Does the thought of pool days make your child with eczema cringe? With a few simple strategies, you can help your little one enjoy the water while managing their eczema.
Pre-Swim Prep:
- Moisturize is key! Apply a thick layer of fragrance-free emollient ointment 30 minutes before swimming. This creates a barrier to protect sensitive skin from chlorine and pool chemicals (National Eczema Society https://nationaleczema.org/, & Eczema Society).
Swim Time:
- Keep it short, sweet, and splashing! Limit swim time, especially for infants and toddlers, to 20-30 minutes to minimize chlorine exposure on eczema-prone skin (Eczema Society).
Post-Swim Soothing:
- Rinse off right away! As soon as you're out of the pool, gently rinse your child with cool, clean water to remove chlorine residue (National Eczema Society https://nationaleczema.org/).
- Gently pat dry. Ditch the scratchy towel! After rinsing, gently pat the skin dry with a soft cloth or towel. After swimming Soothla clothing comes in handy. Made with a special fabric containing zinc oxide, Soothla offers 50SPF sun protection and feels incredibly soft on eczema-prone skin, wet or dry. It's like a gentle hug that helps soothe after swimming!
Additional Tips:
- Pack a distraction. Bring bath toys or floaties to keep your child occupied and focused on fun, not on scratching.
- Sunscreen is a must! Apply a fragrance-free, water-resistant sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) at least 15 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply every two hours, or more often after swimming or sweating.
- Talk to your doctor. If your child's eczema seems to worsen after swimming, consult your pediatrician to discuss strategies and treatment options.
By following these tips, you can help your child with eczema enjoy a cool, refreshing swim and make summer memories that last a lifetime!
