Caring for children's skin after swimming in a pool or the sea: a dermatologist's advice
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Summer and water fun are an integral part of childhood. Whether you choose to spend time with your family at the seaside or enjoy a swim in a chlorinated pool, it is important to remember that a child's epidermis (the outer layer of the skin) is considerably thinner and more sensitive to environmental irritants than an adult's. Discomfort, redness or a sudden rash often appear after swimming, and they require timely attention and the right action to prevent skin inflammation.
As Jevgenija Vladimirova, a dermatologist at the Adoria health and aesthetics clinic, explains, caring for children's skin in summer requires specific knowledge, because poorly chosen cleansing and moisturising products can worsen the condition of the skin and body tissues. Professional dermatologist advice and, when necessary, a timely medical consultation help prevent the development of chronic diseases while keeping the child's natural skin barrier fully intact.
How does water affect a child's skin barrier?
Physiologically, a child's skin contains fewer lipids (natural fats) and has a lower ability to retain moisture. Under the influence of various impurities in water, this fragile biological balance is quickly disrupted.
Chlorine and skin: what makes pool water different
Chlorine is a powerful chemical disinfectant used to kill bacteria in public swimming pools. Its direct effect on the human body is the breakdown of the hydrolipid layer (the protective film on the surface of the skin). As a result, moisture evaporates from the cells much faster, which most often leads to very dry skin in children. Prolonged contact with chlorine without proper skin care after swimming can cause micro-cracks that open the way to secondary infections.
The saltwater trap: what happens to the skin after swimming in the sea?
Sea water is rich in valuable minerals (potassium, magnesium), but at the same time its high salt concentration acts as an osmotic agent – it physically "draws" intercellular fluid out of the epidermis. The intense effect of salt water on the skin, combined with gusts of wind and ultraviolet (UV) radiation on the beach, often causes mechanical irritation. As salt crystals dry directly on the body, they act as a microscopic abrasive that irritates the tissue and causes itching.
The most common skin reactions and their causes
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To help parents recognise symptoms and understand the physical processes involved, the most common reactions after swimming and their explanations are summarised below:
| Visual symptom | Physiological cause | Action at the clinic |
|---|---|---|
| Red, itchy rash (allergic bumps) | Contact dermatitis in reaction to chemical compounds added to chlorine or to algae in the water. | Visual examination, identification of the cause of the allergy, prescription of topical medication. |
| Peeling skin, a feeling of tightness | Dehydration of the epidermis and loss of the lipid layer due to salt water or chlorine. | Development of a therapy that restores the barrier function. |
| Pronounced, weeping patches of redness | Bacteria settling on irritated skin that has lost its protective ability. | Taking a bacterial culture, targeted antibacterial treatment. |
Flare-ups of chronic diseases in summer
Particular caution is needed for patients who have previously been clinically diagnosed with atopic dermatitis in children. This chronic inflammatory disease means that the skin barrier is genetically unable to perform its functions fully. In such cases, contact with pool chlorine or sea salt can act as an aggressive trigger that causes a rapid eczema flare-up in summer.
Children prone to skin diseases should not be treated on their own initiative whenever new changes appear – a specialist should be consulted instead. For in-depth information about the stages of the disease, we recommend reading these related articles:
- How to recognise atopic dermatitis in children and when to see a doctor?
- Dry skin or eczema? How to tell the symptoms apart and when to see a doctor
Basic steps to protect the skin after swimming
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Clinical practice has shown that hygiene routines carried out correctly and regularly significantly reduce the risk of irritation. Doctors highlight three main stages:
- Rinse immediately: Right after getting out of the pool or the sea, the child's skin should be rinsed thoroughly with clean, cool or room-temperature fresh water. Hot water dries out the epidermis even more.
- Pat dry gently: The body should not be rubbed with a towel, as this damages the surface layer of already irritated tissue. Water should be dried off with light, pressing movements.
- Moisturise the skin: Within three minutes of rinsing, a moisturising and softening cream should be applied generously to damp skin; it helps restore the protective lipid layer and "locks" moisture into the skin.
When is a consultation with a paediatric dermatologist needed?
If redness, itching or allergic symptoms do not subside within three days despite intensive moisturising, a visit to a dermatologist is necessary. The Adoria health and aesthetics clinic on A. Čaka Street provides a comprehensive approach for young patients. An experienced paediatric dermatologist in Riga will carry out an in-depth examination of the tissue to accurately distinguish short-term irritation from chronic inflammation or infection. By combining the views of specialists in the field, the dermatologist aims to treat not only the visible effects but the cause of the disease itself.
Your child's health is a priority. Do not replace professional medicine with self-treatment and risk irreversible tissue damage. Book an in-person appointment with our highly qualified specialists at Adoria by calling +371 67 315 000 or by conveniently filling in the online booking form on our website!