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Swimming pools can be a cause of many skin problems. Red and itchy skin rashes is commonly seen in swimmers. Excessively chlorinated pools can affect the skin causing dryness and flaking. Certain fungal infections can also occur from swimming pools.

Swimmer's itch or chlorine rash is a major skin problem. This occurs due to frequent exposure to excessive amounts of chlorinated swimming pool. Chlorine is frequently added in swimming pools to kill the germs and to purify the water. But excess of this chemical can cause dermatitis and itch. This itch may disappear if one stops swimming for a few days. Applying soothing skin lotions and taking bath in water with added baking soda can give relief to the itch..

Swimming pool granuloma can be another problem if the water in the pool is not clean. It can cause localized skin infections with reddish raised lesions which later forms a purple colored granuloma turning to an open sore. It is caused by the microorganism Mycobacterium marinum. An undetected case can pave the way for more serious deep skin and bone infection. Treatment of this condition may take a longer time.

The water in the swimming pools may contain microorganisms and excretory wastes from swimmers. This may cause skin infections and skin may be the route of entry of many microbes.

Few swimmers experience dry skin after swimming. It can cause flaking and peeling of the skin. Good moisturizing creams or applying baby oil may eliminate such conditions. Recent studies shows that swimming pools can be a source of fungal infections. About 15%-16% of swimmers develop athlete's foot in the feet called Tinea pedis.

Making sure that the swimming pool water is safe for swimming, wearing whole body covering swim suits and applying of good sun protection creams can go a long way in avoiding skin problems. Let no skin problems take away your fun of swimming!

Learn more about this author, Nisha Danny.
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