Eczema and Swimming: Five Things You Should Know
Eczema and Swimming: Five Things You Should Know
Swimming can be such a fun activity for babies and children, and water safety and survival skills are incredibly important for them to learn. But as a parent or carer of a little one with eczema, the thought of getting them into a pool for swimming lessons or play can sometimes be nerve-wracking! Chlorinated pools can trigger eczema and dry, itchy skin, but there are some things you can do before and after swimming to ease the effects on your little one.
As water safety and learning to swim are essential parts of early life, we want to empower you with helpful tips to help eczema-prone skin cope better when exposed to chlorinated water. Here are some things to know before you next head to the pool.
1. Chlorine can help or hinder eczema
Chlorine in swimming pools can dry out and aggravate baby eczema, but it’s also important to know that it can sometimes benefit from exposure to chlorinated water. This is because chlorine helps to reduce bacteria that cause infections in eczema skin, which can be beneficial for some – like with a bleach bath (always consult with your doctor before attempting a bleach bath). Monitor how your little one responds to chlorine pools to see what works best for their skin.
2. Moisturise before swimming
To help lessen the irritation that chlorine can cause for little ones with eczema, apply a thick moisturiser half an hour before entering the water. This will create a barrier on the skin so it’s less affected by chlorine. Just remember – if your little one has moisturiser on their skin, it can make them a little more slippery to hold in the pool!
3. Shower and moisturise right after swimming
A lukewarm shower will help remove chlorine from their skin; the sooner you do it after taking your little one out of the pool, the better. Use a gentle cleanser in the shower, like the Itchy Baby Co. Natural Shampoo and Body Wash. If your little one is particularly sensitive to chlorine, an oatmeal bath can be a great way to soothe and gently cleanse their skin. Gently pat them dry with a clean, soft towel and apply moisturiser while their skin is damp.
4. Stay hydrated
Yes, dehydration happens even when swimming! Especially if your little one is doing lots of physical activity in a warm, heated pool. For children and babies who have started consuming water, it's a good idea to keep their water bottle close by and help them hydrate before, during and after swimming. Staying hydrated is important for overall health and for supporting dry, eczema-prone skin.
5. Stick to your regular eczema routine
Putting plenty of moisture and hydration into eczema skin is vital to managing uncomfortable symptoms. Try to stay consistent with your bath time and moisturising routine, especially on swimming days.
We hope these tips help you feel more confident to enjoy swimming lessons and fun days at the pool with your little one!
This blog post was brought to you and your bub with love and care by Julia and the Itchy Baby Co. team x
Disclaimer: Information provided is of a general nature only and you should always consult your medical professional.