Yoga and exercise for skin allergy

Yoga and exercise do not treat skin allergy directly, but they can reduce stress, improve sleep and support general health. Stress often makes itching and flares worse, so calming practices can be a useful extra. Take care, because sweat, heat and friction can irritate allergic skin.

Helpful practices

• Slow breathing exercises, such as deep belly breathing and gentle alternate nostril breathing, for stress.
• Relaxation practices such as body scan or guided meditation, which may reduce itch awareness and help sleep.
• Gentle yoga such as mountain pose, tree pose, cat-cow and child's pose, in a cool, clean space.
• Walking, swimming (if chlorine does not trigger a rash) and other moderate exercise.
• Regular sleep routines and relaxation before bed.

Skin-friendly exercise tips

• Exercise in a cool, well-ventilated place and avoid overheating.
• Wear soft, loose, breathable cotton clothing and avoid tight synthetic fabrics.
• Shower with lukewarm water soon after sweating, pat dry and moisturise.
• Use your own mat and towel, and clean shared equipment before use.
• Rinse well after swimming, and apply moisturiser to protect the skin from chlorine.

When to take care

• Avoid hot yoga, saunas and steam rooms, which can trigger hives and eczema flares.
• Skip exercise if hives appear with heat or exercise (cholinergic urticaria), until a doctor advises.
• If you have had exercise-induced allergic reactions, with swelling or breathing trouble, exercise only after medical advice.
• Avoid poses that cause friction on irritated or open skin.

Ayurvedic view (interpretive) Gentle yoga and pranayama are traditionally used to calm Pitta and the mind. This is supportive only, and research on yoga for skin allergy is limited.

Emergency Stop exercise and call 112 for lip or throat swelling, breathing trouble, dizziness or fainting.

Remember Keep activity gentle, cool and clean, and moisturise afterwards.