How to Avoid Common Skin Hazards of Swimming

Tips on Managing Water Related Skin Diseases.

Jul 23, 2009 Hanish Babu

Learning how to avoid the common skin hazards of swimming will help swimmers manage water related skin diseases properly.

Constant contact with water produces some common skin hazards in swimmers. Swimming pools, whirl pools, rivers and sea all have their own health risks on the skin of the swimmers.

How to Avoid the Common Skin Hazards of Swimming

  • Use regular sun protection during swimming. A sun protection cream with an SPF of 30 or above should be applied to the exposed areas before venturing out in the sun for swimming. Reapplication is necessary every 2-3 hours as water may wash off some of the cream.
  • Apply moisturizers under the swim suit. This will reduce chances of irritation and allergy from the material.
  • Shower in fresh water immediately after swimming.
  • Wipe the skin with a towel and apply a moisturizer over the moist skin immediately afterwards.
  • Reapply sunscreen lotions as often and as needed.
  • Remain in the shade when not swimming and cover the body with cotton towel.

Tips on How to Manage Water Related Skin Diseases

  • Sunburns: If you do get sunburns after swimming, immediately cover the area with a moderately potent topical steroid like betamethasone valerate ointment. Put on thick cotton clothes and transfer yourselves to a cool atmosphere. You can alternate the steroid application with aloe vera containing moisturizing creams, once the acute burn starts subsiding. Avoid going out in the sun or swimming during daytime at least for a week. Take an antihistamine like levocetrizine daily once. Drinking lots of water and fresh juices (except mango) will keep your skin hydrated and cool. Avoid alcohol and beer in excess, as these can have a drying effect on the skin. For severe sun burns you need to see a dermatologist as soon as possible.
  • Contact Dermatitis. Skin allergy caused by swimming gadgets and aquatic life needs to be treated by a dermatologist. If you get itching during or immediately after swimming (with or without rashes), take an antihistamine as above. Get out of the water and apply a moisturizing lotion to the area. It is a good idea to carry an antihistamine and a moderately potent topical steroid in your first aid kit when you go swimming. Ask for a prescription from your doctor. You should be aware of the side effects of topical steroids before using them.
  • Aquagenic Urticaria, Cold Urticaria or Aquagenic Pruritus. If you are suffering from any of these allergies to water or cold water, it is best to avoid swimming altogether. Swimming in the sea and deep swimming pools are definitely out of question if you have cold or aquagenic urticaria. If you get only mild itching, you may take a non sedating antihistamine at least half an hour before going in. Alert your companions and the life guard of your problem as they can keep an eye on you.
  • Skin infections following swimming. Wash the body with fresh tap water immediately after bathing. Use an antibacterial soap. At the earliest sign of infection, an antibiotic cream like fucidin should be applied o the area. Most superficial infections will get aborted with this. If the infection is not showing signs of responding in a day, see your doctor.
  • Dryness following swimming. Applying a moisturizing cream or lotion immediately after swimming keeps the skin supple and moist.
  • Swimmer’s Ear. Always put a thick pad of cotton inside the ear before going to swim. Dry the ear canal with cotton buds immediately after swimming.
  • Flushing the eyes with an antiseptic eye drops a couple of times after swimming is a good idea to reduce chances of eye infection.

In addition to the above, there are specific skin hazards while using a swimming pool, river or sea for swimming. These require special precautions according to the specific threats they pose.

Reference

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 How to Avoid Common Skin Hazards of Swimming in General Medicine is owned by Hanish Babu. Permission to republish How to Avoid Common Skin Hazards of Swimming in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
How to Avoid Common Skin Hazards of Swimming, Dr.Hanish Babu, MD How to Avoid Common Skin Hazards of Swimming
Apply Moisturizer to Avoid Dryness After Swimming, Freephotos Apply Moisturizer to Avoid Dryness After Swimming
 
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