I've been swimming regularly for about 17 years.
About ten years ago I suddenly was allergic to all kinds of Eau de Toilettes/Aftershaves and Deodorants. It happened over night.
Then about 5 years ago I started to need a nose clip or else I would have a runny nose for the next few days.
Recently after each workout my armpits are red and burn:badday:
I don't know if it's a reaction or result from the chlorine. Anyone else know these problems?
My understanding is that an "allergy" is the over-response of the body's immune system to something that isn't really a threat. Since the immune system's primary duty is to attack biological threats, allergies almost always are a response to something with complex proteins like nuts, pollen, latex, insect droppings, etc. A true allergic reaction to a simple chemical like chlorine is very rare. People who experience an allergic reaction to chlorine are actually experiencing a response to chemicals that are the products of the reaction of the chlorine in the water with substances containing proteins that wash off users of the pool such as sweat, saliva, mucus, urine, ***,... Yea, it's disgusting, but even people with very good hygiene have traces of gross stuff on them. This is one reason why it is important for pools to be very well filtered.
You might see an allergist for advice. If the allergist advises against swimming, I recommend that you seek a different allergist.
A little dab of vaseline may help, When I swam lots of distance I would put a little vaseline under and around the armpit, your problem could be friction.
You might see an allergist for advice. If the allergist advises against swimming, I recommend that you seek a different allergist.
I'm intending to do that now. I want to find out what I'm exactly allergic to.
A little dab of vaseline may help, When I swam lots of distance I would put a little vaseline under and around the armpit, your problem could be friction.
That's what the Pharmacist recommended yesterday. I'll try that out today and see how it goes.
I would definitely mention it to the pool manager. Could be that the pool chemicals are off. Do you do this at every pool, or just that particular one?
I'm intending to do that now. I want to find out what I'm exactly allergic to.
That's what the Pharmacist recommended yesterday. I'll try that out today and see how it goes.
I was told to use Body Glide, as Vaseline apparently damages your suit straps over time (though I guess it doesn't matter if you're a dude).
Not as slimy, either.
I tried the vaseline version. It seems to do the job. Maybe it's just friction and not an allergic reaction. It's just strange that I never had that in the past.
I'd be surprised if you are having a reaction - allergic or otherwise - to the chlorine or anything else in the pool, as the problem is localized. If you had a reaction, why wouldn't be everywhere the skin is exposed?
I'd look to the antiperspirant. I'm sensitive to certain brands, and the brand you are using may be bothering you on its own, or in concert with the pool chemicals.
This could be happening even if you have not changed brands in quite a while. The manufacturer may have changed its formula recently but not publicized the fact.
I have a very mild allergy to many deodorants. I used one for about 3 years and then started using it twice a day because I started going to the gym. Within about a month of using it twice a day my armpits started to become itchy.
I started using a mineral salt deodorant almost 5 years ago that works by killing the bacteria that create body odor. You have to make sure you apply it liberally but it works pretty well. If you smash up the crystal and put it a small amount in a spray bottle it works best and a $5 stick will last a couple years.
