Swimming is a part of being Australian. As a parent, you would know that going swimming can be a troublesome experience for a child who has eczema. It is however, a pity for your child to miss out on the fun and benefits of swimming, just because they have eczema.
So, what can you do?
Chlorine in swimming pools is a known irritant to people with eczema. Although the chlorine is necessary in certain quantities to stop bacteria from spreading, it can cause irritation to sensitive skin. Some eczema sufferers can swim in chlorinated pools with little effect, whilst others can not.
If your child’s skin is aggravated by chlorine, there are a few steps you can take before and after they swim to help lessen the chlorine’s irritation.
- Place a layer of oil or petroleum based emollient on the skin before they swim. This provides a protective layer between the chemicals used in the pool and the skin. Grahams Natural Alternatives Sooth-it Balm is ideal.
- After swimming, shower your child thoroughly and wash their hair. Gently wash away all traces of chlorine using a gentle soap substitute.
- Pat the skin semi dry with a towel and generously apply a moisturiser.
- Follow this with an eczema healing cream.
- Mum’s Secret is a fantastic cream as it moisturises and treats at the same time and is only one handy little tube to carry around.
I know it can be an extremely long process for both you and your child just to go swimming, but I am sure that the enjoyment and look of happiness of there faces when they are in the water will be well worth it.
Swimming at the beach can create the similar problems. Following the same steps as for swimming in the pool may also help prevent your child’s eczema from flaring up when at the beach.