4 Ways to combat skin reactions to chlorine

Itching, burning and redness are just some of the symptoms of skin reactions that can take place while, or after, swimming in chlorinated pools. The good news is, there is relief for these undesirable side effects and there are ways that you can avoid them.

Many people have the fortune of being able to swim in a chlorinated pool for hours, feeling nothing but the pure joy of cooling off on a hot day. Others, however, may experience undesirable side effects such as red, itchy skin with more-than-average exposure to chemicals in the pool.

Reactions

Some of the most common reactions experienced by swimmers are itchiness, dryness, chlorine rash (red, itchy bumps), irritation or discomfort and hives (red, itchy rash).

People who suffer from respiratory issues such as asthma can also experience strained breathing as a result of the chemicals in the water.

Chlorine in the swimming pool may also cause the skin to become dry.

Treatment and prevention

One of the best ways to prevent a chemical reaction on your skin is to promptly wash the chlorine off your body and out of your hair after swimming. Also, make sure to keep moisturized after swimming and drink plenty of water to prevent dryness.

Some local online stores offer chlorine removal sprays which can be applied after swimming to eradicate the chlorine from the skin and hair.