Can I get “swimmer’s itch” from a pool @ my health club?
I’ve been swimming pretty frequently (4-5 days a week) since early 11/07 @ an indoor pool @ my new gym. Lately my skin (mainly my legs) has been itching rather badly. I always shower off w/my normal soap immediately after leaving the water.
I haven’t had a change in any products I use that come in contact w/my skin. I have tried a high quality moisturizing cream (in case it was due to dry skin) which seems to help, but only a little bit.
A. Can you get “swimmer’s itch” from a pool?
If so, does it have to do w/pool maintenance/cleaning?
B. Could I be NOW developing some kind of chemical sensitivity to something in the water even though I’ve been doing this for over two months now?
Perfect, at least I know it’s not parasitic in nature from the first response, but COULD it be from a pool that is not being properly maintained or cleaned?
“Swimmer’s itch” is the result of parasite that is hosted by and spread by snails and waterfowl. So, no — you didn’t get “swimmer’s itch” from a filtered pool.
However, you could be getting dry skin from the chemicals in the water. Because it’s winter, you skin is already on the dry side. Keep using the lotion.
Add: Just because your skin is drying out does NOT mean the pool chemistry is being mismanaged. Some people are not tolerant to the chemicals used. It could be that the last two months have simply exposed your skin to the point of eliciting a reaction. Before you go blaming your club, why don’t you ask the other swimmers there if they are having problems. They might have some good tips. If the condition is intolerable, I suggest you consult a dermatologist.
