Blotchy red skin

I seem to gret this when my skin gets affected by pool chemicals. 15 years ago it happened after I quit. I no longer have acces to the diagnosis from the dermatologist. This time, the same blotches began to show up about 3 years after I started swimming daily and now seem to expand into my chest where they would be unsightly with summer wear ...  

Thanks for a cure!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Since you are showing these symptoms after entering the swimming pool,so it might be that you are allergic to chlorine or any of the contents of swimming pool.It has been reported that swimming pool water increases the predisposition to allergies and hay fever inswimmers.You can confirm that be getting yourself tested for allergies by an allergist.Skin prik tests and blood tests like RAST are employed to find if you are allergic to chlorine found in swimming pools or any other chemical in the pool.

If you face any of such symptoms again,pls take an over the counter antihistaminic like benadryl or zyrtec.If symptoms are severe,oral steroids may be needed.Also,if it is your private pool,then ask swimming pool manufacturers to replace chlorine with some other chemical to which you are not allergic.

If you sense any difficulty in breathing after entering the pool,then pls consult an ER immediately as it can be life threatening anaphylaxis.
Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts.Kind regards.