Swimming with psoriasis can be great for your body and your mood. Water is easy on the joints, the exercise helps, and many people find that warm weather and water make their skin feel better. The catch is chlorine. It can dry out and irritate psoriasis if you go in unprepared. Here’s how to enjoy the pool and protect your skin.
Is Swimming Good for Psoriasis?
For many people, yes. The National Psoriasis Foundation has noted that swimming can help ease symptoms, especially in warmer months. Pool water can soften scale, and exercise helps with stress, which is a common psoriasis trigger.
But chlorine is a drying chemical. For some people it causes itching, tightness, and redness. Others tolerate it fine. How your skin reacts depends on how irritated it is to begin with, how long you swim, and how well you protect it.
Before You Swim
- Rinse in the shower first. Rinsing off before you get in the pool means less sweat and lotion in the water, which helps reduce the harsh smell and irritation from chlorine byproducts.
- Add a protective layer. Put a thin layer of petroleum jelly or a thick, fragrance-free moisturizer on your plaques. It acts as a barrier against the chemicals.
- Use waterproof sunscreen if you’re outdoors. A sunburn can trigger a flare.
- Protect your scalp and ears. A swim cap helps keep chlorine off a scalp with psoriasis, and earplugs can help if psoriasis is in your ears.
- Skip shaving right before swimming. Fresh nicks sting in chlorinated water.
While You Swim
- Keep sessions short, especially if your skin is already dry or irritated
- Take breaks out of the water
- Pay attention to how your skin feels. Stinging or burning means it’s time to get out
After You Swim
- Rinse right away with lukewarm water. Skip hot water, which dries skin out.
- Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser if you want one.
- Pat dry gently.
- Moisturize within a few minutes, while skin is still slightly damp. Dermasolve Psoriasis Cream is a good option on skin that isn’t cracked or broken. Use it as directed on the label.
- Rinse your swimsuit and let it dry. A damp suit left on can irritate skin.
Pool, Ocean, or Salt Pool?
| Water | What to Know |
|---|---|
| Chlorinated pool | Can be drying. Rinse and moisturize right away |
| Salt water pool | Often gentler for dry, flaky skin |
| Ocean | Salt may help soften scale for some people. Still rinse and moisturize afterward |
| Lake or river | Rinse well afterward. Sun protection matters |
Even seawater can dry skin if you stay in too long. Short sessions work best.
Quick Do’s and Don’ts
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Shower before and after | Stay in chlorinated water for hours |
| Apply a protective layer first | Swim with open, bleeding, or very sore patches |
| Moisturize after every swim | Use hot water to rinse off |
| Use waterproof sunscreen | Skip sunscreen on plaques |
| Wear a swim cap if your scalp is affected | Sit in a wet swimsuit afterward |
If Your Skin Is Cracked or Raw
Chlorine stings broken skin, and pool water isn’t clean enough for open sores. If your plaques are cracked, bleeding, or oozing, wait until they heal or ask your doctor first.
If you also deal with eczema, you may like our guide to eczema behind the knees after swimming, which shares similar tips.
When to See a Doctor
- Your skin gets worse every time you swim
- Plaques are cracked, bleeding, or look infected
- You have pain, swelling, or fever
- You’re not sure whether swimming fits with your treatment plan
Swimming doesn’t have to be off limits. With a little prep and aftercare, you can enjoy the water and keep your skin comfortable.
Mike Marenick is the founder of HealFast Skincare and holds the patent for his invention, Ovasome Technology, used in skincare formulations. He began developing skincare products after watching his mother manage psoriasis for decades, and has spent over twenty years formulating treatments for chronic skin conditions. His work has been featured on Home Shopping Network, in two national infomercials, and in more than 300 publications including Vogue, Newsweek, and Allure. He is not a medical doctor — always consult a dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions.
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Leave a Reply