A chlorine burn refers to skin irritation or a chemical burn resulting from exposure to high concentrations of chlorine, often found in swimming pools or cleaning products. This exposure can disrupt the skin’s natural oils and moisture barrier, leading to dryness, redness, and irritation. Chlorine, a strong oxidizing agent, can break down proteins and lipids in the skin, compromising its integrity.
Immediate Care Steps
Addressing a chlorine burn begins with thorough rinsing of the affected area. Flush the skin with copious amounts of cool, running water for at least 15 to 20 minutes to dilute and remove the chemical. This stops the burning process and reduces further skin damage.
Remove any clothing or jewelry that came into contact with the chlorine. These items can trap the chemical against the skin, prolonging exposure. After rinsing, gently pat the area dry with a clean cloth, avoiding rubbing that could further irritate the compromised skin.
Topical Treatments for Relief
After rinsing, certain topical treatments can soothe the skin and support healing. Applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, creates a protective barrier. This barrier locks in moisture, prevents dryness, and shields the burn from external irritants, promoting faster healing.
Aloe vera gel offers soothing and cooling properties. It can help reduce inflammation, irritation, and redness from chlorine burns. Choose pure aloe vera gels without added fragrances or harsh chemicals to avoid further irritation.
Mild, fragrance-free moisturizing lotions hydrate the skin after chlorine exposure. These lotions replenish lost moisture and restore the skin’s natural barrier function, which chlorine can compromise. Products containing ceramides or hyaluronic acid are effective in supporting skin hydration and repair.
When Professional Medical Help is Needed
While many chlorine burns can be managed at home, some situations require professional medical attention. Seek immediate medical care if pain worsens or if you notice signs of infection like increased redness, swelling, warmth, pus draining from the burn, or a fever. Blistering, especially if large or broken, also warrants medical assessment.
Medical evaluation is important if the burn covers a large area, appears deep, or affects sensitive areas like the eyes, face, hands, feet, or major joints. Difficulty breathing, persistent coughing, or systemic symptoms like dizziness or irregular heartbeat after chlorine exposure should prompt an emergency medical visit. Consult a healthcare professional if you are unsure about the severity of a chlorine burn or if symptoms do not improve with home treatment.
What to Avoid Applying
Understanding what to avoid is as important as knowing what to apply to prevent worsening a chlorine burn. Never apply butter, oil, or greasy substances. These can trap heat within the skin, intensifying the burn and slowing healing. Food products like butter can also introduce bacteria, increasing infection risk.
Avoid direct application of ice or ice-cold water. Extreme cold can further damage skin tissue and decrease blood flow, hindering healing. Instead, use cool, not freezing, running water for initial rinsing.
Avoid harsh soaps, alcohol, or highly fragranced products on the affected area. These can strip the skin of natural oils, cause additional irritation, and impede healing. Stick to gentle, mild cleansers and fragrance-free options when cleaning the burn.