How to Treat Burns to Skin From Chlorine in Pools

Just about everyone is familiar with the smell of chlorine, which is used to sanitize swimming pools, and most are familiar with the taste, too, from occasionally taking in a mouthful of water when swimming. You may be surprised to learn that too much chlorine can actually burn your skin. If you suspect you have a chlorine burn from a swimming pool, treating your burns is fairly simple.

Things You'll Need

• Light gauze bandage
• Soap
• Body scrub or wash cloth
• Washing machine
• Aspirin

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Instructions

• 1

  Take off any jewelry or watches. Take a cool 20-minute shower. Use soap and a body scrub to make sure you get all the chlorine off your skin. If using the scrub hurts, use your hand to rub your skin gently with soap.

• 2

  Remove the swimsuit you were wearing in the pool as soon as possible, and wash it with soap and warm water in the washing machine. If the clothes still smell like chlorine when the washer cycle is finished, wash them a second time. Do not put the clothes back on before the chlorine has been eliminated.

• 3

  Take an aspirin or a similar over-the-counter pain reliever if necessary.

• 4

  Place a clean, sterile bandage over the burns.

• 5

  Seek medical treatment immediately if the pain intensifies, if the burned areas bleed or if the burns are significant and on hands or feet, groin, face or any major joints.