Does chlorine irritate eczema?

If pool water is causing flares, skip the swimming for a bit and switch to simple walks or indoor bodyweight workouts. Let your skin heal first. Check with your doctor if it is safe to resume swimming with a thick layer of barrier cream.

Please be very careful with this. I ignored the itching after swimming and ended up with a severe secondary bacterial infection that took weeks of antibiotics to clear. Please see a skin doctor immediately if your eczema looks red or painful after pool exposure.

Everyone's skin barrier is different, so what irritates me might not irritate you, but chlorine is generally known to be harsh. It is safer to get a patch test done or just ask your skin specialist. Do not take risks with raw, inflamed skin.

I totally understand how frustrating this is, especially when you just want to enjoy a swim like everyone else but end up in pain. Chlorine used to make my skin burn and flake for days, leaving me feeling so self-conscious. Don't push yourself through the pain; take a break and protect your skin.