Please verify your email address to receive email notifications.

Enter your email address

We have sent you a verification email. Please check your inbox and spam folder.

Unable to send verification, please refresh and try again later.

  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    How can I encourage physical activity in my child who suffers from eczema?

    Related Topics
    Dermatology Eczema Fitness and Sports Medicine
    Overheating and sweating aggravates his condition
    answer this question

  • Find a professional to answer your question

  • 2

    Thanks

    Merendi Leverett

    Exercise Physiologist

    Merendi Leverett is our founder of Merendi Health.Graduating from Central Queensland University in June 1998 with a Bachelor of Human Movement Science, and from Queensland … View Profile

    I would suggest having them exercise in air conditioning so the temperature is controlled. They should avoid any sort of heated pools or pools that use too much chlorine and extreme weather conditions.

    Appropriate clothing worn during exercising is also very important ie: they should only wear clothes made from fabrics that breathe well or that wick moisture away from the skin.

    Reply to this post
     · 
    Report

  • 2

    Thanks

    Michael Kline

    Exercise Physiologist, Exercise Scientist

    I am an accredited Exercise Physiologist and have worked with a variety of clients including chronic disease, general population, athletes and corporate/workplace. To give a … View Profile

    Your child should definitely exercise at lower intensities and not for prolonged periods of time and avoid exercising in hot or humid conditions. Having a cold shower, immediately after exercise, is also a great idea. This will help wash away the salt from sweating and that will prevent drying of the skin. Also, if you're looking at team sports, maybe try some indoor cricket, which is exercise, but, probably, not as strenuous as some other exercises. Make sure if you are indoors that the venue is cool and well ventilated. Also, good hydration prior to exercise is a good idea to avoid overheating.

    Reply to this post
     · 
    Report
  • Eczema Association Of Australasia

    The role of the Eczema Association of Australasia Inc (EAA) is to be a supportive body for eczema sufferers and carers, to increase public awareness … View Profile

    Even children with eczema can benefit very much from exercise. It helps them feel not so left out of things and can distract them from their skin condition for a short time.
    Swimming in a salt + chlorine pool can be okay as long as you remember to cover the skin first in a barrier cream, then a tepid shower straight away afterwards using some soap free wash followed by moisturiser.
    Other activities that cause a lot of sweating should be done in controlled amounts to limit the amount of sweating as this can cause itchiness - have a wet cotton facewasher handy to use as needed for wiping and of course, followed by a shower with soap free wash and moisturiser.

    Reply to this post
     · 
    Report
answer this question

You must be a Health Professional to answer this question. Log in or Sign up .

You may also like these related questions

Related Fact Sheets
Related Questions

Empowering Australians to make better health choices