Chlorine Allergy

A relaxing day in the swimming pool is the best activity one can have on a warm, summer day. However, the moment you come out off the water, you feel an itching sensation and may also observe rashes in certain areas of the body, especially under the armpits as well as around the groin area. When such things happen, it can be an indication that you have an allergy to chlorine or may be just chlorine sensitivity. This is because chlorine, a chemical found in abundance in nature, is used in swimming pools to keep it free from harmful organisms, and thus prevents the spread of any kind of infection among people. However, some people have a low resistance to chlorine and this can cause chlorine allergic reactions. Nevertheless, chlorine allergy is not restricted to people who use the swimming pool. This is because chlorine is a chemical which is used in various household products too. For instance, chlorine can be found in laundry detergents and is also mixed with water that we receive for drinking. Hence, one cannot avoid chlorine allergy just by avoiding swimming in the pool, as one can come in contact with it through different ways. Hence, it is important to know more about chlorine allergy, its symptoms, and the ways with which it can be prevented.

Symptoms of Chlorine Allergy in Children and Adults
Before we get into the details of chlorine allergy, it is important to know that chlorine allergy is not a common occurrence. In other words, chlorine allergy is very rare, rather, most people are simply sensitive to chlorine and even this can cause the occurrence of the chlorine allergy symptoms. Eye irritation is one of the common symptoms, not only of swimming pool chlorine allergy, but also of people who come into contact with this chemical through the use of household products which contain chlorine. Your eyes may water or dry up completely and you may also experience a constant feeling of rubbing your eyes. Another symptom of chlorine allergies is skin dryness where one may experience itching as well as pain in certain areas of the skin. In certain rare conditions, constant itching can also cause the skin to peel. Apart from this, one very common symptom of chlorine allergy or sensitivity is the appearance of skin rashes which look similar to the rashes of eczema. Along with the chlorine allergy rash, it is also common to experience a severe itching sensation. Exposure to chlorine fumes can also give rise to sneezing and coughing. Other than these common symptoms, the rarest, but, the most severe symptom of chlorine allergy is the development of respiratory problems. People who have chlorine allergy are at the risk of developing asthma, i.e. difficulty breathing, shallow breathing, tightness of chest, etc., if they are exposed to the chemical for a long time.

Chlorine Allergy Treatment and Prevention
As I said earlier, chlorine allergy is quite rare and most people who experience the above symptoms are usually sensitive to chlorine. In such cases, the treatment would be given according to the symptoms that a person experiences. For instance, a chlorine rash can be treated by washing it thoroughly with soap and water, and when it comes to eye irritation, antihistamine eye drops can bring relief to the eyes. Using anti-chlorine skin products can reduce skin irritation as well as allergies considerably. However, in case of severe symptoms of chlorine allergy, it is important to consult one's health practitioner who can suggest the best treatment possible.

As the symptoms of chlorine allergy do not stay for a long time i.e. it is cured once the correct treatment is given, one should know about the ways of preventing its re-occurrence. One way of doing this is by avoiding detergents which have chlorine content in them. It is also important to avoid swimming pools which are highly chlorinated. However, if this is not possible, taking a shower before and after swimming in the pool can help in reducing the allergies caused by chlorinated water. On the other hand, if you have a pool at home, make sure that the chlorine levels in your pool are not very high. Also, using some other techniques to keep your pool clean will be a good idea too. Other than this, using a special lotion before getting into the pool will also help in protecting one's skin from the harmful effects of chlorine.

I hope this article on chlorine allergy has been informative as well as helpful. So, if you have been suffering from the symptoms caused by chlorine allergy, take the precautionary measures mentioned above to ensure that you are not affected by the allergy again. However, if these preventive ways do not work in your case, consulting your physician will be helpful.