

Try on your new swimsuit at home before swimming in itīefore you go, be sure you know: try your swimsuit on at home before you head to the beach or the pool. Wear goggles and a swim cap made out of siliconĮxperts agree that silicon is less likely to cause a contact dermatitis flare-up than latex or rubber, especially in places like your eyes and your scalp, where the fabric is likely to rub and cause friction. Swimming is summer’s go-to activity, so take care of the skin you’re in-before, during and after you take the plunge. Consult your pediatric dermatologist for expert guidance about how to protect your infant’s eczema skin at the pool, lake or beach. The above guidelines apply to swimmers of every age and with all types of eczema, with the exception of young infants. While not universally effective, these variations on the bathing theme work well for some people with eczema. Or try adding oatmeal, baking soda, bath oil or salt to your bathwater. If you’re sensitive to chlorine bleach, try an apple cider vinegar bath instead.The concentration of chlorine in a bleach bath is roughly equivalent to the amount in a chlorinated swimming pool, so you can get clean while getting an additional dose of chlorine’s anti-inflammatory and disinfectant properties. Many people with moderate to severe eczema swear by bleach baths.Start with a lukewarm shower and gradually make it cooler. Your muscles may love that sensation, but if you have eczema, your skin probably won’t agree. A hot shower or bath can be tempting after a vigorous swim.There’s a right way and wrong way to bathe and shower Remember to rinse off and moisturize before and after swimming in any body of water, whether natural or human-made.ĥ. If you’re an experienced swimmer, you already know your body and its preferences, but if you’re new to the sport, trial and error is the only way to find out how your skin will react to saltwater. It can be soothing for some and painful for others.

The effects of saltwater on eczema skin vary widely. However, if chlorine sits well with you, enjoy your time in the pool.


If you’re in the former group, choose a fresh-water alternative. It can be irritating to some eczema skin, but many find that swimming in a chlorinated pool has a soothing effect that’s similar to taking a bleach bath. Chlorine can help… or hurtĬhlorine is the most common disinfectant that gets added to the water in swimming pools. To be extra safe, consider a second rinse cycle. It’s especially important to wash new swimsuits before you wear them to get rid of any chemicals used during production of the fabrics. Use a gentle, hypo-allergenic detergent free of dyes and fragrances. Reapply a liberal amount of moisturizer within three minutes to offset the drying effects of swimming and showering.Shower immediately afterwards, making sure to check that the water in the showers is fresh, not recycled.Apply a thick layer of cream or lightweight ointment about an hour before a swim.Bring travel-sized containers of your favorite products with you to the beach, lake or poolside.Chlorinated pool water and other chemicals can dry out your skin, so lather up as usual. Just because you’re headed to the pool or beach, that’s no reason to slack off with your skincare routine. It’s all about keeping you and your skin hydrated (or your child’s skin)-even when you’re already wet! 2. That’s why it’s important to boost your fluids before you head into chlorinated pool water or open water and replace them afterwards. Even though the water feels cold and refreshing, your body actually heats up and sweats when you swim.
