Running as an eczema sufferer is so hard. I see you. The itchiness, the redness, the discomfort. I get it. I had eczema on my elbows and on the backs of my knees as a little girl. And I saw a dermatologist in 2025 too who confirmed, that along with my family history… yes, I probably do have eczema.
And I’ve been running for years, so here’s my top tips to make running a little more comfortable to avoid any nasty flare ups if you do suffer with it too.
Top tips for suffering with eczema as a runner
1.Drink water
I bet you can’t believe the first tip isn’t to moisturize?! Well, listen up eczema gang. This can sometimes be for those who suffer more extremely. But I’ve definitely noticed that if I drink more fluid in the day (water, squash and other non-alcoholic options I’m referring to), my body is more hydrated and it can help the symptoms.
If you have eczema your skin is EVEN MORE DRIED OUT. So you can’t drink too much. Well, you can, but just get your fluid in. At least 2 liters..
2. The perfect shower (temperature)
Finish your run. And then within 5 minutes (or after that, you’ll likely start feeling triggered..), get the shower on. When my body is trying to cool down is the most sensitive time. It’s the time I have to really focus: Do Not Scratch.
Get the shower nice and cool – find your favorite temperature. And then use the relief from the cooling water instead of scratching. Take a big deep breath and feel the relief.
3. Moisturize
Yep, you knew it was coming. I’ve tried EVERY cream under the sun you’ve probably heard of, and then some you might not have. Dermalotion is the main one I use now though. And I actually like to use Simple’s Gel Cream on my face after my post run shower – it’s SO refreshing I can’t begin to tell you (and it’s cheap enough too).
4. Sensible running clothes
Unless it’s winter, I just can’t wear tight running clothes. My skin will freak out. How do you know if they’re too tight for eczema life? If, post-run, you take your kit off and you can feel that itch or burn coming… they’re too tight.
When it comes to running clothes for my eczema people.. Loose, loose, loose. Baggy is better! It doesn’t have to literally be so baggy that you feel like a bin bag. But looking super duper toned in skin tight running gear is just not worth it when you have eczema.
If you have any tips as a fellow eczema sufferer you feel I’ve missed or are worth maybe adding in (to help the rest of the gang!), please let me know on lifeofamissfit@gmail.com
Remember, it’s really hard but I do find this routine helps me stay (more) sane…
Keep your head up, and if you’re struggling, perhaps speak to a dermatologist!
Written by Katie McDonald, 25th June 2023, Updated, 25th April 2025.
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