When the mercury rises, there is only a little that sounds more inviting than a cool dip. As heatwave alerts become a regular part of daily life, people instinctively gravitate towards water. Some head to beaches for a weekend getaway, other seek relied in rivers, lakes and water parks. For families with children, a swim becomes the default summer plan – a way to beat the heat, stay active and keep restless kids entertained for hours. What many swimmers may not realise, however, is that even a refreshing dip in the pool and freshwater can sometimes lead to a few unexpected skin and health concerns.
They can lead to skin irritation, respiratory trouble, eye infections, and more. Before you chalk up that post-swim rash or persistent cough to the heat it is worth understanding what’s really going on in that water. And to do the same, we spoke to pediatricians and dermatologists.
Stay Out Of Fresh Water: Doctors Sound The Alarm
Before you head to the nearest lake or that river during your summer trip, you should know that top doctors are issuing a serious warning. India’s top cardiologist, Dr Deepak Krishnamurthy, advised staying away from freshwater lakes or rivers for swimming. “To save your brains, take a bath in your bathroom with treated water and swim in chlorinated swimming pools. Never in fresh water,” he posted on X.
In addition to the danger of heat strokes during extreme heat, the Directorate of Health Services has also cautioned people against taking respite from the heat by swimming in ponds, springs and other water bodies with stagnant water.
The most alarming danger in warm freshwater is a microscopic organism called Naegleria fowleri, which is commonly known as the “brain-eating amoeba.” Found naturally in warm, stagnant, or slow-moving freshwater bodies – particularly during hot summer months when water temperatures rise – this single-celled organism enters the body through the nose, typically when a person dives or swims underwater.
Why Children Are More At Risk That You Think?
Most parents assume that a well-chlorinated pool is a safe pool. The truth is more complicated – and children, in particular, bear the greater burden of this exposure. “Children are more vulnerable to chlorine because they have a relatively larger body surface area for their weight and spend long periods in the water,” explains Dr. Tushar Parikh, Senior Consultant Neonatologist and Pediatrician at Motherhood Hospital, Kharadi, Pune.
“They also play vigorously, which increases their breathing rate, causing them to inhale more air per kilogram of body weight than adults. Children have smaller airways, developing lungs, and poor defence systems – so they are more prone to the toxic side effects of chlorine in water.”
Dr. J.K. Reddy, Senior Consultant Pediatrics at Apollo Children’s Hospitals, Chennai, further adds on to this. He says, “The respiratory systems, along with the immunity of young individuals, have not fully developed yet. Asthmatic or allergic children will experience more respiratory reactions in pools containing chlorine compounds. Wheezing and other breathing issues should be considered signs of potential adverse effects.”
There is another factor that rarely makes it to the parent briefing: Chloramines.
When chlorine reacts with organic matter – sweat, urine, skin cells – it forms chloramines. These are compounds that are often more irritating than chlorine itself. “Once organic wastes like sweat and urine come in contact with chlorine in water, it forms chloramines which are more irritating to the skin and respiratory tract,” says Dr. Parikh. “Volatile chloramines hover just above the water surface – and children who play vigorously for longer periods are most exposed.”
What Chlorine Really Does To Skin And Hair?
For adults and children alike, regular pool exposure does measurable damage to the skin barrier. However, it tends to happen slowly enough that most swimmers are unable to connect the dots. Dr. Pushpa Gnanaraj, Senior Consultant Dermatology at Apollo Speciality Hospitals, Vanagaram, Chennai, describes the process in detail: “The skin’s outermost layer works like a seal. It keeps moisture in and keeps irritants, bacteria, and environmental stressors out. That seal depends on a specific mix of natural fats, proteins, and a mildly acidic surface environment. Chlorine is an oxidising chemical, and what it does is dissolve a portion of those protective fats with every exposure.”
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There’s also a pH mismatch at play. “Pool water sits at a slightly alkaline pH, and the skin naturally prefers to be mildly acidic,” she explains. “With frequent swimming, it never fully returns to where it should be.” The result? Skin that loses moisture faster, feels dry despite being in water for an hour, and becomes more susceptible to infections over time.
For people with eczema or psoriasis, the risk is higher. Dr. Shareefa Chause, Dermatologist at Dr. Shareefa Skin Care Clinic, Mumbai, notes that chlorinated water can worsen existing skin conditions, including rosacea and dermatitis. “People with these conditions should make sure to moisturise well before and after swimming,” she advises.
Hair health is another casualty that often goes unnoticed until significant damage has occurred. According to Dr. Gnanaraj, chlorine roughens the outermost cuticle layer of each hair strands. This makes the hair more porous, prone to tangling, and susceptible to breakage. “The internal structure of the hair also takes a hit – chlorine disrupts the protein bonds within the cortex, weakening the hair’s tensile strength.” Regular swimmers, especially those who colour or chemically treat their hair, tend to see this damage accelerate.
What Swimmers Should Actually Do?
Just a few consistent habits can significantly reduce the health burden of pool exposure – for both children and adults.
Before Entering The Pool
A quick shower is not just good etiquette but it also reduces the amount of organic matter on the skin that reacts with chlorine to form irritating chloramines. Applying a moisturiser before swimming can also create a buffer for the skin barrier. Goggles and swim caps should be treated as non-negotiable for children who swim regularly.
After Leaving The Pool
Post-swim bathing matters more than most people realise. “Post-swim bathing helps wash away chlorine, bacteria, and other chemicals from the skin and hair. It reduces the risk of skin irritation, dryness, eye discomfort, and even infections,” says Dr. Parikh.
When choosing a moisturiser for frequent swimmers, Dr. Chause recommends looking for specific ingredients. “Frequent swimmers should choose moisturisers containing ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin to help restore skin hydration and repair the skin barrier,” he says. On being asked about “chlorine-proof” barrier sprays that have become popular with regular swimmers, Dr. Chause offers a tempered assessment. “These sprays create a protective barrier against chlorine exposure. However, they do not fully block chlorine and only provide protection by reducing dryness or irritation. Proper rinsing and moisturising after swimming is still important.”
Parents should also keep vaccination up to date. Both Dr. Parikh and Dr. Reddy recommend ensuring children are vaccinated against Hepatitis A and Typhoid before the swimming season begins. In their official global health documentation on Water recreation and diseases, the WHO categorizes typhoid as a severe and potentially fatal disease that individuals can contract through recreational exposure to contaminated water. The root cause here is that swimming pool water can lead to conditions like Typhoid and Hepatitis if it is contaminated with the Salmonella Typhi bacteria and the virus which spreads via the fecal-oral route.
The bottom line, as Dr. Reddy frames it, “Swimming keeps one physically fit, coordinated, and confident. It is a good way of staying healthy – but never risk your safety during pool time. Choose a safe pool, follow all the guidelines, and ensure everyone is under supervision.” The pool doesn’t have to be a health hazard, it just requires the right preparation on your part.