Eczema is a common inflammatory skin condition characterized by dryness, redness, and itching. This condition can also present with oozing or crusting. Eczema weakens the skin’s barrier function, which is responsible for retaining moisture and protecting the body from external elements. People with eczema often wonder how activities like using a hot tub might affect their sensitive skin.
Potential Skin Irritants in Hot Tubs
Hot tub water contains chemicals, particularly chlorine and bromine, used to sanitize the water and prevent microbial growth. These chemicals can strip the skin of its natural oils, which can exacerbate dryness and irritation for individuals with eczema. The skin’s weakened barrier, typical in eczema, becomes more vulnerable to the drying effects of these sanitizers. This chemical exposure can lead to increased itching and redness, potentially triggering an eczema flare-up.
High water temperatures in hot tubs can also dehydrate the skin, further intensifying dryness and itching. Warm water can remove the skin’s protective lipid layer, making it more susceptible to irritation and moisture loss. The heat can also increase blood flow to the skin, which may contribute to redness and an itchy sensation.
The pH level of hot tub water is another factor that can influence skin health. Water that is too acidic or too alkaline can irritate the skin, especially for individuals with sensitive skin conditions like eczema. Maintaining a balanced pH, typically between 7.4 and 7.6, is important for minimizing skin irritation. Imbalanced pH levels can further compromise the skin barrier, making it more prone to dryness and inflammation.
Bacterial Concerns
The warm, moist environment of a hot tub creates ideal conditions for bacterial growth, which can pose a risk to individuals with eczema. When the skin barrier is compromised due to eczema, it becomes less effective at protecting against invading microorganisms. This increased vulnerability can make eczema sufferers more susceptible to skin infections.
One common hot tub-related infection is hot tub folliculitis, also known as Pseudomonas dermatitis. This infection is caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which thrives in warm water. Hot tub folliculitis typically presents as an itchy, bumpy rash with red spots or pus-filled bumps, particularly in areas covered by swimwear.
Broken or inflamed skin, which is characteristic of eczema, provides an entry point for bacteria, increasing the likelihood of developing such infections. Experiencing a bacterial infection can significantly aggravate eczema symptoms and prolong skin discomfort.
Managing Hot Tub Use with Eczema
For individuals with eczema who choose to use a hot tub, several precautions can help minimize potential risks. Keeping soak times short, ideally no more than 10 to 15 minutes, can limit exposure to irritating chemicals and high temperatures.
Showering immediately before entering the hot tub with a mild, fragrance-free cleanser can help remove any existing irritants from the skin. Showering thoroughly immediately after exiting the hot tub is also important to rinse off chlorine, bromine, and other chemical residues. Applying a thick, emollient moisturizer liberally to the skin immediately after showering helps to lock in moisture and restore the skin’s barrier function.
It is advisable to avoid hot tub use during eczema flare-ups when the skin is already inflamed, broken, or actively weeping. Ensuring proper hot tub maintenance, including regular testing and balancing of water chemistry and efficient filtration, is also important to reduce bacterial load. Checking the water temperature to ensure it is not excessively hot can also help prevent further skin dehydration and irritation.