Why does the skin become red and painful after playing in water during summer, and what should be done about it?
Jan 28, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Xiaoyan
Introduction
In general, skin redness and stinging after water exposure in summer may be related to unclean water quality, sunburn, vitamin deficiency, damage to the skin's stratum corneum, or allergies, and targeted treatments can be applied accordingly. It is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a hospital. In daily life, maintaining a light diet and avoiding spicy foods is advisable for better health.
Generally, redness and stinging pain of the skin after swimming in summer may be related to unclean water quality, sunburn, vitamin deficiency, damaged skin stratum corneum, or allergies. Targeted treatments can be applied accordingly. It is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment. Specific causes and management are as follows:
1. Unclean Water Quality
Contact with polluted or contaminated water sources may expose the skin to bacteria, parasites, or other harmful microorganisms, triggering inflammatory reactions. Symptoms may include redness, stinging pain, erythema, blisters, and pus discharge. Medications such as azithromycin tablets, penicillin V potassium tablets, or erythromycin tablets may be used under a doctor's guidance to alleviate symptoms.
2. Sunburn
Extended exposure to sunlight while swimming in summer, especially without adequate sun protection, may result in UV-induced skin damage (sunburn). Symptoms include red, hot skin accompanied by stinging pain, and sometimes blisters or peeling. As directed by a physician, topical treatments such as fusidic acid sodium ointment, phenol dipyridamole ointment, or fluticasone propionate cream may help relieve sunburn symptoms.
3. Vitamin Deficiency
A lack of vitamins—particularly antioxidant vitamins such as vitamin C and vitamin E—may make the skin more susceptible to environmental damage. After swimming, the skin may become irritated, manifesting as redness, stinging, itching, and discomfort. Daily intake of vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables, such as grapes, tomatoes, and oranges, can help supplement essential nutrients.
4. Damaged Skin Stratum Corneum
Prolonged swimming during summer may lead to excessive water immersion, damaging the skin’s stratum corneum. This compromises the skin barrier, making it more vulnerable to external irritants and resulting in redness, stinging, dryness, flaking, and cracking. Using gentle, moisturizing products such as hydrating creams or facial masks can aid in repairing the damaged stratum corneum.
5. Allergic Reaction
Allergic reactions to chemicals, microorganisms, or aquatic plants in water may trigger skin allergies. Symptoms may include redness, stinging pain, itching, and hives. In severe cases, systemic allergic reactions such as rapid breathing or throat swelling may occur. Under medical supervision, antihistamines such as loratadine tablets, promethazine hydrochloride tablets, or cetirizine hydrochloride tablets may be used to relieve symptoms.
In daily life, maintaining a light diet and avoiding spicy foods is recommended to support overall health.
