The core of pre- and post-swimming care for patients with psoriasis is to protect the skin barrier and minimize irritation. Patients should take advantage of swimming to relieve skin discomfort while avoiding factors such as water quality and friction that can trigger flares.

1. Before swimming: make 3 preparations to reduce risks

Assess skin condition. If lesions are in an acute phase (erythema, edema, exudation, severe pruritus), or if there is broken skin or infection, swimming should be suspended to avoid exacerbation or cross-infection. Swim only when lesions are stable (no obvious erythema or skin breaks), and preferentially choose warm pools (water temperature 28–30°C), avoiding excessively cold or hot water that can irritate the skin.

Preemptive moisturizing protection. Apply a gentle medical moisturizer to the whole body (especially affected areas) 30 minutes before swimming to form a protective film that reduces irritation from pool water (chlorine-containing) and prevents moisture loss. If there are scalp lesions, wear a silicone swim cap to avoid direct immersion of the scalp in pool water and to reduce friction between hair and the cap.

Choose appropriate gear: wear loose, breathable swimwear, preferably quick-drying fabrics; avoid synthetic materials that can repeatedly rub lesions. Women should avoid underwire swimsuits to reduce local pressure. Prepare dedicated slippers and towels; avoid walking barefoot on pool locker room floors to lower the risk of fungal infection.

2. During swimming: pay attention to 2 details to avoid injury

Control swimming duration and intensity: a single session is recommended to be limited to 20–30 minutes to avoid prolonged soaking that softens the stratum corneum and impairs barrier function. Focus on slow swimming and relaxed movements; avoid vigorous exercise and heavy sweating, as sweat mixed with pool water may worsen skin irritation.

Avoid contact with irritants: do not use communal shower gel or shampoo in the pool area, as these products may contain soaps or fragrances that easily irritate the skin. If skin stinging or increased itching occurs during swimming, stop immediately, rinse briefly with clean water, and leave the pool.

3. After swimming: perform 4 steps of care to repair the skin

Clean the skin promptly: within 10 minutes after swimming, rinse the whole body with 37–40°C warm water to thoroughly remove residual chlorine and pool contaminants; avoid prolonged contact of these residues with the skin surface. Do not use loofahs or exfoliating scrubs during the shower; use a gentle, soap-free body wash and rub gently to prevent skin damage.

Fast hydration and water-locking After bathing, gently pat the skin dry with a clean towel (do not rub). While the skin is still slightly moist (within 3 minutes), immediately apply an adequate amount of medical moisturizer or body lotion, focusing on lesions and dry areas to repair the skin barrier. If the skin is especially dry, you can layer a thin moisturizing oil (such as petroleum jelly gel) over the moisturizer to enhance water retention.

Replenish fluids and nutrients After swimming, promptly drink warm water to restore body fluids and prevent worsening of skin dryness due to internal dehydration. You may eat foods rich in vitamin C and vitamin E in moderation (such as oranges and nuts) to help skin repair and reduce oxidative damage from chlorine.

Monitor skin reaction Observe skin condition for 24 hours after swimming. If lesions become red, itching worsens, or new rashes appear, suspend swimming and apply topical medications or seek medical care as appropriate.