Yoga and Exercise for Eczema

Yoga and exercise do not treat eczema directly, but they can help with things that make it worse, such as stress and poor sleep. They are a supportive extra, not a treatment.

How they can help

• Stress relief. Stress is a common trigger, and stress and itch feed each other. Slow breathing and relaxation can lower both.
• Better sleep. A calm evening routine may help children and adults who wake from itch.
• General health. Regular gentle exercise supports mood and a healthy weight.

Practical suggestions

• Slow breathing (pranayama). Gentle, unforced breathing such as simple belly breathing or bhramari for a few minutes. Avoid forceful breathing and breath-holding.
• Gentle yoga postures and stretching, practised in cool, airy rooms.
• Shavasana or guided relaxation at bedtime.
• Walking or swimming, with care. Chlorine can dry skin, so rinse and moisturise straight after.

Take care with skin

• Sweat and heat make eczema itch. Avoid hot yoga and heated rooms, and exercise at cooler times of day.
• Wear soft, loose cotton clothes and rinse off sweat with a lukewarm shower, then moisturise.
• Use a clean mat and wash it often. Put a cotton towel on the mat if skin is raw.
• Do not do practices that involve steam or hot water on skin, and do not force kriyas such as jal neti for children.

Be honest about limits

Yoga will not clear an eczema flare, so keep up the moisturiser and any prescribed cream. If skin is weeping, infected or very sore, rest and see a doctor.

A short, calm, regular practice can make living with eczema easier, especially during stressful periods.