Table of contents:
- Symptoms of a skin rash due to chlorine
- Treatment options for chlorine-induced skin rashes
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Benadryl cream (diphenhydramine)
- Emollient lotions and creams
- Prevents rash due to chlorine while swimming
- When to go to the doctor
Swimming pools usually use chlorine to help purify and kill bacteria and other microbes in the water. The chlorine used is usually a derivative product of sodium hypochlorite or commonly known as chlorine. However, some people are quite sensitive to this one ingredient to cause skin rashes due to chlorine.
Symptoms of a skin rash due to chlorine
In some people, chlorine can irritate the skin, eyes and respiratory system. When a person develops a rash after swimming, this is a sign that he has a condition known as contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis occurs when a person is exposed to irritants. In this context, the irritant in question is chlorine.
When you experience skin irritation due to chlorine, there are various symptoms that usually appear, namely:
- Dry, cracked skin.
- Red, itchy, swollen, scaly patches on the skin.
- Burning, stinging, or itchy skin.
- Cracked skin and bleeding from frequent contact with chlorine.
- The appearance of sores or blisters.
If you ignore these symptoms and stay in contact with chlorine or keep swimming, your symptoms will get worse.
Treatment options for chlorine-induced skin rashes
Chlorine-induced skin rashes can be treated with over-the-counter drugs, such as:
Hydrocortisone cream
This one cream is sold freely in the market so it can be purchased without the need for a prescription. This cream works to help relieve itching, redness, and swelling. Use two to four times a day on reddened skin. Apply a thin layer and spread until the cream is absorbed. However, some doctors do not recommend applying hydrocortisone cream to the face.
Benadryl cream (diphenhydramine)
Apart from hydrocortisone cream, you can also help relieve the symptoms of a chlorine rash with Benadryl cream. This one ingredient helps relieve itching and irritation. Use it for about four times a day to all areas of the skin that have the rash.
Emollient lotions and creams
Emollient lotions and creams help moisturize dry skin caused by chlorine. You can use it alternately with medicated creams. Choose a lotion that is fragrance-free and hypoallergenic to avoid irritating your rash.
Prevents rash due to chlorine while swimming
To prevent chlorine rash, several things you need to do, namely:
- Take a shower before swimming to rinse off the sweat and oil on the skin that can react negatively to chlorine.
- Take a shower immediately after swimming.
- Don't swim too often in chlorinated pools.
- Don't swim too long in chlorinated pools.
- Use lotion on the skin before swimming to prevent direct exposure to chlorine to the skin.
- After rinsing your body, use a gentle, unscented lotion to help moisturize your skin.
When to go to the doctor
Usually, a chlorine rash doesn't require a doctor's care. However, if the symptoms get worse and interfere with daily activities, you can consult a doctor.
The doctor will usually prescribe a steroid cream that is strong enough to help heal the rash. Don't underestimate it because it can be fatal. The sooner it is treated, the skin irritation will heal faster.
