Summer is finally here, and what better way to beat the heat than by taking a refreshing dip in the pool? While swimming is an excellent way to stay active and cool off during the hot months, it can also expose you to a variety of skin infections and rashes that can quickly ruin your summer fun. From swimmer's itch to eczema triggered by chlorine, there are several sneaky summer rashes and infections that you can easily pick up at the pool. In this blog post, we will discuss five common conditions you need to be aware of and how to prevent them so you can have a healthy, rash-free summer.

Swimmer's Itch

Swimmer's itch is caused by an allergic reaction to certain parasites that live in the water. When you come into contact with these parasites, they burrow into your skin and release an allergen that causes a red, itchy rash. Symptoms may begin within minutes or take as long as two days to appear after swimming in contaminated waters.

It usually appears on parts of your body where there is hair or sweat--like your arms and legs--but it can also affect areas like the face, chest, groin and buttocks if those areas are exposed while swimming in infested waters.

Swimmer's itch is not a serious condition, but it can be uncomfortable. Swimmer's itch is most common in lakes and ponds, but it can also be found in swimming pools. Prevention includes showering after swimming so always bring your CLn BodyWash and avoiding areas where the parasite is known to exist such as bodies of water near wooded areas.

Folliculitis

Folliculitis is a skin rash that occurs when bacteria in unclean pools and hot tubs enter the hair follicles. It can occur anywhere on the body, including the scalp, legs, and arms. In swimming pools, it is commonly caused by the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Its symptoms include red bumps with white centers and sometimes pus-filled blisters. The rash may itch or burn, especially when you're in water or hot weather. Folliculitis can be quite uncomfortable and can take a while to clear up.

One way to prevent the spread of germs is by showering immediately after swimming and drying off with a fresh towel every time you get out of the pool or ocean. Also make sure that everyone else does this too!

Molluscum Contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is a viral infection that causes small, raised, wart-like bumps on the skin. These bumps can appear anywhere on your body but are most common on chest, back, arms, or legs. It is more common in children, but adults can also be affected.

It is highly contagious and can be easily spread from person to person. The virus is spread through direct contact with an infected person or contaminated swimming pools. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warn that molluscum contagiosum can spread through shared swimming equipment, pool toys, or towels. Some investigations report an increased rate of transmission in pools.

If you think you may have this rash or any other type of rash during summertime activities like swimming at pools or beaches, talk with your doctor about treatment options before it gets worse!

Eczema

If you have eczema, the chlorine in public pools can cause a reaction. The chemicals in tap water and pool water are very different, so it's not surprising that they'd have different effects on your skin.

Chlorine is used to kill bacteria and keep pools clean, but it also causes dryness and irritation on those with sensitive skin. If you're one of these people--or if you've been swimming in a new pool recently--you might notice red patches of irritated skin after getting out of the pool. These symptoms are caused by an allergic reaction to chlorine: when exposed repeatedly over time (like during regular swims), they can lead to more serious problems like eczema flare-ups or even psoriasis breakouts!

Athlete's Foot

Athlete's foot is an infection caused by a fungus that commonly develops between toes, under toenails and on the soles of feet. The fungus thrives in moist environments such as swimming pools where there are plenty of opportunities for it to spread from person to person.

Symptoms of an athlete's foot include itching, burning, and cracking skin. In addition to the symptoms of athlete's foot, it's important to note that the fungus can also spread to other parts of the body.

Prevention is key: wear sandals in public showers and avoid contact with infected people until their condition has cleared up for at least two weeks after treatment begins.

 

The Best Way To Prevent These Rashes and Infections

Preventing these summer rashes and infections is key to enjoying your time in the pool. One simple tip is to throw a 3oz CLn BodyWash in your pool bag and use it to shower immediately after a swim. CLn worked with leading dermatologists to develop CLn BodyWash using the most important ingredient of medicated baths—sodium hypochlorite. It's clinically proven to be effective as well for patients whose skin is prone to eczema, rash, redness, irritation or folliculitis.

Simply lather on your skin and leave it on for about 2 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. It is mild enough to be used daily without drying out problem skin while soothing irritated skin.

With CLn BodyWash, you can enjoy your time at the pool without worrying about picking up any unwanted rashes or infections.

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