Swimming is a great way to exercise and spend time with others. But for some people with psoriasis, the chlorine in swimming pools may irritate sensitive skin.

One MyPsoriasisTeam member shared, “My psoriasis seems to be clearing up lately. I do have some itching, which I attribute to chlorine. But it’s a minor annoyance defeated by moisturizer.”

Chlorine is a natural element that’s listed in the periodic table. On its own, it’s a dense yellow-green gas with a strong smell. In nature, chlorine is found in combination with other substances — usually salt. Chlorine is often added to swimming pools, hot tubs, and drinking water to kill bacteria.

Psoriasis is a chronic (ongoing) immune condition that causes skin cells to build up and flake off quickly. Symptoms of psoriasis include painful or itchy patches of discolored skin. Skin with psoriasis can be sensitive to different environmental factors, including chlorine. Understanding the relationship between psoriasis and chlorine can help you make informed decisions about swimming.

Read on for more information about chlorine and tips for swimming if you have psoriasis.

Chlorinated Swimming Pools and Psoriasis

Everyday activities — like swimming in a chlorinated pool — can be challenging when you have psoriasis. Chlorine may irritate sensitive skin and trigger psoriasis symptoms in some people. Others may not notice any change at all. So if you have psoriasis and you’re wondering, “Is chlorine bad for psoriasis?” the answer is that it depends on the person.

“Hot and sticky. Overchlorinated water set off a flare-up,” a MyPsoriasisTeam member wrote.

Another member said, “When I was on prednisone, I had problems with the sun, and I had a few issues with chlorine when the pools were overchlorinated.”

There isn’t much research on the effects of chlorine on people with psoriasis. In general, scientists agree that chlorine in swimming pools can cause dryness and irritation even in healthy skin.

One small study looked at 58 athletes, including 33 competitive swimmers who trained for two hours at a time. The study found that exposure to chlorinated water in swimming pools damaged the skin barrier and caused more moisture loss compared to nonswimming athletes. Losing moisture can cause dry skin, flaky skin, and itchiness.

People with skin conditions like psoriasis may be more vulnerable to the effects of chlorinated water because their skin is already sensitive. If you notice your psoriasis gets worse after swimming, ask your dermatologist for medical advice.

If you’re living with psoriasis and enjoy swimming — or want to start — here are some skin care tips you can follow before and after swimming in chlorinated water. These also apply to chlorinated hot tubs.

1. Shower Before Swimming

Many pools may require showering before getting in to keep the pool clean. But showering can also protect your skin from some of the effects of chlorine. A quick rinse removes substances that can build up on the skin, such as dead skin, sweat, or sebum, an oily substance produced by sebaceous glands that can make skin feel greasy.

When chlorine comes in contact with organic substances, it forms chloramine, which is toxic and is linked to irritation, inflammation, dryness, and damage to skin cells. Showering before swimming can help reduce chloramine production.

2. Apply an Ointment After Showering

After you shower and before you swim in chlorinated water, apply an ointment to any irritated patches of skin. This can provide extra protection against the drying effects of chlorine.

Ointments are skin products that contain oils, like petroleum jelly or coconut oil. They are thicker than lotions and can help keep your skin moisturized. They may also protect your skin from substances that can cause irritation, such as chlorine. Lotions are usually water-based and can wash off easily in a swimming pool, so something thicker and oil-based is better.

3. Use Sunscreen if Swimming Outdoors

Being in the sun for too long can cause sunburn, which can make any skin irritation caused by chlorine exposure worse. If you swim outside, make sure to wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Avoid putting sunscreen on inflamed skin or any open lesions.

One MyPsoriasisTeam member had this suggestion for protecting the skin: “Look up long-sleeved swim shirts with 50-plus sun protection. I got that in a very large size for roominess and swim capris that also have sun protection. I have a pool in my backyard and did not want to put sunscreen on my spots. Works great and is quite comfortable.”

Choose sunscreen with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide — both are effective at blocking harmful ultraviolet rays and lowering skin cancer risk. Avoid sunscreens with fragrance, which may cause a skin reaction or worsen psoriasis. Always look for products that provide broad-spectrum protection against both ultraviolet A and B rays.

4. Wear a Swim Cap

If you have scalp psoriasis, a swim cap can help protect your scalp from chlorine. You can apply ointment to your scalp before putting on a swim cap. Pick a cap that fits well and is made of soft material so it won’t damage your hair. If psoriasis affects your ears, consider earplugs to keep chlorine out.

5. Shower and Moisturize Again Right After Swimming

Rinse off with a cool or lukewarm shower soon after swimming to remove chlorine from your skin. The soap available in the pool shower may not be suitable for your skin. Instead, use a gentle, fragrance-free body wash and shampoo that is recommended for people with psoriasis. Avoid harsh soaps that contain fragrances, dyes, and other irritating chemicals that may trigger psoriasis symptoms.

Gently pat your skin dry (don’t rub), and apply a thick ointment or other moisturizer immediately after showering.

One MyPsoriasisTeam member shared: “I swim too, and I notice that my psoriasis flares up afterward. I smother myself in moisturizer and shower as soon as I get out of the pool to keep it under control. Love my swimming.”

6. Try Salt Water Instead of Chlorinated Water

Some swimming pools and hot tubs use salt water rather than chlorine. Research shows that saltwater baths may help reduce plaque psoriasis symptoms. If you own a swimming pool and find chlorine irritating, you want to consider switching to a saltwater system.

“Chlorine hurts me and makes my psoriasis worse,” a MyPsoriasisTeam member wrote. “Salt water totally helps. It’s natural.”

“Since most public pools are heavily chlorinated, and chlorine is awfully harsh on the skin, if you have access to a saltwater pool, that would definitely be preferable,” another member said.

Psoriasis, Chlorine, and Keeping Your Skin Safe

Is it OK to swim in a pool with psoriasis? For most people, yes. With the right skin care routine and by paying attention to how your skin reacts, swimming can be a safe and enjoyable activity. Some people with psoriasis have no problems at all in chlorinated water. One MyPsoriasisTeam member shared, “I was told a long time ago that chlorine would make my psoriasis flare. I swim every day except Sunday, and my psoriasis is disappearing.”

Other people with psoriasis may be more sensitive and find that chlorinated water causes skin irritation or flares. The effect of chlorine on psoriasis can vary from person to person and can depend on how severe your psoriasis is. If you have psoriasis, pay attention to how your skin reacts to chlorine, and take steps to protect it before and after swimming.

Join the Conversation

On MyPsoriasisTeam, people share their experiences with psoriasis, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Do you have any tips for managing the effects of chlorine on your skin with psoriasis? Let others know in the comments below.