Tips for Swimming with Eczema

Exercising with eczema can be difficult so people who have this condition have to be creative in order to get their hearts pumping without their skins flaring up.

If you’re one of these people you could try out swimming as your daily exercise routine because not only will it prevent you from sweating, which can trigger flare ups, but it will also exercise all parts of your body. But before you dive into the local community pool you should know first what routines you should follow so that your eczema won’t get triggered while you’re swimming and long after you’ve left the pool.

Hydrate yourself

It may sound ironic that the first thing you should remember to do if you’re going swimming is to hydrate yourself because that’s what the pool is for. But swimming increases your body temperature and you’re bound to lose a lot of fluids, which will then dry out your skin and make you susceptible to another flare up.

So before you dive in drink water first and right after you get out of the pool replenish the fluids you’ve lost by drinking lots of water again.

Moisturize your skin

Chlorine can dry out your skin and that’s exactly what you don’t want to happen. So an hour before you start swimming, lather your whole body with a deep penetrating moisturizer. Be sure to apply moisturizer to every part of your body because every inch of your skin will be exposed to chlorine.

After you’re done swimming take a shower but make sure that the water you’re using is fresh and not recycled, otherwise, your skin will be exposed to more allergens that could trigger your eczema. Once you’re done showering (mildly warm water is preferable for eczema, not hot) moisturize your skin again.

Shower the right way

As mentioned earlier, hot showers or baths can do more damage to your skin than good. Yes, a hot nice bath may be soothing to tired muscles but they won’t be good for your eczema as they will flare up. But that doesn’t mean you should go straight to cold showers because they’re just as bad.

So start off with a lukewarm water then gradually turn the nozzle until the water is a bit colder. When you’re done showering do not rub your skin dry with your towel because it will only aggravate your skin. Instead, pat your whole body dry to avoid triggering your eczema. If your skin is too sensitive to chlorine you can try an oatmeal bath or even use salt, baking soda, bath oils or an apple cider vinegar for your bath. Those options are safer for your skin and won’t trigger a flare up.

Also, try not to stay in the bathtub too long as it can dry your skin as well. Bathing for 15 minutes is enough to rinse off the chlorine from the pool and soothe your skin. Swimming with eczema may be difficult but with the suggestions above it doesn’t have to be impossible.

So just follow those tips and you’ll be able to exercise to your heart’s content without triggering your eczema.