chlorine!

[chubbynovlawstudent]

I've recently taken up lap swimming as part of my workout routine since my new gym has a heated indoor pool.  The workout is great but even if I shower right after swimming and use a heavy lotion, the chemicals still dry my skin out and make me super itchy.  Anyone have any ideas short of stopping lap swimming or trying to find another pool?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
This sounds like xerosis due to hot water or due to chemicals present in the pool. The mainstay of management is liberal use of moisturizers after washing with luke warm water. Soap should be used minimally. Moisturizers should be reapplied liberally during the day. You can also use a topical cortisone (steroid) cream or ointment like dermacort(hydrocortisone). Adding a humidifier to the central heating system of your home or using a humidifier also helps.

If the symptoms persist then you may have to change the pool.


I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.

[chubbynovlawstudent]

Thanks so much!  I will switch the body wash I have in my gym bag and up the ante on my moisturizer immediately.  It looks like I really need to invest in a second humidifier too--we have one for our tropical birds but it sounds like my family's skin is as much in need of ambient moisture as their feathers!

Thanks so much Dr. Kaur!