sea water burns my skin

[happyheather]

The past 2 years when on holiday, last year Egypt this year kenya, After swimming in the sea for a few mins my skin feels as though its burning and I get a red rash, I have to rinse the water off straight away, it's normally ok after this, my 6 year old and 25 year old have the same problem, seems heredatory? my 6 year old and myself suffer from prickly heat quite bad, is this related?I myself am not really bothered, but my 6 year old loves snorkkling and is now unable to do this. I would appreciated any suggestions or remedies. thankyou

[13243455]

If you keep in the sea for a long time most of the pain will go away. If that doesn't work you will probably grow out of it. I know this because i have the same problem. Thanks for reading hope this works.

[13243455]

If you keep in the sea for a long time most of the pain will go away. If that doesn't work you will probably grow out of it. I know this because i have the same problem. Thanks for reading hope this works.

[happyheather]

Thanks for your reply, I will contact my doctor to see and if can refer me to a dermatologist, hope this will get the answers. thanx again

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I feel that you are allergic to the chemicals like chlorine or to organic and inorganic salts found in swimming pool and sea water. The reaction of your skin to sea water is called contact dermatitis. Allergic contact dermatitis affects only individuals previously sensitized to the contactant.

Laboratory examination of contact dermatitis centers on patch testing. In this examination, a dermatologist or an allergist applies multiple potential allergens into the skin of the patient. The presence of erythema, papules, or vesicles can indicate a positive test.Confirmatory test is by RAST (blood test).

If the inflamed skin is not too bad then just using an emollient (moisturizer) frequently may be all that you need until the inflammation settles. You can also apply some calamine lotion on your skin as it helps in soothing the skin. Take some OTC antihistaminic like Benadryl or Claritin in case of itching. Application of steroid cream is also useful.

If the symptoms worsen then please consult a dermatologist. You may need oral doses of steroids. The mainstay of treatment of contact dermatitis in future is avoidance of the allergen.