> or lifting heavy weights<\/a>\u2014you might be scratching your head, perhaps literally and figuratively, wondering if the acute inflammation from these workouts is sending your system into overdrive.<\/p>\n

We asked dermatologists to see if your workouts of choice can either help or hurt psoriasis, and how to adjust your routine to avoid exacerbating flares.<\/p>\n

Can you safely exercise with psoriasis?<\/p>\n

The good news: You don\u2019t have to choose between your skin and your six-pack. Exercising isn\u2019t just safe for most people with psoriasis; it\u2019s encouraged.<\/p>\n

According to Sandra Oska, MD<\/a>, a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles, consistent exercise helps to reduce systemic inflammation. \u201cExercise can help lower pro-inflammatory cytokine activity,\u201d she says, including TNF-alpha and IL-6, \u201cboth of which are relevant to the inflammatory cascade in psoriasis.\u201d In addition, exercise helps improve metabolic factors\u2014including insulin sensitivity and visceral fat\u2014associated with psoriasis. \u201cHigher BMI and higher body fat are associated with greater psoriasis risk and often more severe disease,\u201d Dr. Oska continues. While exercise is beneficial across the board, it can be especially beneficial for those who are overweight<\/a> or have metabolic syndrome.<\/p>\n

And it\u2019s not just about skin. Psoriasis is linked to higher rates of depression and anxiety<\/a>, which makes exercise\u2019s mood-boosting effects a solid bonus.<\/p>\n

Are some workouts better or worse than others?<\/p>\n

It seems counterintuitive, but high-intensity exercise\u2014the red-faced, sweat-through-your-shirt kind\u2014just might be the most likely to help calm your skin over time. \u201cHigh-intensity bursts of exercise can be a stressor in the short-term, but consistent exercise generally decreases chronic inflammation in the long-term,\u201d says Dr. Oska. Observational research supports this idea, including a 2018 review<\/a> of 13 studies showing that intense physical activity was associated with a lower prevalence of psoriasis. Shira Wieder, MD<\/a>, board-certified dermatologist at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care, adds one caveat. For people with psoriatic arthritis\u2014symptoms of which include joint pain, stiffness, and fatigue\u2014she recommends low-impact exercises like swimming, walking, and yoga instead.<\/p>\n

In addition, you might need to take extra precautions depending on the types of exercise you do and where your plaques show up. Brendan Camp, MD, FAAD<\/a>, a double board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist at MDCS Dermatology<\/a> in New York City and Long Island, says people with inverse psoriasis (in which plaques occur in areas when skin rubs against skin, such as the underarms and groin folds) need to be more cautious. Exercises that require repetitive motion in these areas\u2014which could include anything from running and rowing to kettlebell swings and battle ropes\u2014can aggravate psoriasis, he says. He also advises limiting friction on commonly affected areas like the elbows and knees\u2014say, via forearm planks, deep lunges, and cable crunches. Friction can trigger new lesions through the Koebner phenomenon<\/a>, a response in which skin trauma sparks plaques in previously unaffected areas.<\/p>\n

\u201cSome patients have scalp psoriasis and are bothered by sweating of the scalp,\u201d adds Dr. Oska. \u201cOthers have involvement of the palms and soles, which can make gripping weights uncomfortable.\u201d Medication is another variable to account for. For instance, Dr. Oska says that patients on methotrexate may experience fatigue, while those on acitretin may deal with increased dryness and skin irritation as a side effect. If you\u2019re dragging through workouts or struggling to finish sets, your prescription\u2014not your discipline\u2014could be the culprit.<\/p>\n

More tips for exercising with psoriasis<\/p>\n

On top of doing what feels right by your body on a given day, there are a few other ways to make your workout routine more comfortable. All of the derms we interviewed suggest wearing light, loose, moisture-wicking fabrics that limit friction. Anti-chafing balms can also help reduce irritation in high-friction areas. And a post-workout shower<\/a> is always a good idea. \u201cSweat<\/a> is not dirty, but letting it sit on already inflamed skin for long periods can contribute to irritation,\u201d says Dr. Oska.<\/p>\n