Swimming lessons of school children and the incidence of skin diseases

BACKGROUND: Swimming is often included in school educational programs. The aim is to investigate whether regular swimming pool attendance results in an increased incidence of skin diseases.METHODS: We focused on these skin diseases: dry skin, atopic eczema, psoriasis and plantar warts in a group of 348 children (age: 9.22±0.82 years). The monitoring focused on three types of water disinfection. (SALT, CHLORINE, UV+). Data were obtained before and after swimming lessons (20 weeks) by examining with a dermatologist.RESULTS: Attendance in the swimming program led to an increase in the incidence of dry skin, plantar warts, and atopic eczema, although 2 of the atopic's skin were improved. The highest increase appeared to occur in SALT pools.CONCLUSIONS: We recommend educating teachers on how to treat children's sensitive skin after swimming lessons. Atopics should find a pool whose disinfection method will not aggravate their skin disease.