Most sports require you to wear some type of uniform, and most often, they aren’t made with eczema-prone skin in mind. Common sports gear materials, such as nylon, polyester, and spandex, can cause the skin to overheat and may even trigger an eczema flare. Teens can combat this by wearing a moisture-wicking barrier between their skin and uniform to reduce irritation. Materials such as 100 percent cotton and bamboo are considered best for eczema overall.
[2]
“It’s also important to clean the athletic gear immediately after use, not share equipment with others, and use fragrance-free detergents to clean while minimizing skin irritation,” says Dr. Wieder.
She recommends washing uniforms, washable equipment, and towels with hot water and drying them by machine to maximize the ability to kill bacteria. This is especially important for people with atopic dermatitis to avoid secondary infections. For equipment that can’t be washed and hard surfaces, wipe them down with a disinfectant, such as Clorox or Lysol, and allow them to completely dry before storing to reduce bacterial and fungal growth.
And while it’s easy for teens to forget about the infection risks of sharing things with teammates, Wieder stresses the importance of not swapping towels, razors, hair brushes, or any other personal items.
