A “chlorine burn” is the common term for irritant contact dermatitis, a chemical irritation of the skin resulting from exposure to chlorinated water, particularly from compounds known as chloramines. This irritation occurs because chlorine is a powerful oxidizing agent that strips the skin of its natural oils and protective moisture barrier. When chlorine reacts with organic matter like sweat, urine, or body products, it forms chloramines, which are significantly more irritating than the chlorine itself and are the primary cause of the characteristic redness, dryness, and itching after swimming. Addressing this discomfort requires two main steps: immediate neutralization of the chemical residue, followed by deep skin barrier repair.
Neutralizing Chlorine Residue Immediately
The immediate priority is removing chloramines to stop the chemical reaction on the skin. This process begins with a thorough rinse using clean, non-chlorinated water, ideally lukewarm or cool, as hot water can strip the skin further. Rinsing immediately washes away irritating chemical byproducts before they bond to the skin and hair.
For complete neutralization, Vitamin C (ascorbic acid or sodium ascorbate) effectively breaks down chlorine and chloramines. A simple solution of Vitamin C crystals mixed with water can be applied as a spray or rinse over the entire body before showering with soap. This process converts the chloramines into harmless compounds, eliminating the source of the irritation and the persistent “pool smell” that often clings to skin and hair.
Treating Skin Redness and Irritation
Once the irritant is neutralized, focus on soothing inflammation and repairing the skin’s barrier. Chlorine damages the skin’s protective layer, causing dryness and scaling; therefore, high-quality moisturizers are necessary. Look for thick creams, which are generally more effective than lotions, containing barrier-repair ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin. Ceramides are fatty acids that fill gaps between skin cells, sealing in moisture and reinforcing the skin’s defense.
Natural soothing agents provide immediate relief from itching and redness. Aloe vera gel is a classic choice for its cooling and anti-inflammatory properties, which can calm irritated skin. Colloidal oatmeal baths can also be highly effective, as the oatmeal forms a protective film on the skin while its compounds reduce inflammation. For localized areas of persistent redness or a stubborn rash, a mild over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream (0.5% to 1%) can be applied sparingly for a few days to reduce inflammation, but prolonged use should be avoided.
Relief for Eyes and Hair
For irritated eyes, which often become red and feel gritty, immediate rinsing with fresh water is necessary to flush out irritants. Following the rinse, lubricating eye drops (artificial tears) restore moisture and dilute any remaining chlorine. It is advisable to use sterile saline or lubricating drops rather than “get the red out” drops, which can worsen dryness over time.
For hair, chlorine strips away the natural oils, leading to dryness, brittleness, and elasticity loss. Use a specialized clarifying or swimmers’ shampoo, formulated to chemically break down and remove chlorine and mineral buildup (like copper, which causes a greenish tint). After cleansing, a deep conditioning treatment or hair mask should be applied to replenish lost moisture and restore the hair’s protective cuticle layer.
Steps to Prevent Chlorine Burn
Minimizing future chlorine exposure begins with pre-swim preparation. Wetting the hair and skin with clean water before entering the pool saturates the skin, reducing the amount of chlorinated water absorbed. This simple step limits the skin’s capacity to soak up pool chemicals.
Applying a protective barrier cream or petroleum jelly to sensitive areas shields the skin from direct contact. These occlusive barriers physically prevent chlorine from penetrating the skin’s surface and stripping away natural sebum. The most important preventative action remains an immediate and thorough post-swim rinse to ensure no chloramine residue is left to cause irritation.