Eczema and Whole Body Vibration

 

Eczema is the term used to define a range of persistent skin conditions, usually involving inflammation of the epidermis (top layer of skin). Symptoms include redness, dryness, itching, swelling, crusting, flaking, cracking and bleeding of the skin. It often first appears in early childhood with periods of acute flare-ups and remissions where the skin appears normal. Several triggers result in the onset of an acute flare-up. Examples include food, fabrics (wool), soaps, pet dander, sweating, latex, plants and change of season.  According to the Eczema Society of Canada, 15-20% of the population suffers from eczema (www.eczemahelp.ca). The most common type of eczema is known as atopic eczema. It is an allergic disease with a hereditary component (occurs in families with a history of hay fever and asthma). Other types of eczema include; allergic contact dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis, infantile seborrheic eczema (cradle cap), adult seborrheic eczema, varicose eczema (related to poor blood flow) and discoid eczema. Eczema is a chronic condition that cannot be cured but can be treated. Pharmaceutical treatment includes topical corticosteroids, immunomodulators and antibiotics, oral antibiotics and corticosteroids, and antihistamines. When managing eczema keeping the skin hydrated by bathing and using moisturizers is essential, as well as recognizing and avoiding known triggers.

 

Because sweating and change in body temperature are possible triggers and irritants to eczema, exercise may often be avoided by sufferers. However, given the benefits of physical activity it is important that individuals incorporate regular exercise into their lifestyle. An improvement of eczema symptoms in individuals that participated in regular group sports has been demonstrated1. It was concluded that regular sports may provide a therapeutic benefit for individuals with eczema except during acute flares. The improvements may have been due to the emotional and psychological benefits of group exercise and possibly improvements in cardiovascular fitness and blood circulation. Improved circulation may facilitate oxygenation and improved nutrient delivery to the skin. 

 

There is a lack of literature regarding the use of Whole Body Vibration (WBV) and its effects on eczema. It is important when doing exercise to wear cotton or moisture wicking material to help with the absorption of sweat. This may help prevent irritation of the skin as a possible trigger for an outbreak. Recently, WBV has been shown to improve circulation and blood flow while standing on an oscillating platform2, 3, 4. Improvements in blood flow could be beneficial to individuals suffering from varicose eczema. However, with varicose eczema it is important that there is no underlying conditions causing a restriction in blood flow that may be contraindicate the use of WBV. Therefore, as with any chronic condition, it is always important to discuss any new exercise routine with a physician. Once a physician has cleared an individual to use WBV, they should begin at a lower intensity and duration to monitor whether eczema symptoms appear, as WBV should be discontinued if they do.  Once an individual has become comfortable with the machine, and there is no change or an improvement is seen in his/her eczema symptoms, the intensity of exercises can be increased. The benefits of improved blood flow and circulation may also be beneficial for other forms of eczema, as increased oxygen and nutrients may assist with the maintenance of healthy skin.  However, further research examining the relationship between WBV and eczema is still needed. In general, if an individual experiences shortness of breath, pain or dizziness when using WBV it should be discontinued immediately. 

 

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References

  • Salzer B, Schuch S, Rupprecht M, Hornstein OP. 1994. [Group sports as adjuvant therapy for patients with atopic eczema], Hautarzt, 45(11), 751-5.
  • Lythgo N, Eser P, de Groot P, Galea M. 2009. Whole-body vibration dosage alters leg blood flow, Clinical Physiology Funct Imaging, 29(1), 53-9.
  • Maloney-Hinds C, Petrofsky JS, Zimmerman G. 2008. The effect of 30 Hz vs. 50 Hz passive vibration and duration of vibration on skin blood flow in the arm, Medical Science Monitor, 14(3), CR112-6.
  • Lohman EB 3rd, Petrofsky JS, Maloney-Hinds C, Betts-Schwab H, Thorpe D. 2007. The effect of whole body vibration on lower extremity skin blood flow in normal subjects, Medical Science Monitor, 13(2), CR71-6.

 

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