NC doctor cautions people to beware of skin rashes while swimming this summer

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) – As high summer temperatures continue, many are cooling off in a pool, lake, or at the beach to relax and catch some relief. But that relief could be followed by itching and a pesky rash.

If you spend a lot of time in a pool, you might get irritated by the chlorine, and open water sources carry the risk of parasites.

“Some of the most common types of rashes that you might see after being in the pool are things like what we call a contact or an irritant dermatitis,” Dr. Natalie Blake, a pediatrician with Duke Health, told CBS 17.

Dr. Blake says irritant dermatitis can develop from chlorine or other additives in the water. Patients may have a raised, itchy rash. It can be treated with an over-the-counter unscented lotion, or contact your doctor.

To protect your skin before taking a dip, Dr. Blake advises paying attention to the pool signs.

“Rinse or shower both before and after,” she said. “Showering before will help you kind of wash off anything that can irritate someone else’s skin. and then showering after will also help to remove those chlorine or those additives from your skin.”

But people aren’t just drawn to pools this time of year.

Many are headed to the beach, local lakes, or even rivers to beat the heat.

“Any body of water, especially fresh water, fresh bodies of water, you can be more exposed to different parasites and things like that,” Dr. Blake said. “And typically those aren’t necessarily dangerous to your overall health, but they can present with rashes that are commonly on the lower extremities, and they can spread.”

She says a rash on your leg could be a sign of a parasite. There’s also a risk of fungi, which like warm, moist areas, putting you at risk for athlete’s foot or ringworm.

“Those rashes tend to look more raised and scaly, or flaky,” Dr. Blake said. “You can use over-the-counter creams or antifungal agents. but again, if you’re unsure, just touch base with your doctor.”

Blake also wants to remind people of the importance of wearing sunscreen to protect their skin when they’re outside this summer.