Chlorine Allergy
Chlorine Allergy Symptoms
Chlorine allergy is a type four allergy, which means that the manifestations of the symptoms are delayed as the reactions are cell-mediated. Thus, most patients are actually unaware of their allergy to chlorine, unless they are exposed to the said chemical. However, it is easy to tell when one is allergic to chlorine by observing the different symptoms including:- Irritation of the eyes
- Dry skin
- Constant coughing
- Sneezing
- Respiratory failures
- Nausea
Irritation Of The Eyes
Eye irritation does not just occur when a person with chlorine allergy swims in pools. Eye irritation may as well be experienced upon the usage of household products and cleaners that releases chlorine fumes. Itchiness, redness, dryness, or watering of eyes that result from close contact with chlorine is a clear indication of chlorine allergy.Dry Skin
It is but normal for many swimmers to occasionally get white patches that may have resulted from yeast infection. This is NOT a symptom of chlorine allergy. When a person experiences tightening of skin coupled with itching and peeling after wearing fabrics treated with chlorine or swimming, however, there is a high possibility that he or she has allergy to chlorine.Constant Coughing
Coughing usually occurs when someone with chlorine allergy smells or touches chlorine. Remember though, that this symptom can be misleading as coughing occasionally upon coming in contact with chlorine may not be a symptom of allergy, but a sign of sensitivity to the chemical.Sneezing
Sneezing is the most common symptom after inhaling chlorine fumes, especially after staying too long around pools or using household chemicals too often.Respiratory Failures
Chlorine is known to be one of the chemicals that can affect the respiratory system of individuals. Thus, those with chlorine allergy experience symptoms similar to those of asthma that include wheezing, coughing, difficulty of breathing, tightening of chest and suffocation in some cases.Nausea
Several people have claimed to experience dizziness and vomiting when they are exposed to high amounts of chlorine. In some extreme cases, people with chlorine allergy may also experience delusions.Chlorine Allergy Treatment
Normally, people would dive into their first aid kits when they experience some of the symptoms stated above. Topical creams may relieve itchiness and dryness, and eye drops may provide temporary cures to eye irritations. Doctors suggest that people with allergy to chlorine should know the proper treatments of the symptoms.Chlorine is basically an irritant. Thus, the first thing to do after the symptoms have been observed is to wash it off and apply a soothing cream prescribed by the physician. The following can help in curing or providing relief to the symptoms of chlorine allergy:
- Do not use clothes that were washed in detergents which have high amounts of chlorine.
- Shower immediately after swimming.
- Swim in pools containing salt water instead of chlorine.
- See a doctor immediately after the symptoms have been observed.