Does anyone get unbelievably, overpoweringly itchy after swimming? It is so bad some nights that I literally can't get to sleep!
It is worst where my skin is getting stretched or where it is touching the couch or bed or whatever, and it is pretty much restricted to my upper body...
I at least rinse off after each workout, if not take a full on shower.. Anyone else get this, or have any solutions?
Help!
:confused:
I'm allergic to the bromine chemicals like that, but chlorine doesn't seem to bother me. I went to the dermatologist for a year off an on, and they gave me a cortisone cream that really helps. You can get a milder version over the counter at the drugstore that also works well. They also recommended taking benydryl in the pill form to calm the itching down. I would itch so badly within two hours even with Curel unscented lotion, that I could hardly concentrate at work. . . so I can really relate! I have heard that the suntan lotions (cocoa butter like someone mentioned earlier) fill your pores before getting in the water, but I have never tried it personally. I did try the "liquid bandaid" creams, which are supposed to "seal the pores" and they only worked slightly if I put it on 30 minutes prior and wasn't in the water more than 30 minutes. I eventually ruled out swimming in the bromine except to teach swim lessons and then only when I can't get someone else to demonstrate or assist. If you have the choice, you might try swimming in a bromine pool since chlorine is bothering you, just the reverse of my problem. Usually swimmers are only bothered by one or the other.
Good luck! Eileen
I'm allergic to the bromine chemicals like that, but chlorine doesn't seem to bother me. I went to the dermatologist for a year off an on, and they gave me a cortisone cream that really helps. You can get a milder version over the counter at the drugstore that also works well. They also recommended taking benydryl in the pill form to calm the itching down. I would itch so badly within two hours even with Curel unscented lotion, that I could hardly concentrate at work. . . so I can really relate! I have heard that the suntan lotions (cocoa butter like someone mentioned earlier) fill your pores before getting in the water, but I have never tried it personally. I did try the "liquid bandaid" creams, which are supposed to "seal the pores" and they only worked slightly if I put it on 30 minutes prior and wasn't in the water more than 30 minutes. I eventually ruled out swimming in the bromine except to teach swim lessons and then only when I can't get someone else to demonstrate or assist. If you have the choice, you might try swimming in a bromine pool since chlorine is bothering you, just the reverse of my problem. Usually swimmers are only bothered by one or the other.
Good luck! Eileen
