Swimming with Psoriasis: Advantages and Guidelines for Skin Protection
In the realm of skincare, two bodies of water – seawater and chlorinated pool water – present contrasting effects for individuals with psoriasis.
A recent study has revealed that seawater, rich in minerals like zinc, magnesium, and others, can promote the development of a healthy skin microbiome. This form of balneotherapy, or therapeutic bathing in mineral-rich water, aids skin repair, cellular regeneration, and hydration. The minerals found in seawater help reduce inflammation and boost wound healing, potentially alleviating psoriasis symptoms [3].
However, chlorinated pool water can exacerbate psoriasis symptoms. Chlorine strips the skin of natural oils, disrupts the skin barrier, and can cause dryness, irritation, itching, rashes, and inflammation. This can worsen pre-existing skin conditions such as psoriasis. Chlorine exposure may lead to symptom flare-ups or exacerbate uncomfortable symptoms like itching and scaling, making skin more sensitive [2].
For psoriasis patients who wish to swim, care strategies to mitigate chlorine’s harmful effects include applying a thicker barrier cream or moisturizer before swimming to protect the skin barrier, rinsing off thoroughly before and after swimming, moisturizing immediately after swimming, using protective gear such as swim caps or lotions designed to shield skin from chlorine damage, and avoiding prolonged exposure to heavily chlorinated water or swimming in pools with high chlorine concentrations [2].
While seawater may provide therapeutic benefits for psoriasis sufferers, chlorinated pool water requires careful protective skincare routines to avoid aggravating symptoms. The National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) recommends these strategies to protect the skin from dryness and irritation caused by chemicals in pools and extended exposure to salt water [1].
More recent research suggests that combining saltwater baths with ultraviolet light therapy may further improve psoriasis symptoms. The Dead Sea, one of the saltiest bodies of water on Earth, has been used for centuries to relieve psoriasis symptoms through saltwater baths. Warm weather and increased levels of sunlight and humidity may also help soothe the skin for people with psoriasis [4].
References:
[1] Benefits of seawater minerals for psoriasis and skin healing [3]. [2] Chlorine’s drying and irritating effects on skin and protective measures [2]. [3] Swimming during hotter months, particularly recommended by the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF), can help remove dead skin cells and temporarily relieve itchiness. [4] More recent research suggests that combining saltwater baths with ultraviolet light therapy may further improve psoriasis symptoms. [5] Adopting certain care strategies can help protect the skin and keep it healthy after a swim in the pool or extended exposure to salt water. [6] Salt water can directly benefit psoriasis symptoms, with the treatment having its own name: balneotherapy. [7] A study found that 80 people with psoriasis who had regular balneotherapy sessions for 3 weeks experienced significant improvements in their psoriasis symptoms and underlying inflammation. [8] The Dead Sea, one of the saltiest bodies of water on Earth, has been used for centuries to relieve psoriasis symptoms through saltwater baths. [9] Warm weather and increased levels of sunlight and humidity may help soothe the skin for people with psoriasis.
- Despite the therapeutic potential of seawater for individuals with psoriasis, chlorinated pool water requires more careful management of skin care routines to prevent symptoms from worsening.
- The science behind skincare reveals that seawater, rich in minerals, can aid in skin repair, cellular regeneration, and hydration, potentially alleviating psoriasis symptoms.
- Chlorinated pool water, however, can strip the skin of natural oils, disrupt the skin barrier, and exacerbate psoriasis, leading to dryness, irritation, itching, rashes, and inflammation.
- Psoriasis patients who still wish to swim can employ strategies like applying a thicker barrier cream or moisturizer, rinsing prior and post-swim, moisturizing afterward, using protective gear, and avoiding excessively chlorinated water for skin protection.
- Recent studies suggest that combining saltwater baths with ultraviolet light therapy may offer additional benefits for people with psoriasis, as demonstrated by the practice at the Dead Sea, which has been used for centuries to help manage psoriasis symptoms.
- Adopting specific care strategies can help maintain skin health after swimming or extended exposure to salt water, as recommended by health and wellness organizations such as the National Psoriasis Foundation, making it crucial for those with chronic skin conditions like psoriasis.
