2023-05-17 07:00:37
Use moisturizer before swimming and take a shower immediately following swimming.
Swimming season is coming. Swimming is a beneficial activity for children. It’s great exercise, an important skill for safety, and can be a great way to get some fresh air and sunlight outdoors.
However, the problem can be complicated for children with eczema, also known as ‘atopic dermatitis’. Eczema is an allergic disease of the skin. It can be caused by allergies to food as well as environmental allergies such as pollen and cats. And when chemicals or other factors irritate the skin, when the skin loses moisture, it can be triggered by excessive sweating.
Swimming in chlorinated pools can actually help with eczema. Bleach baths, which are generally recommended for treating eczema, essentially turn the bathtub into a swimming pool.
Being in the sun and being in water can also be good for eczema. The important thing is to optimize the benefits while avoiding problems that may arise. It is advisable to consult with your doctor on the best strategy for keeping your child’s skin healthy.
Harvard Health Publishing, USA, introduced precautions for parents when taking their children with atopic dermatitis to the swimming pool.
-When going outside, use sunscreen, preferably one with zinc oxide or titanium. Look for products for sensitive skin, and avoid scented ones. If your child is particularly sensitive to rashes, consider wearing a sunscreen swimsuit.
– Apply a moisturizer before swimming, especially in chlorinated pools. Make sure not to apply too much to the palms or soles of the feet. It should be applied only to the extent that the child will not slip and fall when grabbing an object with his or her hands.
– When entering the pool for the first time, it’s a good idea to try a shorter swim than usual to make sure the chemicals aren’t overly irritating. If possible, avoid entering the pool immediately following adding the chlorine.
– After swimming, immediately change clothes and take a shower. Use a mild, unscented soap or body wash. After dabbing the skin dry with a clean towel (do not use a towel used for swimming), reapply the moisturizer.
-Silicone swimming caps and goggles may cause less irritation than rubber or other plastics. All products used for swimming must be thoroughly rinsed following use.
If your eczema is inflamed or infected, it’s best to avoid swimming until it heals.
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