Aug
2024
13
Irritated Skin After a Soak in the Hot Tub: Reasons and Solutions
After a long, exhausting day, soaking yourself in a hot tub can be an amazing treat. But the warm water you so look forward to may not always be that friendly to your precious skin. Sometimes, your skin can become irritated or form a rash after bathing in the hot tub. The two main reasons for skin irritation are bacterial infections and chemical dermatitis. Your skin may feel irritated after getting out of a hot tub, but don't worry. You don’t have to stay away from hot tubs or avoid them altogether. By understanding the reasons behind skin irritation and learning methods for prevention, you’ll be back enjoying yourself in the hot tub in no time. Contact Seaway Pools & Hot Tubs to learn more about hot tubs and pool maintenance. We have a variety of hot tub accessories and chemicals that can help make owning a hot tub easier. If you are interested in owning a hot tub, check out our hot tubs for sale. Call us today for more information!
Chlorine Sensitivity
Many hot tubs contain chlorine, as it is a great disinfectant and kills off bacteria and germs such as E.coli and various viruses. This helps keep your hot tub hygienic and safe to use. However, exposure to chlorine has been shown to cause skin irritation and dry skin. Some people have a natural sensitivity to chlorine, but other times, prolonged exposure can result in irritation. If you have chemicals such as chlorine in your hot tub water, take a quick shower after you get out of the hot tub to wash off any chemical residue on your body. This can help reduce the chances of irritation. Taking a quick shower before entering any chlorinated pool or hot tub can also reduce your chances of irritation. When you remove any dirt or impurities from your skin prior to entering the pool, the chlorine cannot react with any substance that may be on the surface of your skin. The reaction between chlorine and sweat, sebum, or skincare products is a large culprit of post-hot tub skin sensitivity.
When your hot tub’s chlorine levels or pH levels are too high, this can also result in some type of rash. This is why you should be diligent about checking your water chemical levels regularly. Chlorine levels should be contained between 2 to 4 PPM, while pH levels should be maintained at a neutral level between 7.2 and 7.8. If the pH of the water is too low, the water will become acidic. This can cause burning sensations in the skin and eyes. If the pH is too high, the water will become basic. This can cause irritation and can reduce the anti-bacterial properties of the chlorine, making you more susceptible to illness. Never ever scratch your skin if it feels itchy, or it can lead to serious irritation. Instead, you should massage body lotion or oils to lock the moisture inside your body.
Poor Hot Tub Hygiene
Inadequate hot tub sanitation can lead to malicious bacterial infections. When you do not have the correct disinfectants and chemicals in your hot tub, the water can harbour germs and bacteria. The warm water actually provides the perfect breeding ground for these things to grow and thrive. This can cause various illnesses and infections. Hot tub Folliculitis is a bacterial condition that infects your hair follicles or seeps under your skin, causing rashes that may lead to fevers. It is caused by bacteria that get trapped in your hair follicles. Hot Hand-Foot Syndrome is also caused by the same bacteria, and this condition makes it painful for you to walk. This is why it is so important to maintain a high level of cleanliness in and around your hot tub. Vacuum any dirt or sediment regularly to prevent debris buildup. The hot tub itself should also be cleaned on a regular basis. Scrub the walls and surfaces to dislodge any dirt, and balance your hot tubs with the proper chemicals in order to kill germs and viruses. Check your filters and make sure they are clean. Having a clean filter cartridge significantly improves water quality.
High Temperatures
Often times, just the high temperature of the water may cause sensitive skin to dry out and feel itchy, especially if you’re someone with psoriasis or eczema. Hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils, which can lead to flaking, which can cause irritation. The most suitable hot tub temperature for human skin should be about 37.5 degrees Celsius. Anything above 40 degrees Celsius would be too hot and can cause skin to dry out and even burn. So, before you step into your hot tub, test the water temperature with a thermometer. Also, try not to stay in the water for too long. A short 10-15 minutes is enough to soothe your body without sucking out the moisture from your skin.
Avoid Irritated Skin in the Hot Tub
At the end of the day, hot tubs are a place of solace for us. So if you face skin irritation, don’t give up on hot tubs altogether. Do seek medical advice if your skin condition is serious, but for minor dry skin issues, feel free to book an appointment today with Seaway Pools & Hot Tubs to get access to the most innovative hot tub technologies for your home and body. If you have more questions or concerns about your hot tub, contact Seaway Pools & Hot Tubs! We are experts when it comes to pool maintenance and hot tub care. Call us today to learn more or to see our hot tubs for sale!
