swimming and eczema

[fifitrixibell]

my DS has quite severe eczema and we have found that it really flares up after being in a swimming pool. He is now old enough to start learning to swim and I am keen for him to do this but concerned about his skin. Does anyone have any ideas of how to protect his skin in the pool? Thanks!

When we first went to the dermatologist he told us not to take DS swimming at all as he would end up in hospital.

Now his skin is better but we find that if we've been on holiday after three days his skin is spotty and we can't take him anymore.

To be honest if it's really bad then I just wouldn't take him, I have no idea what to use as we just end up reverting back to his steroid cream at flare up times. And I really want him to learn to swim.

Is it bad even after one session in the pool? Would once a week cause a flare up?

thanks for replying. Yes it is bad after just one session in the pool

I've had this problem with dd too. We were advised to put lots of emollient on her going in but it didn't really help.

She did lessons for one term but her skin was so bad that we stopped after that. She really wants to go again but her skin is great at the moment and I am wary of setting off a flare up if we go.

We have had this problem too. Haven't found any solutions yet. :(

We have had this problem too. Haven't found any solutions yet. :(

I use petroleum jelly on the worst parts and give her a proper scrub down in the shower after. It helps but does not eradicate the problem.

Proper shower at the swimming baths so it doesn't dry on the skin. Then dry off really thoroughly before getting dressed, especially backs of joints, neck etc. Dry hair off so it isn't making clothes/neck wet.

Phone around all the local leisure centres/pools as some are aware of allergies and eczema and use alternative products to treat the water.

My experiences are with relatively mild eczema though.

thanks for all your replies!

why don't you give her a bathing suit?

i mean like scuba suit