Pools are pretty gross when you think about it. And as much as we like the idea of swimming in a bunch of chemicals – chlorine in this case – that’s probably better than anything else that would stew in there without them. So chlorine is necessary and important, but that doesn’t mean we have to enjoy its pungent aroma or its effect on our skin.
When you swim in an outdoor pool, your biggest skin problem likely has to do with UV rays and trying to avoid sunburn. (As it should be.) But even with a lot of sun protection factor, after leaving the pool you may find that your skin is particularly tight, dry and flaky. There’s a decent chance that this was from the chlorine. And some people react to it much more than others – including a rash. Here’s what you should know about chlorine rashes, including how to identify and treat them.
What is a chlorine rash?
First things first: Loud American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI), getting a rash from chlorine does not mean you are allergic to the chemical.
This is because the rash is actually an “irritative dermatitis”, which is similar to a chemical burn and is caused by an oversensitivity to chlorine. It turns out that chlorine is a natural irritant – which is why your skin feels so tight and dry after leaving a pool. Oh, and if you already have dermatitis, chlorine can make it worse, the ACAAI notes.
What does a chlorine rash look like?
Typically, a chlorine rash involves at least one of these pleasant symptoms, the ACAAI says:
- Reddening of the skin, tenderness, inflammation and / or itching at the point of contact
- Skin lesions or rash
- Scales or crust on the skin
- Hives
How to treat a chlorine rash
The ACAAI recommends Treating a chlorine rash in a similar way to treating other skin irritations and sensitivities: by “washing the affected area with clean water to try to remove any traces of the remaining irritant” – in this case, pool water.
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If you have a more severe case and that doesn’t help, it’s a good idea to see your doctor or allergist if it’s an unrelated allergic reaction. Depending on the situation, your doctor may prescribe a corticosteroid cream (although in this case it should be taken as directed and not overused). If hives are involved, your doctor may suggest taking an antihistamine such as Benadryl.
Another reason to rinse off in a quick shower after leaving a pool.
