Managing eczema means thinking about pool water, tap water, and what you wash with. Here's the straightforward version.
Chlorine in Pools: Helpful or Harmful?
Why it might help: Pools use chlorine to kill germs. Some people with eczema find a swim calming — a bit like the weak bleach baths doctors sometimes prescribe. Chlorine can lower Staph bacteria levels on skin, and Staph overgrowth often makes eczema worse.
Why it might hurt: Chlorine also strips natural oils from skin, causing dryness. For eczema-prone skin, that dryness can lead to cracking and flare-ups. People with eczema may react more strongly to chlorine than people without it, since their skin barrier is often already compromised.
Other pool chemicals: Beyond chlorine itself, pools contain other sanitizers and byproducts (like chloramines — that strong "pool smell") that can itch, sting, or cause a rash in sensitive people.
What to do: If you swim often, your skin barrier can weaken over time. Rinse off right after leaving the pool, pat dry, and moisturize.
Tap Water vs. Pool Water
- Chlorine levels — tap water is chlorinated too, but usually at much lower levels than pools.
- Exposure time — a shower is typically 5–10 minutes; swimming often runs 30–60 minutes. More time in chlorinated water means more drying.
- Hard water minerals — tap water often carries calcium and magnesium, which can leave residue on skin and add to dryness. Pool water generally doesn't have this issue in the same way.
- Temperature — hot showers dry skin out faster than cooler pool water, but rinse and moisturize either way.
Antibacterial Body Washes: Worth It?
- Staph and eczema — many people with eczema carry more Staph bacteria on their skin, which can worsen itching and redness.
- Harsh ingredients — most antibacterial washes contain alcohol, strong fragrance, and sulfates, which strip oils and leave skin drier and more irritated.
- Microbiome balance — skin relies on its normal bacteria for healthy function. Antibacterial soaps kill the good along with the bad, which can work against you.
- Expert guidance — the National Eczema Association and American Academy of Dermatology recommend mild, fragrance-free, dye-free cleansers instead of antibacterial soaps for everyday use.
- The exception — if a doctor confirms an actual infection, they may prescribe a specific antiseptic wash, such as a properly diluted bleach bath. This is a medical treatment for a diagnosed infection, not something to try on your own for general eczema care.
Bottom Line
- Chlorine can go either way — some people find pool swims soothing, others end up drier and itchier. Both reactions are real; pay attention to your own skin.
- Tap water has its own issues, particularly hard water minerals and hot showers.
- Skip everyday antibacterial washes — they tend to dry and irritate more than help.
- Stick to the basics: rinse after swimming, use fragrance-free cleansers, take lukewarm showers, pat dry, and moisturize right away.
- Watch how your skin responds and adjust. When in doubt, check with a dermatologist for advice tailored to you.