IMC’s Dr Katherine Rainbow reveals common health issues related to swimming.

Swimming is a favourite pastime for many in Singapore. But while the health and physical benefits are many, it can also be associated with sports-related injuries, skin conditions and infectious diseases.  
Water safety is of utmost importance. Ensure children are supervised at all times. Take care when swimming in areas where there are currents. Do not swim when judgement may be impaired by alchohol or Gastrointestinal illness occurs after ingesting contaminated water and can be caused by viral or ba cterial infections. Viral infections are self limiting, but bacterial infections caused by Salmonella, Giardia, Shigella, and E. coli, can be treated with antibiotics. 
Ear conditions Swimmer’s ear – otitis externa – is an infection of the ear’s outer canal, causing itch, pain and ear discharge. Avoid it by applying alcohol-based eardrops after swimming. More resistant cases will require eardrop or aural antibiotics. 
Excessive sun exposure Ultraviolet radiation can harm your skin and cause sunburn – ranging from mild redness to blistering – or premature skin cancers. Babies, children, fair-skinned people, those with albinism or skin cancer survivors are most vulnerable. Certain medications such as tetracycline also increase photosensitivity. Avoid the midday sun and wear waterproof sunscreen of SPF 40 or above.
Hot-tub rash is an infection of the skin (dermatitis) or of the hair follicles in the skin (folliculitis), caused by contact with contaminated water. Most cases are caused by the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, resulting in itchy skin or itchy bumps on the skin, forming tender red nodules which may contain pus. Hot-tub rash generally resolves on its own in days and medical treatment is rarely necessary. Avoid it by frequently testing water in pools and hot tubs and controlling disinfectant and pH levels.
Eczema is the most common skin condition affecting children. It’s usually aggravated by swimming due to irritation from chlorinated water or other contaminants. Treat eczema with specific moisturisers and topical steroids.

- Protect yourself in the pool
- Ensure water is clean and clear with no offensive odour.
- Refrain from swimming if you have diarrhoea.
- Avoid swallowing water.
- Shower before and after swimming.
- Do not change diapers at the poolside and thoroughly clean the diaper changing area after use.
- Use an effective waterproof sunscreen and reapply regularly.

  

Dr Katherine Rainbow MBBS, FRACGP
Dr Rainbow graduated from the University of Adelaide in South Australia in 1995 and completed a diploma in child health while working at the city’s Women’s and Children’s Hospital. A member of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, she worked in private practice in Adelaide and Melbourne, before moving to Singapore. She has a graduate certificate in sexual and reproductive health from Family Planning Australia and a Certificate of Women’s Health with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.