Swimming pools, hot tubs and eczema: expert advice from Dr. Mark Kirchhof

With warmer temperatures, it is natural to want to go for a dip in the pool. But is it a good idea to swim if you have eczema?

We asked Ottawa-based dermatologist Dr. Mark Kirchhof, MD, PhD, FRCPC, FAAD about whether hot tubs and pools are good for eczema.

He shared: “In general, pools tend to contain chlorine. Given that people with eczema have higher levels of bacteria on their skin, the antimicrobial effects of the chlorine can actually be helpful for them by reducing the number of bacteria on their skin.” So, although the chemicals in swimming pools can be irritating for some eczema sufferers, some report benefiting from spending some time in a swimming pool.

Does the same apply to hot tubs? Dr Kirchhof said: “Hot tubs are not good for people with eczema, because they have high heat and chemicals in the water that tend to strip away the natural oils and moisture in the skin. It’s best to avoid them as generally, they can be very irritating to sensitive skin.”

If you have eczema and decide to go swimming, remember to rinse in warm (not hot) water as soon as you can and follow with a moisturizer shortly afterward.

If irritation and inflammation persist, speak with your doctor or dermatologist as there may be other factors to consider, and they can suggest ways to help manage and improve symptoms.

Eczema Society of Canada (ESC) thanks Dr. Mark Kirchhof, MD, PhD, FRCPC, FAAD, for sharing his expertise during ESC’s March 2022 Life with Eczema virtual event series and on this content.  Funding for the Life with Eczema Winter 2022 event series was generously provided by Pfizer Canada and Sanofi Genzyme, a division of sanofi-aventis Canada Inc.

Disclaimer: Information provided in this resource does not constitute medical advice and is not intended to be used as a diagnostic tool. The information is up-to-date at time of publication. All medications, interventions, and treatment plans have risks and benefits, and it is important that individuals discuss their or their child’s specific health care needs with a qualified health care professional.

March 2022