<s>[INST] Can people with eczema swim in a pool or in the sea? [/INST] As a form of exercise, swimming doesn’t involve getting too hot and sweaty (and therefore itchy); however, chlorine is a chemical irritant. Some people with eczema may experience irritation or drying of their skin; others experience no negative effects (especially if they wash well with emollients and apply moisturisers before and after swimming).

If swimming indoors, apply your usual emollient 30 minutes before entering the pool, perhaps before you leave home to travel to the pool. It’s a good idea to put on more cream than you usually would, so that it acts as a good barrier to the water. As soon as possible after swimming, shower off using your usual emollient wash/oil/gel. Then apply more leave-on cream than usual.

If swimming outdoors, be aware that emollients will increase your risk of sunburn. When you get out of the pool, after showering, apply emollient first and then sunscreen once the emollient has soaked in. This will prevent the sunscreen becoming diluted by the emollient and ensure that the sunscreen keeps its reflective properties and protects your skin. Source: National Eczema Society. Link: https://eczema.org/information-and-advice/faqs/. Field: Dermatology. Disease: Eczema </s>