A chlorine rash, also known as a pool rash, is an itchy skin rash that can develop after exposure to chlorinated water in public swimming pools, hot tubs, and water parks. It can be treated with over-the-counter creams and ointments, but severe cases should be seen by a doctor. Prevention measures include asking about the level of chlorine in the pool, removing bathing suits immediately after swimming, and bathing before and after entering chlorinated water.
A chlorine rash is a type of rash that usually develops after a person has been exposed to chlorine. Sometimes, the condition is referred to as a pool rash, as people often get sick after being in a pool. Generally, the rash will develop not long after coming into contact with chlorinated water. The first sign of the rash is usually an annoying itch. In most cases, the rash will clear up within a few days.
Usually, chlorine is put into water that will be inhabited by several people. For this reason it is typically placed in public swimming pools, hot tubs and water parks. It is commonly used as a disinfectant to kill bacteria that can grow in these densely populated waters. For most people, exposure to chlorine in small amounts isn’t harmful, however, for others, even minimal exposure to the chemical can cause an allergic skin rash to develop. An individual who develops a chlorine rash can be said to have an allergy to chlorine.
Extreme itching is usually the primary symptom of a chlorine rash. Itching can begin within minutes of exposure or can develop over the course of several hours to a day after coming into contact with chlorine. Most people will find small bumps lined up on the skin. The bumps can form in patches in different places on the body. The affected areas may also be red and swollen, which can cause a lot of pain.
There are a few steps that can be taken to prevent a chlorine rash. If swimming in a public pool and a person is severely allergic to chlorine, it may be a good idea to ask the pool managers or caretaker about the level of chlorine in the pool. After swimming, a person should remove their bathing suit immediately to limit the amount of exposure to chlorine. Also, it can be helpful to bathe both before and after entering chlorinated water.
To treat a chlorine rash, a person can purchase an over-the-counter cream or ointment. Most creams for this type of skin irritation may contain corticosteroids. Additionally, an anti-itch ointment can relieve constant itching, which can be one of the more troubling symptoms of the rash. Until the rash clears up, an infected person should bathe with antibacterial soap and keep the irritated areas as clean and dry as possible. If the rash does not heal within a few days, or if the person develops more severe symptoms, such as fever, the rash spreading, a change in color, or the rash oozing, then a doctor should be consulted for proper treatment.
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