Eczema and swimming is it safe?

Does anybody in out there know if swimming with eczema is safe? My niece has never been swimming before but is very athletic but unfortunately she has very bad eczema which at some point in her life has effected almost all regions of her body. Its going to seem a very strange question to ask as normal tap water (as opposed to oat water) always effects her skin quite badly but she is so excited about these swimming lessons. Personally I think its a bad idea and could be tempting fate but swimming is such an important activity to learn.

Can anyone suggest any type of barrier cream she could use that is not petroleum based that could make it possible for her to go or any good websites with any other suggestions. Its very worrying for all the family as we don't want her to suffer a major skin outbreak and have more extensive scarring than she already has.

Eczema is not a desease (or disease) it is a skin condition that is not contagious.

A good web site that has loads of "skin friendly" products are:-

naturebotts.co.uk
spiritofnature.co.uk
greenbaby.com

They will have barrier creams suitable for very sensitive skin, including those with allergies.

Have you tried probiotics to manage the eczema? Do a search for probiotics and eczema - there has been heaps of research.

My experience of probiotics has been excellent, my 4 yr old has one capsule a day, and all of his eczema has faded awat to healthy new skin.

When he was bad with eczema we had him on 2 capsules a day, broken and poured into organic plain yoghurt.

The best probiotic we found was Primadophilus Reuteri (same friendly bacteria as found in human breast milk) P. Bifidus also works well.

See Betterlife.com (can only be purchased via the US - but delivery is prompt)

Infacol have a probiotic drop, with the reuteri bacteria. (local independant pharmacy sell it)

We also wash all our bedding etc with Ecover and use either their soaps and shampoos or buy organic from the websites listed above.

My little boy can then swim when he wants, eat what he wants without the severe reactions.

Good luck

It depends what kind of pool is it, is it a chlorine or salt water pool. My nephew has bad eczema but he swims in my chlorinated pool. But for safety, ask her doctor and see what he/she says. I had ezcema a few years back but mines cleared up.

check here for great info on eczema...

http://nationaleczema.org/

Yup! Apply SUDOCREM before and after she goes swimming. You can perchase this from doctors and possibly medical shops. I have eczema too and the cream works a treat.

Some people鈥檚 eczema is made worse by chlorine in swimming pools. Applying a barrier cream before swimming may limit the irritation. Also, rinse well in the shower afterwards, and try to apply an emollient cream within 5 minutes of showering, to 鈥榯rap鈥?moisture in your skin.

MY SON HAD ECZEMA WHEN HE WAS A CHILD ,AND HE USE TO GO SWIMMING ,HE WAS FINE. YOU COULD TRY A TEST AREA FIRST,JUST GET A BIT OF THE WATER FROM THE POOL AND PUT IT ON A SMALL AREA OF HER SKIN, THEN YOU WILL KNOW IF SHE IS OK OR NOT. ASK IN THE CHEMIST FOR A GOOD BARRIER CREAM.

i would have thought you wouldn't want to use a pool if you have any kind of skin decease for hygiene reasons for other folk using the pool

my mum has really bad eczema and she goes swiming it has not caused any problems for her she uses a barrier cream witch protects the hands up to 18 hours its from the clinique counter at any boots stores it is expensive but it does the job and very well

my son suffer from eczema as well, i don't know if it's good or bad but i have notice when my son comes back from the swimming pool his skin is much better and smoother.
He uses diprobase crem and it is apply before and after swimming. make sure she has a shower after the swimming. Also the sea water works brilliant, i guess as swimming pools the salt or the quimical use in it desinfect the skin which is good for eczemas just apply plenty cream before and after to protect it.

Try and contact her doctor for good advice.Well regarding Eczema it is dangerous to the people she will be swimming with not herself because the disease might contaminate the water.
Remember there is no need to worry about Eczema - it is curable and heals faster with the right drugs.

This doesn't answer your question but it will eliminate the eczema.
Rub neem oil on all affected locations. It smells like burned garlic but has a very slight warming affect. Within 2 weeks, the skin will be soft and normal. Then you don't have to use it every day, but on weekends will prolly be fine.
Internally take neem bark capsules and milk thistle capsules, 2 each per day.

I would not swim with eczema. The water in swimming pools is only changed once a blue moon so it is absolutely packed with Chlorine.