From the Guidelines
Treatment for contact dermatitis after swimming should prioritize avoiding the irritant, rinsing the affected area with clean water, and applying mild soap or non-soap cleansers, as well as using emollients to improve skin hydration and barrier function, as recommended by the British Association of Dermatologists' guidelines 1. When managing contact dermatitis after swimming, it's essential to consider the potential irritants involved, such as chlorine, pool chemicals, or swimwear materials.
- Identifying and avoiding the irritant is crucial in preventing further irritation.
- Rinsing the affected area with clean water and a mild soap or non-soap cleanser, as suggested in the study on bathing recommendations 1, can help remove remaining irritants.
- Applying emollients, such as those mentioned in the British Association of Dermatologists' guidelines 1, can improve skin hydration and skin barrier function, reducing the risk of further irritation.
- Over-the-counter topical corticosteroids, like hydrocortisone 1% cream, can be applied to reduce inflammation, and oral antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine or cetirizine, can help control itching.
- Preventing future episodes by showering immediately after swimming, using barrier creams, and wearing loose-fitting clothing afterward can also alleviate symptoms and promote skin healing. The goal of treatment is to reduce the inflammatory response, alleviate symptoms, and promote skin healing, ultimately improving the patient's quality of life and reducing morbidity and mortality associated with contact dermatitis.
From the FDA Drug Label
Uses For temporary relief of itching associated with minor skin irritations, inflammation and rashes due to: ● eczema ● seborrheic dermatitis ● psoriasis ● insect bites ● poison ivy, oak, sumac ● soaps ● detergents ● cosmetics ● jewelry ● external feminine genital and anal itching Directions Adults and children 2 years of age and older: apply to the affected area not more than 3 to 4 times daily.
The treatment for contact dermatitis after swimming may include the use of hydrocortisone (TOP) for temporary relief of itching associated with minor skin irritations and rashes.
- Application: Apply to the affected area not more than 3 to 4 times daily for adults and children 2 years of age and older.
- Precaution: Children under 2 years of age should not use this product, and children under 12 years of age with external anal itching should consult a doctor 2 2.
From the Research
Treatment for Contact Dermatitis after Swimming
The treatment for contact dermatitis after swimming depends on the severity and extent of the condition.
- For localized acute allergic contact dermatitis lesions, mid- or high-potency topical steroids, such as triamcinolone 0.1% or clobetasol 0.05%, are effective treatments 3.
- If the allergic contact dermatitis involves an extensive area of skin (greater than 20 percent), systemic steroid therapy is often required and offers relief within 12 to 24 hours 3.
- In cases where the diagnosis or specific allergen remains unknown, patch testing should be performed to determine the causative substance 3.
Causes of Contact Dermatitis after Swimming
Contact dermatitis after swimming can be caused by various substances, including:
- Chemicals used in pool maintenance, such as potassium peroxymonosulfate 4, 5.
- Irritants or allergens present in the water, such as those found in freshwater or saltwater environments 6.
Advanced Therapies
In cases where avoidance of the trigger is not possible, advanced therapies may be necessary to treat contact dermatitis 7.
- These therapies may include alternative treatments to topical steroids or systemic steroid therapy.
- The choice of treatment will depend on the specific circumstances of the patient and the severity of the condition.