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[Jules]

Has anybody found that chlorine in swimming pools affects their VA? I want to return to swimming but don't want to upset the status quo I've reached.

[Dierdre]

Yes it does affect mine, I had to stop swimming in indoor chlorinated pools as it caused irritation and made me extremely dry. I tried showering and using moisturisor straight after swimming and using a barrier cream during the swim but it didn't work. I'm OK swimming abroad in saltwater pools and also the sea.

[Tinkerbell]

I have always been a keen swimmer and even swam up until day before my daughter was born but even with all the HRT I throw at my VA I can no longer swim because of irritation.

[Jules]

Okay thanks for the replies. That's disappointing isn't it. It's such good all round exercise too but I don't want to risk anything that might cause a set back. The last time I went was 2 years ago and it was fine but I wasn't having the same problems back then

[Dierdre]

I used to love swimming too but no matter what you do the water gets inside, I even wore pants under my bathers.

[Jules]

I used to love swimming too but no matter what you do the water gets inside, I even wore pants under my bathers.

I might try somewhere I don't have to join. It's a risk though

[Suziemc]

I think we all get affected by different things in different ways so giving it a try at a time when you can deal with any bad effects is probably the way to go as you might not have any issues at all. It would be a shame to give up on something without knowing.

Personally (and I have lichen sclerosis as well as VA) I find that I can swim occasionally without any issues. I make sure i shower well when I get out of the pool and again when I get home and then slather myself in the moisturiser that I know works for me. Another thing I do, if I'm on holiday or am lucky enough to have a spa day, is to make sure I don't sit around in wet bottoms, I take a change of swimmers with me.

But, we're all so different!

Suzie

[Jules]

Okay that's good advice. I will try as I'm going on holiday in September so don't want to worry about using the pool then

[Dierdre]

Pools abroad don't usually have as much chlorine as the indoor swimming baths here so you might be OK. Just shower well after and use lots of moisturisor.

[Jules]

I will. Thanks. I envy women who don't suffer VA. Even having to do the maintenance regime needs half hour spare a day and I sometimes wonder how I'd go on a safari or drive a motorhome across America when I've to do my twice daily drill and store the cream below a certain temperature. I know many of things much more serious to feel fed up about.