From the Guidelines
Yes, patients with eczema can swim, but they should take certain precautions to minimize potential irritants and maintain skin hydration. After swimming, it is essential to rinse off immediately with clean water to remove chlorine, salt, or other potential irritants from the skin 1. Applying moisturizer promptly after drying off can help lock in hydration and protect the skin barrier, as recommended by recent guidelines for the management of atopic dermatitis in adults 1. For those with severe eczema flares, it may be best to avoid swimming temporarily until the skin improves. Some patients find that applying a barrier cream like petroleum jelly before swimming helps protect their skin.
Key Considerations
- Chlorinated pools might irritate some individuals' eczema, while others may find salt water soothing
- If swimming indoors, showering with lukewarm (not hot) water afterward is important to avoid stripping the skin of its natural oils
- Swimming can be beneficial exercise for many with eczema, as it doesn't cause sweating that might trigger flares, but each person's skin reacts differently, so monitoring how your skin responds is essential 1
Precautions and Recommendations
- Use a nonsoap cleanser or a soap substitute to cleanse the skin before and after swimming, as soaps and detergents can remove natural lipid from the surface of the skin 1
- Apply a bland emollient after bathing to improve skin hydration and skin barrier function 1
- Avoid extremes of temperature and irritant clothing, and keep nails short to minimize potential irritants 1
From the Research
Swimming with Eczema
- Patients with eczema can swim, but it's essential to take precautions to minimize the risk of exacerbating the condition 2.
- The constituents of water, such as hardness, pH, temperature, antiseptics, and other chemicals, can affect eczema 2.
- Applying emollients before swimming and showering after submersion can help reduce damage to the skin barrier 2.
- Swimming can have benefits for patients with eczema, including reduced sweating, improved cardiorespiratory fitness, and maintenance of a healthy weight 2.
Emollients and Moisturizers for Eczema
- Emollients and moisturizers are an integral part of eczema treatment, and they can help reduce disease severity and prevent flares 3.
- Various types of moisturizers, such as urea-containing cream, glycerol-containing moisturizer, and oat-containing moisturizers, have been shown to be effective in reducing eczema symptoms 3.
- Moisturizers can be used in combination with active treatments to enhance their effectiveness 3.
- Petroleum jelly, also known as petrolatum, is a widely used topical agent that can be used as a moisturizer and has a variety of uses in dermatology 4.
Precautions and Considerations
- Patients with eczema should be aware of the potential risks and benefits of swimming and take necessary precautions to minimize the risk of exacerbating their condition 2.
- It's essential to choose a suitable moisturizer and apply it regularly to help manage eczema symptoms 3.
- Patients should consult with their dermatologist or healthcare provider for personalized advice on managing their eczema and engaging in physical activities like swimming 2, 3.