You’ve just finished swimming with your child and are getting out of the pool. Suddenly, they look uncomfortable and start itching their tummy. Upon further inspection, red rashes have popped up, and your child is scratching like mad! What’s the cause of this, and does it have something to do with the pool water? Is your child allergic to chlorine?

First off, there is no such thing as chlorine allergies. However, it is possible that your child is sensitive to chlorine. If your child is sensitive to chlorine, there are a few easily identifiable symptoms, a clear-cut cause, and some helpful solutions.

So let’s go through them now!

What are the symptoms of chlorine sensitivity?

Chlorine sensitivity has a few symptoms, including:

Skin turning red and tender.

Inflammation and itchiness across the body.

Rashes.

Scales, or crust on the skin.

Hives can appear, with raised patches with well-defined edges. Hives grow very suddenly.

If your child has asthma, they might find a bit of trouble breathing. A runny nose, sneezing, and coughing can also happen.

So, these are the symptoms of chlorine sensitivity, but what causes it?

What causes chlorine sensitivity?

Chlorine sensitivity can happen in pools with a large amount of chlorine. This usually happens after a health scare like Swine Flu or E. coli.

People who encounter chlorine sensitivity are often people who swim frequently, like lifeguards or swim coaches. Elevated levels of chlorine can also irritate the symptoms of those that have asthma.

What should I do if my child is showing these symptoms?

If your child is showing these symptoms, consult a medical professional who can run tests to determine if it is indeed chlorine sensitivity. If it is, then they will then prescribe certain creams and antihistamines to help future reactions.

If you notice red rashes or hives, run cold water on the affected area, making sure all the remaining pool water has washed away.

Takeaway Points:

Chlorine sensitivity has a few symptoms. These include rashes, red and tender skin, scales, or hives.

Chlorine sensitivity is usually due to increased levels of chlorine in pools. It usually affects frequent swimmers, and can have an effect on people with asthma.

If your child is showing symptoms, consult a medical professional. Whilst definitely not life-threatening, it can make swimming hard. If your child has just come out of the pool, make sure they shower, cleaning off all the remaining pool water.

Is my child allergic to chlorine?

Be alert to changes in your child's skin after swimming to identify a chlorine allergy, then take Unii's Introduction to Swimming.