As the temperature soars, families look forward to
- remove the pool covers
- clean the pool and
- host a big pool party.
While you and your loved ones may enjoy frequently dipping in the cool water during the beaming days, it is important to keep yourself safe.
Excessive swimming in summers can be hard on your skin.
Here are common skin issues that may be lurking around your pool this summer:
1. Sunburns
While swimming outdoors, your skin is in direct exposure to the burning rays which can cause you severe sunburns and extreme tanning.
Whether you relax or play in your pool, take adequate steps to protect yourself from the sun while enjoying pool time.
Some tips to follow are:
- Install a high-quality automatic pool enclosure that covers your entire backyard and blocks harmful UV rays and enjoy the warmth of the sun in your pool.
- Apply sunscreen before stepping out in the sun.
- Wear a hat and sunglasses.
- Swim during early mornings or late evenings.
- Stay hydrated.
2. Chlorine rashes
While chlorine is an important chemical to keep the pool clean and healthy, it can have adverse effects on your skin.
When you spend enough time in a chlorinated pool, you are more likely to get rashes or red patches on your skin.
And if you already have an inflammatory skin condition like eczema or psoriasis, chlorine can further irritate your skin.
Some tips to follow are:
- Balance your pool at the right chlorine level
- Take a shower before and after swimming
- If you get a rash, immediately apply over-the-counter creams
3. Fungal infection
While fungal infections can happen any time, anywhere but we become more susceptible to some during summers.
For instance, an athlete’s foot is a common infection caused by a fungus that thrives in warm and moist conditions found in pools.
This condition affects the skin between the toes. In some cases, it can also affect your hands and fingers.
Swimmers are particularly more prone to athlete’s foot.
Some tips to follow are:
- Apply an anti-fungal cream to dry and clean skin
- Change your togs after swimming
- Wear footwear in public showers
- Work on building your immunity
4. Pseudomonas dermatitis
Also called hot tub rash, pseudomonas dermatitis is a skin infection caused when a person comes in direct contact with contaminated water for a long period.
It is caused by bacteria that mainly grow in warm and moist areas like pools that aren’t maintained at the correct disinfectant level.
Many pool owners install electric pool covers that prevent your swimming pool from becoming a breeding ground of harmful bacteria and other similar infections.
Your body is likely to get rashes or red bumps within hours or days after contact with the bacteria.
Some tips to follow are:
- Balance pool chemistry
- Shock your pool
- Change the pool water regularly
- Run pool filter and pump
- Clean your pool once or twice a week
In the end…
Whether you’re diving in your private pool or taking a plunge into a community pool follow all safety precautions to keep your skin free from rashes, infection, or irritation.
Don’t let any issue take the fun out of summer.
