Swimming is great exercise and can be an enjoyable way to spend time with others, but for some people with psoriasis, the chlorine in the pool may irritate his (sensitive) skin.
Psoriasis is an immune system-related disease that causes skin cells to rapidly build up and flake off. The skin of a person with psoriasis may be sensitive to different environmental factors, including chlorine.
While there is not much research on the effects of chlorine on people with psoriasis, some studies have shown that chlorinated water in swimming pools can cause dryness and irritation even in the skin of healthy people. In a small study with 58 athletes, 33 of whom were competitive swimmers who had undergone two hours of training, it was found that exposure to chlorinated water in swimming pools affected the skin barrier and led to a significant loss of moisture in the skin compared to non-swimmers. This loss of water leads to dry, itchy and flaky skin and may damage the skin barrier.
Individuals with skin conditions such as psoriasis may be more susceptible to the effects of chlorinated water because their skin is more sensitive. For people with psoriasis who enjoy swimming or are considering it, here are some suggestions that may be of some help to you.
Shower before swimming
Showering protects your skin from some of the effects of chlorine as it removes organic matter that can build up on the skin such as dead skin, sweat or sebum, and when chlorine comes into contact with organic matter it forms chloramines, which are toxic and have been linked to irritation, inflammation, dryness and skin cell damage.
Therefore, showering before swimming helps to reduce the production of chloramines.
Apply moisturizer after shower
After showering and before getting in the water, you can apply moisturizer, which provides extra protection against the effects of chlorine on the skin. Some skin care products contain oils, such as petroleum jelly or coconut oil. They are thicker than lotions and can help keep your skin moisturized. Moisturizers also protect your skin from substances that can cause irritation, such as chlorine. Lotion is water-soluble and can dissolve and lose its protection in the pool, so it's better to use skin care products that contain oils.
Using sunscreen for outdoor swimming
Staying in the sun too long can cause sunburn, which can make chlorine skin irritation even worse. If you are in an outdoor pool, apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. When applying sunscreen, avoid areas of inflamed or cracked skin. Use sunscreens that contain titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, which are particularly effective at blocking the sun's harmful UV rays (and help prevent skin cancer), and avoid scented sunscreens.
Protect your scalp by wearing a swimming cap
If you suffer from scalp psoriasis, a swim cap can help protect your scalp from chlorine. You can apply moisturizer to your scalp before putting on a swim cap, and if psoriasis affects your ears, using ear plugs may prevent chlorine from entering your ears. When choosing a swim cap, consider choosing one made of soft material.
Post-Swim Shower + Moisturizing
After swimming, you should take a warm shower, which can help remove chlorine from your skin. It is recommended to use a mild body wash and shampoo, avoiding toiletries with fragrances, dyes and other irritants. After bathing, gently pat dry the surface of the skin with a towel and reapply moisturizer to the skin immediately.
Go to a pool that is sterilized with salt water
Some pools use salt water instead of chlorine to kill bacteria. Some studies have shown that salt water bathing may help reduce the symptoms of plaque psoriasis. Since most public pools are chlorinated and chlorine can be unfriendly to the skin, if you know which pool uses a saltwater treatment, that may work for you.
Keep in mind that not everyone with psoriasis is affected by chlorinated water. The effects of chlorine on psoriasis vary from person to person, and this can depend on each individual's skin sensitivity or the severity of their psoriasis.
Therefore, if you suffer from psoriasis, please take protective/care measures before and after swimming to minimize the risk of aggravating your psoriasis by the effects of swimming pool water (chlorine).