Getting a rash from the pool is a regular occurrence for pool experts and pool managers. Although getting rashes from the pool seems like a summer problem for swimmers.
During summer, and extremely hot days, swimmers who get a dip in the pool are likely to get rashes from the chlorinated pool or pools that have low disinfectant. This is majorly because of the presence of chlorine in the pool water.
This article will explain the differences between chlorine rash and swimming pool rash, it will also explain the symptoms of pool rash.
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Are swimming pool rash and chlorine rash the same?
Pool and chlorine rash isn’t the same but they are quite synonymous because they can both be contacted from the pool. Swimmers get rashes from the pool when the pool has low or no disinfectant.
The pool produces a bacteria known as pseudomonas. While chlorine rash is contacted as a result of high chlorine in the water or spending too much time in chlorinated pools.
However, both situations, have the same symptoms and treatment. So in this article, both terms will be used interchangeably.
Symptoms Of A Swimming Pool Rash?
When you are exposed to chlorinated pool water quite too often, you will likely develop rashes otherwise known as chlorine rash. The common symptoms of this kind of rash are not difficult to decipher.
1. Itchy Skin
This is one of the first signs you will notice. Some part of your skin might get reddish from scratching. And you will notice that the skin surface has become a little rougher than your normal skin. When you see this sign, when you are just leaving the pool or a few hours after leaving the pool, then there is every tendency that it might be a chlorine rash.
2. Chapped Skin
When your skin is unusually dry then it could be a pointer. The area where your skin itches you would be dry regardless of the ointment you apply. Although this is common after swimming in a chlorinated swimming pool. Nevertheless, it could be a worsening condition of pool rash.
3. Skin Blisters
This is one sign you should be truly concerned about when you see some appear on your skin. Blisters are tiny boils. They are quite irritating and can be painful when busted. So when the skin rash area happens to be blistered, then that is the needed pointer to know that you have pool rash.
4. Redness/Hives
Another symptom of a pool or chlorine rash is the redness of the skin or itchy area. The spots will be red and even swollen. At times, they may be scaly and other times, hives may appear on the skin. When you notice this, the pool rash is in full-scale.
5. High Temperature and difficulty in breathing
High temperature can be another symptom. You will observe that not just the rash infected area is warm, but it changes the whole body temperature as well. Also, when there is an unusually high level of chlorine in the pool, fumes from the chemical will cause an asthmatic reaction to the individual.
How Do You Prevent Pool Rash?
If you must prevent pool rash, then you should try to rub your body with Vaseline or any other ointment that is pool friendly.
So when this has been done, you may get into the water and get a cool dip.
Then when you are out of the water, pull off your swimming trunk, and try to rinse off your body with plain cool water, or preferably you can use a garden hose to rinse off your body.
This will help to rinse off the chlorine or any unseen substance that is still stuck to your body. Next, after showering, apply some moisturizer. Then you may go about your daily activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Chlorine Rash Go Away?
Chlorine or pool rash isn’t permanent. It is a kind of rash that develops as a result of an allergy from chlorinated pools. The good news about this rash is that it goes away quickly as it came. It goes away within 3 to 5 or more days. Pool rash doesn’t last up to a month or more. If it does, then it isn’t a pool rash.
How Do You Treat Pool/Chlorine Rash?
If you cannot stand the itchy swollen and reddish blisters, then you can always get your baby’s skin back with the use of hydrocortisone creams. Hydrocortisone creams are steroids that are used to treat mild inflammatory skin diseases. It can treat itches and irritating skin conditions. Get to a pharmacy and buy one when you notice these symptoms.
Do kids Get Rashes From The Swimming Pool?
Children are more prone to get rashes from the swimming pool. This is because their bodies are still quite sensitive, unlike adults. Also, when kids stay too long in pools, they may come out with itchy bodies.
Is Pool or Chlorine Rash Contagious?
Pool or chlorine rash isn’t contagious. So someone else who was in the same pool with you, or who shares the same bed with you, may not contact this.
Does swimming in winter make you prone to pool rash?
Getting a pool rash isn’t whether bound. It can be gotten at any time. as long as your pool has high chlorine, and is low on disinfectant.
Final Thoughts
Finally, pool rashes and chlorine rash are synonymous and can both be treated with hydrocortisone creams.
To prevent pool rash, you can rub your skin that is the exposed area with some Vaseline.
And after you get out of the pool, you should rinse your body in the shower or you can make use of a garden hose. This will help rinse off the chlorine or anything that might cause itchy skin afterward.
Then rub your skin with a moisturizer. You don’t need to get scared about going into the pool. When you adhere to the instructions that will prevent pool rash, then you can take a dip in the pool for as long as you can!
