Chlorine Allergy - Do you have one?

Most of us are exposed to chlorine on a daily basis.It is a popular disinfectant and is also used in the making of paper products, plastics, pesticides and PVC. A few common uses for chlorine are:

Tap Water- disinfectant                                               

Chlorine Bleach and other household detergents and cleaners - Whitens whites, disinfects clothes and surfaces

Swimming pools - disinfects, sanitizes, keeps water from getting cloudy and helps to prevent algae from forming on the surface

Sucralose - Chlorinated sugar (most popularly sold as Splenda) 

With so much exposure to chlorine, some people are bound to have an adverse reaction. Chlorine allergy symptoms include:

Eye irritation - red, watery, itchy

Severely dry and/or itchy skin

Red, itchy rash

Headache

Nausea

Difficulty breathing, tightness in chest, and other symptoms similar to having asthma

The best way to avoid these symptoms is to avoid chlorine. Sometimes that's not possible, but you can, at least, minimize your exposure.

Use water filters for sinks and showers.

Non-chlorine bleach, oxygenated cleaners, and even natural home remedies like vinegar can be used to whiten and disinfect clothes.

Shower before you enter a pool to rinse off anything that might react with the chlorine. Wear a swim cap and goggles. Immediately after leaving the pool, rinse yourself off thoroughly using cool water. When you get home, bathe with a moisturizing soap and water. If chlorine was in your hair, cleanse with swimmer's shampoo. Apply lotion.

Despite some of your best efforts you may still find yourself suffering from of the symptoms above. See a doctor, or more specifically, an allergist about a possible chlorine allergy. Even if it turns out to be a chlorine sensitivity instead, you'll still need something for your skin. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, they may recommend over-the-counter allergy relief products or prescriptions. Here's a list of some allergy relief products that have worked for other people:

Benadryl

Calamine Lotion

Hydrocortizone cream

Eucerin - Original creme

Oatmeal baths - store bought or homemade