Can I swim if I have skin allergies?

It is well known that the causes of skin allergies can be mainly divided into internal causes (such as the combination of skin blood vessels and nasal mucosa causing allergic rhinitis) and external causes, such as contact with various allergens. It is generally believed that it is best not to go swimming if skin allergies occur. This is because swimming pools often use disinfectants and bleach, and the stimulation of cold water may make already allergic skin "worse".

1. Can I swim if I have skin allergies?

People with skin allergies should not go swimming. This is because their skin is delicate and easily irritated by substances such as bleach and disinfectants in the water. Sometimes, skin allergies may be caused by stimulation from cold water or being blown by wind after getting out of the water. If you swim in a swimming pool, you can apply anti-chlorine lotion before swimming to prevent excessive chlorine in the water from drying out your skin.

Here is an introduction for those who cannot swim.

1.1. People suffering from trachoma, conjunctivitis, otitis media, and intestinal infectious diseases are prohibited from swimming until they are cured.

1.2. People suffering from certain infectious diseases, such as hepatitis, infectious skin diseases, tinea pedis, tuberculosis, dysentery, enteritis, etc., can only go swimming after they are completely cured and re-examined.

Can I swim if I have skin allergies?

1.3. People with severe hypertension, coronary heart disease, drunk people and mental patients should not enter the swimming pool.

1.4. People who suffer from nephritis, bronchial asthma, acute and chronic otitis media, and tympanic membrane perforation have weak body resistance, and swimming activities that involve a lot of activity and are done in a cold water environment can easily aggravate their condition.

1.5. People with damaged skin should not swim as they are prone to infection.

1.6. People who have just done heavy exercise or drank too much water should not go swimming right away, because a large amount of water dilutes stomach acid and reduces the ability to resist bacteria, so they should rest for a while before going into the water.

2. Will swimming cause skin allergies?

Swimming may cause skin allergies. There is a large amount of disinfectant in swimming pool water: hypochlorous acid, as well as precipitants. Under normal circumstances, these chemicals are not irritating to the skin. It is normal for reactions to occur after long-term contact. Skin allergies are also called "sensitive" skin. From a medical point of view, skin allergy mainly refers to when the skin is exposed to various stimuli such as adverse reactions to cosmetics, chemicals, pollen, certain foods, polluted air, etc., causing abnormal phenomena such as redness, itching, peeling and allergic dermatitis.

3. What to do if you have skin allergies

Dietary precautions: Eat less spicy and stimulating foods, and eat more foods rich in vitamin A, such as carrots, which can comprehensively improve skin condition.

Avoid whitening products: Reject ordinary whitening products. Ordinary whitening cosmetics work through four mechanisms: scavenging oxygen free radicals, blocking tyrosinase, accelerating epidermal metabolism, and anti-inflammation. It is easy to damage the skin and even cause pigmentation.

Note for cleansing skin: When cleansing the skin, be sure to choose a mild cleansing product that does not contain fragrance or soap. Avoid using hot water to clean your skin; use warm water instead. After cleaning, use a cotton towel to gently dry the moisture on the skin surface, and avoid mechanical friction of the skin with a towel.