Swimming with Eczema?

Question

Im going swimming but ive got eczema. If i put epiderm on before i go swimming, have a quick shower when i get out of pool and go home which will take 5 mins to have a proper shower. Will that affect my skin with leaving it 5 mins to put my other creams on to lock the moisture in the skin.

Thanks. I know this is a bit of a long question but would like any info on swimming with eczema or any other skin conditions.

Any answers from swimmers with eczema would be great.

Thanks again.

Answer 1

my edlest son has severe eczema he is covered head to toe with it.

He attends swimming lessons once a week. I donot shower him at the pool but also wait till we get home which is only a short walk away.

The chlorine dosnt seem to make much difference to the actually eczema the way it effects him but visual wise it looks better for about a day after. (he still has the itch)

I apply emulsyfiying ointment simmilar to eperderm on him before swimming only a small amount tho on his worse areas. After swimming and having his bath at home i apply think layer of the emulsifier and this seems to be ok for him.

Im from the uk but im a member of a eczema support group and alot of parents on there from the us. Thet actually put bleach in bath water, 1/4 cup for their kids with eczema they says it helps to stop reoccuring infections. i wouldnt do this but in a way chlorine is a type of bleach so hopefully will have same effect.

Answer 2

Chlorine And Eczema

Answer 3

Some people’s eczema is made worse by chlorine in swimming pools. Applying a barrier cream before swimming may limit the irritation. Also, rinse well in the shower afterwards, and try to apply an emollient cream within 5 minutes of showering, to ‘trap’ moisture in your skin.

Answer 4

My little boy had eczema on his cheeks. I was not sure what method to use but I didn't want to make my boy go through any surgery treatments at this young age. Some suggested a plastic surgeon since it was in a very visible location but our family doctor recommend this natural guide.

Best Eczema Treatment?

Answer 5

Chlorine in swimming pools can irritate eczema. This is a bit of a catch 22 - whilst chlorine can cause irritation, it is necessary in certain quantities to stop bacteria from spreading. Of course, bacteria can cause skin infections. Some eczema sufferers can swim in chlorinate pools with little effect, whilst others cannot. One tip is to cover the skin with an oil based emollient which then provides a protective layer between the chemicals used in swimming pools and the skin. Of course, moisturise thoroughly after swimming.
I have tried it with thick layers of vasiline, sort of water proofing my skin and it work. Some people try goose fat and it works for them. I would not recommend you to swim without any emollient protection.
epiderm alone won't protect your skin if you going to be in pool for more then 5 mins. So enter water with think cream or oil based emollient.

Answer 6

I can sympathize with you, I too have suffered from Eczema for more years than I care to remember!
I would suggest you take some of your regular cream with you and use it as soon as you have showered. If you don't, then your skin will feel tight and uncomfortable.
I always take cream with me if I am going anywhere when I may have to bathe or wash and even to the hairdressers, to use after I have had my hair washed! No one takes any notice as I just explain that I need to keep my skin moist. I keep a special little pot in my handbag just for such times as these!
I hope I have been helpful.

Answer 7

im telling ya VASELINE is the magic cure! i find the chlorine realy drys me out. slap ya vas on just b4 get in the pool when u get out shower dry n vas. i suffered from patchy wet eczema 2 n i found jhonsons baby powder helped sum how?

Answer 8

the chemicals will probably make the eczema look much better

Answer 9

Chlorine from the pool water could further irritate your skin.

Answer 10

that epaderm is so greasy