Tips for Beating and Treating Chlorine Itch for Eczema Prone Skin
Peep the scene… Im at the pool for the first time since summer officially began, 2 piece swim suit on (for the first time I might add), big tote bag with all my essentials and of course a lil drinky drinky because thats my business.
Me and my “frannnn” are chillin poolside enjoying the sunny day and eventually decide to get in the pool. Now even though I can’t swim I do love being in water, and once im in the pool there’s really no getting out unless its time to reapply my sunscreen. This particular day my SPF of choice was a spray and at the time I thought this was a great idea
Long story long, once pool day was over and I got home I noticed that I had several dry, itchy and red patches. lovey. I knew right away this was an eczema flair up combined with some chlorine irritation
Chlorine is used to keep pools sanitary but excessive amounts of the chemicals can cause irritation to the skin. This is especially true for pools that are using more chlorine as opposed to regular cleanings and larger pools where more people are expected, like hotels and community pools.
This irritation normally shows itself in the form of inflammation resulting in red itchy patches with a bit of swelling. You may also notice the area feeling hot and sensitive to the touch, obviously none of this sounds relaxing
Have you experienced irritation from chlorine? Has it ever exacerbated the state of your eczema or caused a flair up? Well before you give up on hot girl summer, try out these tips for beating and treating chlorine itch anytime you’re on the way to a pool side vaca or stay-ca
Water Resistant Occlusive. Apply Vaseline or Cerave Healing Ointment to the areas you are most prone to eczema flare ups and irritation. Occlusives help seal in moisture but in this case you’ll be using it to keep the water and its itchy ass chlorine, OUT! Apply a thick layer of this for it to properly protect the skin and reapply as needed. I really enjoy the healing ointment for this because its packed with ceramics and other ingredients to help soothe while its protecting!
Physical Sunscreen. Remember when I said I made the mistake of reapplying with only a spray SPF? Well, do as I say and not as I do Chile. A physical sunscreen with zinc will aid in protecting and repairing your moisture barrier so, it will help keep the chlorine away and it also works to soothe any current irritation or any that may come about. Zinc oxide has been shown to increase wound healing and its water resistent. Reapplication is key here as even water resistant sunscreens only protect for a couple hours and the more barrier created the better!
After care is self care. Nothing is foolproof so in the case that you still get some irritation and inflammation form too much time in the pool make sure to be gentle with yourself. Shower in cool water and pat your body dry, avoid rubbing and friction a much as possible. Topically apply products with soothing and barrier restoring ingredients such as oatmeal, aloe, ceramides, centella and green tea. Try your best not to scratch the inflamed area, as hard as that may be to avoid further irritation and breaking the skin!
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