28/01/2026
♀️ Swimming & Eczema: What Parents Need to Know
Many parents worry that swimming — especially in a chlorinated pool — might make eczema worse. The good news is this:
👉 It is safe to swim in a chlorinated pool if you have eczema, and for many children (and adults), swimming can actually be beneficial when managed correctly.
At Ripple Effect Swim School, we often work with swimmers who have sensitive skin, and we want to reassure you that eczema does not mean your child needs to miss out on swimming.
🌊 Is Swimming Safe for Eczema?
Yes — children and adults with eczema can safely swim in chlorinated pools.
Chlorine is used to keep pool water clean and free from harmful bacteria. In fact, for some people with eczema, chlorine can help reduce bacteria on the skin, which may lower the risk of infected flare-ups.
However, eczema-prone skin has a weaker skin barrier, meaning it loses moisture more easily. This is why the before-and-after swim routine is just as important as the swim itself.
🚫 Why You Should NOT Apply Lotions Before Swimming
It’s tempting to moisturize before a lesson — but this actually causes problems for both skin health and pool hygiene.
• Lotions and oils mix with chlorine and pool chemicals
• This can irritate sensitive eczema skin
• It reduces the pool’s ability to disinfect properly
👉 Please don’t apply lotions, creams, or oils before swimming.
It protects your child’s skin and helps keep the pool clean and balanced for everyone.
🚿 Why Showering After Swimming Is So Important
After swimming, chlorine stays on the skin. If it isn’t rinsed off, it can:
• Dry out eczema-prone skin
• Disrupt the natural skin barrier
• Trigger itching or flare-ups
🧼 Always rinse with clean, fresh water after your lesson.
Use a gentle, soap-free cleanser and lukewarm water. Pat the skin dry — don’t rub.
🧴 Why Lotion AFTER Swimming Is Essential
Once the skin is clean and slightly damp, it’s the perfect time to moisturize.
Applying lotion after swimming:
• Locks moisture back into the skin
• Repairs the skin barrier
• Helps prevent flare-ups
• Reduces itching and dryness
✔️ Use a thick, fragrance-free cream or ointment.
✔️ Apply within 3 minutes after showering for best results.
💡 Helpful Eczema-Friendly Swim Tips
• Avoid very long swims during flare-ups
• Never sit around in a wet costume
• Rinse and moisturize straight after swimming
• Avoid fragranced soaps and bubble baths
• Keep nails short to prevent skin damage from scratching
🌟 Final Reassurance
✔️ Swimming in a chlorinated pool is safe for people with eczema
✔️ The key is good after-care, not avoidance
✔️ With the right routine, swimming can stay a healthy, happy activity
At Ripple Effect Swim School, we also take our water quality very seriously. Our pool water parameters — including chlorine and pH levels — are carefully monitored and maintained to ensure the water is clean, balanced, and skin-friendly for all swimmers.
If you ever have questions or concerns about your child’s skin, comfort, or swimming routine, please feel free to chat to me. Your child’s wellbeing always comes first.
Let’s keep making waves — safely and confidently 💙
💦 Creating confidence, one ripple at a time.
Ripple Effect Swim School