If you do break out, the rash is usually treatable with over-the-counter (OTC) creams.
It also offers tips on how to prevent chlorine rash.
Symptoms of a chlorine rash include:
A chlorine rash is not contagious.
Illustration by Tara Anand for Verywell Health
The symptoms won’t get worse after the first day as long as you stay out of the pool.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Reproduced with permission from DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
How Long Does a Chlorine Rash Last?
A chlorine rash is a punch in of irritantcontact dermatitis.
A chlorine rash is not an allergy.
Askin allergyis because of a hypersensitive reaction to a substance the body thinks is harmful.
Irritant contact dermatitis is when the skin barrier is disrupted by a substance that triggersinflammationin underlying cells.
This response (inflammation) can also cause skin discoloration, swelling, itching, and other symptoms.
Some people are more sensitive to chlorine than others, including people witheczemaorpsoriasis.
These conditions cause scaly, disrupted skin that makes it easier for irritants to get to the underlying cells.
The risk of chlorine rash is higher if the chlorine levels in the water are high.
The risk of this interaction is high in public pools.
If you experience a chlorine rash, hydrocortisone and gentle moisturizing creams may be applied.
Treatment for Chlorine Rash
Chlorine rash is typically treated at home with (OTC) medications.
You may need to see a skin specialist (dermatologist) for treatment.
Having the right balance of the chemical in the water helps keep swimmers safe from germs.
They can look at the rash and figure out if its from chlorine or something else.
Other Causes of Rashes
There are other rashes and types of irritation you might get from swimming.
The larvae burrow their way into water-exposed skin.
Hot tub folliculitis causes itchy, pus-filled bumps that tend to be worse in areas covered by a swimsuit.
The rash usually goes away without treatment after a few days.
It can occur after swimming if you are in the sun and get overheated.
Miliaria is most common in hot, humid weather.
Symptoms include itchiness with small blistering rashes.
Symptoms will get better on their own once the skin is cooled.
The hives will usually clear on their own within 24 hours.
Chlorine rash symptoms include skin discoloration or redness, swelling, rash, scaling, and itchiness.
The best way to prevent chlorine rash is to avoid water that has chlorine in it.
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