Skin Irritations

Skin rashes boils, allergic reactions to chemicals, and skin damage from the sun can occur when enjoying water recreation activities.

Hot Tub Rash - Pseudomonas dermatitis / Folliculitis

Hot Tub Rash or dermatitis is an infection that causes an itchy bumpy rash on the skin. The rash usually occurs within days of swimming in poorly maintained hot tubs or spas, but can also be spread by swimming in a contaminated pool or lake. Properly maintaining hot tubs and pools helps eliminate the germ that causes this rash. 

Swimmer's Itch - Cercarial dermatitis

Swimmer's itch is a rash caused by an allergic reaction to parasites that typically infect some birds and mammals. The parasites come from infected snails which live in lakes, ponds, and oceans. People are not suitable hosts for the parasite's life cycle, so after burrowing into a swimmer's skin, the parasite soon dies. Reduce your risk by not swimming in areas known to have a swimmer's itch problem or where snails are commonly found, and showering or towel drying immediately after leaving the water. 

Swimmer's Ear - Otitis externa

Swimmer's ear is an infection of the outer ear canal and can affect anyone, but is most common in children. Symptoms usually start a few days after swimming and include ear pain, itchiness, redness, swelling, and pus draining from the infected ear. It can be treated with antibiotic ear drops. Swimmer's ear is caused when water stays in the ear canal for long periods of time, allowing germs to grow and infect the skin. When swimming, try to keep your ears dry. If water gets in your ear, tilt your head with your ear facing down and gently pull your earlobe in different directions to help the water drain out. 

Cyanobacteria - Blue-green Algae

Cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, are found in lakes, rivers, ponds, and seawater. Sometimes cyanobacteria is toxic and people can experience skin, eye, or ear irritation with contact. If toxic cyanobacteria is swallowed, it can cause stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, sore throat, fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, or nerve and liver damage. Avoid swimming in or having contact with algal blooms. Don't let pets drink or swim in waters with algal blooms.

Learn more about Blue-Green Algae.

Chemical Sensitivity

Some people can experience allergic reactions, such as skin redness and itching, to chemicals used in pools. The reactions commonly occur within an hour or two of being in the water. It's also possible that improper use of chemicals or a chemical release at a pool could expose people to skin or respiratory irritants.

Sunday Exposure (Sunday Burn)

Prevent sunburns and skin cancer by choosing five protection options: 

• seeking shade
• covering up
• getting a hat
• wearing sunglasses
• rubbing on sunscreen

Learn more at Choose Your Cover (PDF).