I've finally worked out the cause of my almost 2 yr old dd's eczema on her face and around her eyes. After a 2 week break from swimming, her face had cleared. After a 30 minute lesson yesterday it's back. Now I'm in the position where I don't want to stop her lessons, but can't stand seeing this rash on her all the time. Does anyone have tips for managing eczema caused by chlorine (not willing to swap swim schools). I've heard slathering skin in a barrier cream can help.

My son is the same only he gets it on his body not his face, I find showering him straight after or as soon as we get home helps then I cover him head to toe in a Dry skin moisturizer like Aveno or dermaveen(sp)

Also I find some sunscreens also give him eczema so I do the same shower him as soon as we get home or out of the sun and moisturise!

If you are looking at trialling barrier creams I'd recommend Paw Paw Ointment. Two of my boys suffer from eczema including my youngest who is only 3 months old. I used paw paw ointment on my eldest sons face when he had problem as it was recommended as a safe option by a pharmacist (so I assumed they knew what they were talking about) and have been again using it for my youngest who just has terrible skin and was having constant rashes and redness from drooling etc. I use it on his face now every night and it's made a huge difference.

In addition to this, a couple of years I had some stitches after some minor surgery and the surgeon recommended two option for water proofing the 1st of course being a water proof band-aid but he said this was only necessary for extended exposure to water and that other wise petroleum jelly (vasoline) or paw paw ointment would be just as effiecient for water proofing. So if it works for stitches I would think it would more then likely provide some protection against the chlorine and resulting eczema.

Thanks for the replies. I will have to start rinsing her right away out of the pool and then wash her properly when we get home I guess. And yes, I'll give the paw paw a go as a barrier as its natural so if it goes in her eyes shouldn't be a drama. I usually use Simmons Paw Paw ointment but they no longer make it. What brand do you use?

I just can't imagine stopping the swimming lessons as it could save her life. She's making really good progress at the moment too.

Thanks again.

I used to use palmer's paw paw ointment (at least I'm pretty sure that's what it was called) but have started using one called coco island which also has manuka honey in it. I've only been able to find the coco island one in little tubes though.

Sorry, the other one I've used is "Lucas' Paw Paw Ointment"not palmers.

Okay, using paw paw ointment as a barrier cream and having a shower straight after the swim seems to have worked. Can't believe it was so simple after months of horrible rash. Thanks for your help ladies.