Have you ever wondered if swimming in chlorine-treated pools is bad for you? Chlorine is an excellent means of eliminating bacteria in swimming pools and jacuzzis, but it is unfortunately very aggressive for the skin (and the hair), hence the appearance of erythema chlorinum. As chlorine can dehydrate the skin and disrupt normal sebum (oil) production, the risk you take when swimming in some pools is to develop a red, itchy chlorine rash.
What is a chlorine rash?
As the name suggests, chlorine erythema is a type of skin reaction caused by exposure to the chemical chlorine. It most often develops after swimming in a chlorine-treated pool or hot tub. It can also occur if a person’s skin comes into contact with strong household cleaners, such as bleach, that contain chlorine.
What exactly is chlorine?
It is a chemical element used as a disinfectant because it can kill microbes living in water. In fact, it is one of the most produced and used chemicals in Europe.
It has a strong smell, which is why you can usually smell it when used in large amounts. It can not only irritate the skin, but also the eyes and inside the body, such as the nasal passages, when ingested or breathed in.
Chlorine rash or swimmer’s itch:
Another type of skin condition that can develop after outdoor swimming is ‘bather’s itch’, a type of allergic reaction to pathogens that can live in fresh or salt water.
While chlorine rash usually occurs after swimming, swimmer’s itch usually develops after swimming in outdoor fresh water. Swimmer’s itch is usually caused by tiny parasites that find their way into water, such as lakes or ponds, from birds or other animals. Parasites lay larvae that can attach themselves to people’s skin, burrow into it and cause an allergic rash.
Symptoms of swimmers itch are usually as follows:
– a rash that looks like small red dots
– tingling and pain
– Itching
– Sometimes lesions that manifest as blisters, bleeding and scabs.
What does chlorine rash look like?
The main symptoms of chlorinated erythema are:
– Drought
– Redness
– Sensitivity
– Inflammation
– Itching
– Skin lesions, hives, scales or scabs that form on the skin if the rash is severe.
Chlorine rash usually manifests as dry, irritated, sometimes red skin. Some people who are particularly sensitive to chlorine also develop an itchy rash (urticaria) when exposed to it. However, people who develop red or dry skin after being in a swimming pool are not actually allergic to chlorine. Sometimes what you think is a chlorine allergy could actually be underlying asthma, exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB), or bronchospasm. Chlorine can indirectly contribute to allergies by irritating and sensitizing the airways.
How long does a chlorine rash last?
In most cases, the rash develops within hours of skin contact with chlorine. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, the rash can last from one to four days. Normally, it disappears in about three days.
Causes
Dermatologists consider chlorine rash to be a type of irritant dermatitis. The rash is actually caused by a minor chemical burn that dries out the skin and causes inflammation.
The main culprit for the rash is hypochlorous acid, which forms when chlorine and water are combined. This acid can open pores, destroy the skin’s natural oils and moisture barrier, causing dryness. The longer you stay in the water, the worse it gets.
Some people with allergies/asthma are more susceptible to severe chlorine rashes and other reactions, but chlorine itself is not an allergen.
Risk factors for developing a chlorine rash include:
– Have sensitive or already dry or damaged skin, such as skin prone to eczema or other types of dermatitis.
– Spending a lot of time in chlorinated water or staying in chlorinated water for long periods of time. This applies to competitive swimmers, people who exercise regularly in the pool, and lifeguards.
– Do not take a shower after being exposed to chlorine.
– Have allergies or asthma; chlorine irritates the sinuses, which can trigger the immune system and cause a rash.
How to treat/prevent
How to get rid of chlorine rash? Follow the steps below to protect your skin from irritation and dryness:
1. Avoid long periods of chlorine exposure
Try not to spend more than 30 minutes in chlorine-treated water. If possible, avoid pools that have recently been treated with high concentrations of chlorine, for example to kill a potential pathogen found in the pool. Indoor and public pools tend to be treated at higher concentrations than private pools. If you have a home pool, consider switching to salt water, which can reduce the amount of chlorine needed.
2. Apply a protective balm to the skin before swimming
Some skin care products can help create a barrier on the skin that prevents the absorption of chemicals. The best types are greasy products like petroleum jelly, which help reduce the amount of chlorine that can make its way into your pores. Before swimming, apply a generous amount of these products to your skin where you are most sensitive. If you spend time in the sun and also want to protect your skin from sunburn, first apply an ointment or moisturizer to your dry skin, then apply sunscreen on top.
3. Wash your skin before and after exposure
Ideally, take a shower before and after being in a pool that contains chlorine. Showering before removes bacteria from your skin that can interact with chlorine in a way that makes rashes worse. Showering afterwards is important to remove the chlorine so it doesn’t stay on your skin for long. The longer it remains in contact with your skin, the more severe your rash is likely to be.
Try showering right after getting out of the pool or hot tub. Use a gentle, natural cleanser designed for sensitive skin, such as a fragrance-free, exfoliating, or acidic cleanser.
4. Use lots of moisturizer and vitamin C
Right after showering, apply moisturizer to prevent dryness. In general, you want to prevent your skin from becoming too dry and flaky, which makes it more susceptible to breakouts. Try to gently exfoliate your skin about twice a week, avoid using too many irritating products (like acne treatments if your skin is already sensitive), and protect your skin from sunburn. You can also add a vitamin C serum to your skincare routine to further protect it from damage. Look for a thin vitamin C serum or lotion that can be applied under moisturizers and heavier sunscreens.
5. Apply anti-itch cream
If your rash is rather mild and not itchy, follow the steps above. If you’ve developed a more severe rash that’s red, itchy, and quite inflamed, try applying an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or a homemade anti-itch cream. Do this for two or three days to see if the rash improves. If not, see your doctor.
When to consult a doctor
If you’ve developed a chlorine rash that doesn’t go away within days of following the steps above, see your dermatologist or doctor, who may suggest using stronger anti-inflammatory creams. Call your doctor right away if you have a severe, oozing, painful, or very hot rash. Avoid further exposure to chlorine, sunlight, or harsh skin care products while the rash heals.