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Common Skin Hazards of Swimming

Water Related Dermatoses

Jul 19, 2009 Hanish Babu

Common skin hazards of swimming in the form of water related dermatoses are unknown to majority of swimmers indulging in aquatic leisure activities.

Swimmers, deep sea scuba divers, Jacuzzi and sauna users should be aware of the common skin hazards of swimming, both in fresh water and sea water.

Common Skin Hazards of Swimming

The general skin hazards of swimming common to all types of swimmers include

Sunburn. Water related skin problems can be aggravated by the UV radiation from sun exposure as well as sun burns. Swimmers have to be careful as water on the skin can cause higher absorption and retention of the heat and radiation of the sunrays. Redness, burning sensation and pain are the symptoms of sunburn. Depending upon the severity, there may be scaling, erosions, burnt skin or painful blisters; especially on the shoulders, back, face, forehead and outer arms.
Cold urticaria. Itching and hives occur in some individuals on exposure to cold water. Patients with cold urticaria should avoid swimming in cold water, as these can cause severe reactions in the skin and windpipes leading to life threatening respiratory distress, shock and collapse.
Aquagenic Urticaria. In contrast to the cold urticaria, in aquagenic urticaria, wheals and itching arise on contact with water irrespective of its temperature. Those who have had an attack should avoid swimming altogether or take proper precautions before taking the plunge. Remember, in an unconscious state, drowning requires only an inch or so of water, just enough to immerse the nose in the face down position!
Aquagenic pruritus. This is itching after water contact without any skin changes, except may be scratch marks. Those who have aquagenic pruritus should have a detailed checkup to rule out underlying diseases like polycythemia vera.
Dry Skin or Swimmers Xerosis. Water evaporating from the skin surface could predispose the swimmer’s skin to excess dryness.
General skin infections. Dissolved or floating impurities in the water of the sea, rivers and swimming pools can cause hair follicle and other superficial skin infections in swimmers. Rivers and beaches alongside populated cities are infamous for causing swimmer’s itching and dermatitis.
Swimmer’s Ear (Otitis externa): High temperature, humidity and frequent wetting can predispose the outer ear canal to recurrent bacterial or fungal infections in swimmers. Itching, pain, blocked ear and maceration of the skin lining the ear canal are the presenting complaints. Presence of wax will complicate the situation.
Contact Dermatitis: Bathing suites, goggles, snorkel masks, life jackets, water plants and inhabitants of the water can all cause contact dermatitis in sensitive swimmers. Redness, itching and/or burning sensation in areas were the allergen came in contact is the typical presentation in such cases. This is in contrast to sunburns, where the covered areas are by and large spared.

These are the general skin hazards of swimming. Swimmers using swimming pools, whirlpools, fresh water lakes, rivers, sea and deep sea divers have their own risks and hazards to face while swimming either for fun or as a sports activity. It is indeed important to learn how to avoid the common skin hazards of swimming.

Reference

CTC Kennedy & DAR Bund. Mechanical and Thermal Injury , in Rook’s Textbook of Dermatology, 7th Edition, 2004

Disclaimer

The information given in this article is for educational purpose only so that patients are aware of the options available. No diagnosis should be made or treatment undertaken without first consulting your doctor. If you do so, the author or suite101 will not be responsible for any consequences. The images provided are for illustration purpose only.

The copyright of the article Common Skin Hazards of Swimming in General Medicine is owned by Hanish Babu. Permission to republish Common Skin Hazards of Swimming in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Beware of Skin Hazards of Swimming.