Chlorine Allergy - What is it?

Lastyear a member of my family who was holidaying with us here in Cyprus experienced chlorine allergy, or more properly named chlorine sensitivity (as I believe actual allergy to chlorine is very rare.) So when building this website I thought it would be useful for people who may have experienced this uncomfortable condition to have access to information about it.

In my relatives case it manifested itself by a red itchy rash particularly on the underarms and various other parts the body after swimming in our chlorinated pool. The rash was very uncomfortable and in fact our relative had experienced this sensitivity to chlorine in other pools and so new what it was.

While researching for this article I learned that symptoms can include:

• Skin and eye irritation.
• Itchiness
• Nasal Congestion
• Rash - which looks similar to heat rash

In a true allergic reaction as opposed to sensitivity to chlorine there would be breathlessness or difficulty breathing.

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Minimizing Reactions To Chlorine

• Make sure chlorine levels in pool are correct - see below
• Shower before using the pool in case you have anything on your skin which might react with the chlorine or oils and particles on your skin which may cause a reaction
• Shower after using the pool, a cold water rinse is better than nothing but hot water and a mild shower soap is best.
• Use of a barrier lotion specially designed to protect the skin from adverse reactions to the chlorine

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Tips About Chlorine Management

Chlorine is used in the pool as a sanitizer to keep the pool free from harmful organisms which would other wise build up in untreated pool water and be detrimental to the health of the users of the pool.

A properly maintained pool will minimize the chloramine (chemicals left behind by the chlorine sanitizer) built-up by keeping the water properly ph balanced and by keeping the chlorine sanitizer levels high. This will insure that the when the chlorine reacts with organic matter that it vapourizes off the pool and doesn't accumulate.

We have started using the Floatron in our pool here in Cyprus which is about the size and shape of a frizbee. It floats on the water and works on the solar ionization method to keep the pool clean and means that only a very small amount of chlorine is needed to keep the pool fresh, so does away with any allergy problems. We are very pleased with it's performance and can definitely recommend it.

Click on the image below to find more information about the Floatron.

The information about chlorine allergy on this page should not be construed as medical advice, please consult a medical practitioner for expert help.

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