5 Tips to Help Your Skin Survive from Chlorine Overdose
Yes it is finally summertime and you know what that means….it’s hot, and what do we do when we’re hot? WE SWIM! I was lucky enough to have a swimming pool when I was growing up and I barely got out of it during the summertime. I remember my skin shriveling up and I thought it was so ridiculously funny. I have a terrible memory though, of how after I dried off, my skin would be so terribly dry it would ache. Soon after, I would suffer with itchy skin rashes all over my body, but of course as a child I didn’t care and would jump back in the next day. Now when I think of swimming in a chlorine pool, I cringe and typically pass. What could be more torturous for my sensitive skin?
According to the National Eczema Society, chlorine is a potential irritant to those with eczema but if the correct precautions are taken, they should be able to enjoy the pool as much as anyone else. No comment, but really, potential irritant? There are different schools of thought on this of course, some people believe that chlorine, similar to bleach, can be an eczema treatment because it kills skin bacteria. You might have already noticed but I disagree (no offense to anyone).
The National Eczema Society advises that anyone who wants to take the “chlorine pool plunge”, to follow the below:
1. Before getting in the pool, apply a barrier product such as Vaseline.
**I would advise that you purchase a large jar as you should probably apply it all over your body, not just the places where you usually get your rashes and you should probably apply it after you apply sunscreen. Otherwise your sunscreen will not adhere well and you will probably fry like a french fry, and that’s no fun.
2. Shower with regular water immediately after getting out of the pool.
**Good advice for everyone, chlorine isn’t really good for the skin even without eczema.
3. Pat yourself dry and apply a good cream or emollient.
**I would suggest applying sunscreen instead if you plan on remaining in the great outdoors. Find a good hypoallergenic one and lather up.
(4) My personal tip for [trying to enjoy] pool time is to limit the time in the pool. Think of it more of a way to cool off rather than playing in it. The more chlorine you subject your sensitive skin to, the more pain you will be in later.
(5) The best advice I could give you would be to skip the pool and hit the ocean instead, I firmly believe it’s actually a great eczema treatment! If you can’t do that consider a blow up pool that you can fill up with water from the hose. You won’t be able to swim most likely but at least you can cool off, which is the goal isn’t it?
Whatever you choose, don’t let your eczema get you down, have fun and enjoy summer!
Alivea Cream for Eczema Treatment Possible Eczema Cause: Butyl What?
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Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion (in the pump bottle) is the product that has made it possible for me to enjoy swimming. After the pool, I shower and rub the lotion over all my usual trouble spots. It goes on easy, and most importantly it LASTS because it has some kind of rubber component that makes a resistant layer over my skin that stays on for hours instead of immediately disappearing into my clothing like Vaseline does.
Great suggestion, I have heard many good things about the Aveeno lotion so I will have to give it a try. I do miss being in the pool especially in this hot weather. Take care!