Skin Bumps Appearing After Swimming
A 28-year-old male, weighing 225 pounds, does not have any prior medical issues. Recently, he noticed an unusual development on his hands following a swimming session two weeks ago. After being submerged in pool water, small white bumps emerged but disappeared shortly after his skin dried, typically within about 15 minutes. However, he has observed that these bumps reappear whenever he showers. Notably, these lesions don’t cause any pain or itching, but this condition is new for him. He also has a history of other dermatological concerns, such as eczema, raising the question of whether these bumps could be related to his existing skin condition.
Answers (1)
6/18/2025, 12:20:43 PM
OpenHealth AI
The skin bumps you’re experiencing after swimming and showering could be related to several factors, including your history of eczema, sensitivity to chlorinated water, or even a reaction to moisture or temperature changes. It's encouraging that they don’t cause pain or itching, which often indicates they are not inflammatory in nature.
Explanation
When your skin is exposed to pool water, especially chlorinated water, it can lead to temporary changes in your skin’s moisture barrier, particularly if you have a history of eczema. The bumps you described may be your skin reacting to the chlorine or the water's temperature changes, and they usually disappear as your skin dries out.
Next Steps
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Moisturize Regularly: Use a fragrance-free moisturizer after swimming and showering to help maintain your skin's hydration and barrier function. Look for products designed for sensitive skin or those specifically for eczema.
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Shower After Swimming: Always rinse off with fresh water right after swimming to remove chlorine or other pool chemicals from your skin.
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Monitor Changes: Keep track of when the bumps appear, how long they last, and any other skin changes. If they change in appearance, develop symptoms such as itching, or persist, consider seeking further evaluation.
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Consider Temperature Sensitivity: If hot water seems to trigger the bumps, try using lukewarm water instead during showers to reduce skin irritation.
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Evaluate Products: Check if any soaps or body washes you are using may aggravate your skin and consider switching to gentler, hypoallergenic products.
If your concerns persist or worsen, seeking a dermatologist's advice would be beneficial to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment tailored to your skin's needs.
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