Eczema is a common skin condition characterized by dry, itchy, and inflamed patches of skin. Many with eczema are concerned about how swimming in chlorinated water affects their skin. Understanding the interaction between chlorine and eczema-prone skin can help manage potential discomfort and allow for participation in water activities.
The Impact of Chlorine on Eczema
Chlorine, widely used to disinfect swimming pools, can significantly affect skin, especially for those with eczema. The skin’s natural pH is slightly acidic, important for maintaining moisture and acting as a barrier against irritants. Pool water, however, is often slightly alkaline. This pH difference can disrupt the skin’s acid mantle, leading to increased dryness and sensitivity.
Chlorine functions by stripping away natural oils from the skin’s surface. These oils are an important part of the skin barrier, helping to retain moisture and protect against external factors. When this protective layer is compromised, the skin loses moisture more easily, becoming dry, itchy, and prone to irritation. This drying effect can worsen existing eczema symptoms, leading to increased redness, itching, and inflammation.
The interaction of chlorine with organic matter like sweat and skin cells in pool water can create byproducts called chloramines. These chloramines are irritating and can exacerbate symptoms for sensitive skin, including eczema. While some research suggests that diluted chlorine may offer a benefit by reducing bacteria on eczematous skin, similar to bleach baths, the overall drying and irritating effects often outweigh this potential advantage.
Strategies for Minimizing Chlorine’s Effects
Several steps can minimize chlorine’s impact on eczema-prone skin. Before entering the pool, showering with fresh water can help saturate the skin, reducing the amount of chlorinated water absorbed. Applying a protective barrier cream or a rich emollient to the skin before swimming creates a shield that can reduce direct contact with chlorine and help lock in moisture. Petroleum jelly or thick moisturizing creams are recommended.
Immediately after swimming, rinse off thoroughly with fresh, lukewarm water to remove chlorine and other chemicals from the skin. Avoiding hot showers helps, as hot water can further dry out the skin. After rinsing, gently pat the skin dry with a soft towel, leaving it slightly damp.
Within three minutes of showering, applying a generous amount of moisturizer or emollient is important to rehydrate the skin and restore its barrier function. Fragrance-free and gentle cleansers should be used during the post-swim shower to avoid further irritation. Consistently moisturizing, especially with sensitive skin products, helps to counteract the drying effects of chlorine and maintain skin hydration.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While managing eczema and chlorine exposure can be effective, there are times when medical advice is needed. If eczema symptoms worsen significantly after swimming, or if they do not improve with usual at-home care, consulting a healthcare professional is recommended. Persistent or spreading rashes, increased redness, or severe itching that interferes with daily activities or sleep are indicators for a medical evaluation.
Signs of a skin infection, such as weeping, pus-filled blisters, or yellowish crusts, require medical attention. If usual management strategies, including diligent moisturizing and barrier cream use, are ineffective in controlling flare-ups after chlorine exposure, a dermatologist can offer personalized advice and treatment options. A healthcare provider can assess the reaction and recommend appropriate interventions, such as stronger topical treatments or other therapies.