Swimming in a pool is an excellent form of exercise to stay fit while having fun. But have you considered an allergic reaction to chlorine? Read on to make sure this doesn’t happen to you.
What Is a Chlorine Rash?
Chlorine rash is basically a skin sensitivity to chlorine. It might not exactly constitute an allergy but might cause a rash in the form of the extreme sensitivity of the skin to chlorine. A chlorine rash is typically found as a rash on a person after he/she has been exposed to chlorine. The majority of the chlorine rash cases are seen in people who have recently been swimming. The intensity of the rash, of course, varies from one person to the other.
What Are the Symptoms of a Chlorine Rash?
The symptoms of the rash vary from person to person. The most prevalent symptoms are as follows:
- Eye irritation that might/might not include vision problems, tearing, redness and swelling of the eyelids
- Incessant coughing and sneezing due to the nasal receptors trying to block harmful substances from finding entrance into the respiratory tract
- Dry skin with itchiness because of being stripped of the body’s natural oils
- Nausea and abdominal cramps
- Hay fever or bronchial inflammation
- Chest pain or breathing problems
- Contact dermatitis
- Lung diseases
- Wheezing
Chlorine Rash Pictures
How to Treat Chlorine Rash?
There are several different ways you can treat a chlorine rash.Let’s check out the most recommended treatments for a chlorine rash!
- Anti-bacterial soaps: Chlorine exposure leads to the skin getting stripped of all its essential and natural oils. A high risk of skin infections is present when the skin is dry. These bacterial infections can cause even more irritation when combined with the chlorine rash. Hence, it is recommended to use anti-bacterial soaps to take the much-needed care of your skin after a chlorine rash.
- Corticosteroids:These help significantly with the inflammation and itchiness associated with a chlorine rash. Use it in the form of cream to get some relief from the dryness.
- Anti-itchiness ointments: You can choose from a wide range of anti-itchiness ointments,but it is recommended to choose the ones that contain camphor or menthol for a cooling effect on the affected area of the skin. These balms substantially help in calming the skin and providing the much-needed relief from the inflammation and the burning sensation.
- Hypoallergenic soap: You must frequently wash and clean the affected area with an anti-bacterial or hypoallergenic soap to ensure you don’t develop a nasty bacterial skin infection.
What Home Remedies Can You Try to Get Rid of Chlorine Rash?
When we talk about home remedies, the question of their effectiveness always pops up in our mind because the prevalent notion is that they don’t show as quick results as their allopathic counterparts. However, this is just a fad,and some basic home remedies can go a long way to providing relief from not just chlorine rash but a wide range of skin diseases.
Let’s check out the most common home remedies that you can try out if you’re suffering from this pesky rash yourself!
- Cold compresses go a long way to providing relief to the affected area.
- Bathe with water and baking soda to help alleviate the itchiness and inflammation associated with a chlorine rash.
- If you see certain symptoms of chlorine rash appearing on your skin, try rubbing some Aloe Vera gel to reduce the effects immediately.
- Another amazing ingredient that can provide relief from a chlorine rash is vinegar. Apply to the affected area using a cotton bud or a cotton pad.
- You can also get rid of the itchiness by applying a blend of sugar and almond oil to the affected area.
- Likewise, you can also consider adding cornstarch to your bathing water to reduce itching.
Best Preventative Measures of Chlorine Rash
Yes, you heard it right! You can take certain preventative steps to avoid getting afflicted with a chlorine rash. They are:
- The best way to prevent getting a chlorine rash is also the most obvious one. You should avoid jumping into swimming pools where the water has been treated with chlorine.
- Even if you do decide to go for a swim in a chlorine-treated pool, make sure you take a shower before and right after the swim to prevent the rash from appearing!
- Apply Vaseline on your skin before going for a swim to avoid chlorine getting in contact with your skin.
- Make it a habit to inquire about the chlorine levels in a pool before diving right in! Alternatively, you can buy a few pool strips to determine the chlorine and PH level of the pool yourself before going for a swim.
- Thoroughly wash your swimsuit after a swim in a public swimming pool!
Also Check out Solar Pool Cleaner Reviews 2018- Buyer’s Guide
Last few words
Treating a chlorine rash is fairly straightforward,and in minor cases, they can be done with a few simple home remedies. However, it is best to take all the preventative measures before going for a swim so as to not get afflicted with it in the first place.
References
https://www.livestrong.com/article/218564-reactions-to-chlorine-at-swimming-pools/
acaai.org/allergies/types/allergy-myths/chlorine-allergy
https://woman.thenest.com/allergic-reactions-chlorine-swimming-pools-16754.html
Images:
https://quoteslifebook.com/browse/small-itchy-bumps-on-skin.html
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