SWIMMING POOL GRANULOMA

This infection is caused by a bacillus similar to that which is responsible for tuberculosis. Swimming pool granuloma may develop after swimming in an indoor pool or almost any type of outdoor body of water. Infection begins at the point of a break in the skin and develops locally, with the first signs appearing several weeks after the initial wound has healed. Lesions normally are seen on the elbows but may appear on any area that is easily abraded. A bump appears and enlarges to form a thick, crusty, reddish-purple plaque. This plaque is raised and firm but not tender. The infection remains localized at the site of the initial wound, but the lesions, which heal of their own accord, can linger for several months or up to two years.

Treatment and Prevention - SWIMMING POOL GRANULOMA
Measures to protect the skin, and careful cleansing of any abrasions or cuts that occur in the water, are the most effective ways to prevent this disease.

Treatment for ABRASIONS AND CHAFING

Abrasions, such as scuff bums or mat bums, are caused by rubbing or scraping off the outer layers of the skin. Some bruising is often present, but the wound does not penetrate the skin; if it did it would be a laceration. Abrasions often occur over the elbows and knees, as well as on the shins, over the hip bones and on the backs of the hands.

Chafing develops when the uppermost layer of the skin is rubbed repeatedly. This injury is analogous to a mild abrasion, and often occurs in the groin or nipples of runners and other athletes, under the arms, or in any areas subject to friction.

Treatment for ABRASIONS AND CHAFING

Thorough cleansing of the wound is the most important step in treatment. Bland white soap and water is quite adequate but anti­bacterial soaps can be used. If dirt and debris are embedded in the wound, a soft brush should be used to scrub this foreign matter out. If cleansing is adequate, further treatment by topical anti­septics is not needed. Sterile dressings may be used to protect the wound and keep it clean. Antibiotic ointments, creams, or sterile petrolatum, which prevent drying of the wound and sticking of the dressing, can be used, but greasy ointments should be avoided if the wound is oozing.

Prevention - ABRASIONS AND CHAFING

Pads over the elbows, knees and hips shield these bony surfaces. Areas of friction, such as the groin and nipples, can be protected by the liberal application of thick ointments, such as petrolatum (petroleum jelly) or lanolin. Nylon briefs are often less abrasive than athletic supporters, and running shorts with built-in mesh supporters can be helpful. Wet bathing suits, especially those that are salty and sandy, should not be worn for long periods since chafing is likely to result.

Pool Swimmers and CHEMICAL CONJUNCTIVITIS

Chemical conjunctivitis is an eye irritation that affects practi­cally all pool swimmers at some time. The eyes become red, sensitive and teary as if something gritty were in them. Conjunctivitis is also caused by pool additives; it is mild and usually clears up overnight. It may be treated with bland eye drops and rest for the eyes.

Pool Swimmers and BACTERIAL RASHES (Pseudomonas)

The Pseudomonas bacteria sometimes produce rashes in pool swimmers, and Pseudomonas rash might also be picked up in contaminated whirlpool baths. The rash begins one to three days after bathing in the contaminated water. The eruption is itchy and consists of flat red spots, pustules (pus bumps) or small blisters. The trunk and arms are affected, especially the area under the bathing suit, while the head and neck are spared. This rash resolves in a few days without treatment.

SWIMMER'S EAR (Otitis externa) - Treatment & Prevention Guide

Swimmer's ear is an infection of the external ear canal that is in no way limited to pool swimmers. The Pseudonomas bacteria is usually responsible, but swimmer's ear is often confused with eczema since the latter occurs frequently in the ears.

Itching is usually the sign of the onset of swimmer's ear, fol­lowed by pain and a feeling of fullness in the ear. The outer ear appears normal, but the external canal may be very tender. Pres­sing on the ear or pulling on the ear lobe causes pain.


Treatment - SWIMMER'S EAR (Otitis externa)


The most effective medications require prescriptions. During treatment, it may be necessary to stay out of the water until the infection has resolved.


Prevention- SWIMMER'S EAR (Otitis externa)

One of the major goals is to keep water out the ears; using earplugs or wearing a bathing cap while showering may not be entirely effective. Vigorously shaking the head, fanning the ear canal, opening or blowing it with a hair dryer will help dry the ear canal. Foreign matter should never be inserted into the ear canal, particularly hard, sharp objects. Such trauma to the ear canal may upset the delicate chemical and bacterial balance there, opening the way for infections. It is not necessary to clean the wax out of the ear. If one insists on pursuing earwax or if wax has blocked the ear, drops are available to soften and help remove these secretions.

Acetic acid in water or alcohol is an excellent preventive for swimmer's ear, since the Pseudomonas bacteria can't tolerate an acidic environment. A useful solution can be made from white household vinegar with equal parts water, glycerine or rubbing alcohol. This will yield the desired 2 to 2 1/2 percent acid solution, and should be dropped into the ear canal after swimming and anytime the ear is wet.

ABRASIONS FROM SWIM SUITS AND SUPPORTERS

The skin may be abraded or rubbed raw by tight, wet or salty swimsuits or athletic supporters. This usually results from pro­longed wearing of such items during active periods. Salt water and sand increases the chafing considerably because of the pre­sence of fine, abrasive grains.

Treatment and Prevention
Treatment of these abrasions is the same as that for ordinary abrasions: thorough cleansing is the prime goal. Nylon briefs dry more rapidly and are less abrasive than other materials. Wet swimsuits should be changed as soon as 'possible, especially if they are salty or sandy.

THE EFFECTS OF ADDITIVES IN SWIMMING POOLS

Chlorine and other chemicals can dehydrate the skin and hair by removing natural oils. The bleaching effects of chlorine have been known to turn blond hair even lighter, and in some cases green if there is excess copper in the water. This depends upon the amount of chlorine in the water, length of time in the water, and the amount of sun exposure. Shampooing after leaving the pool can prevent these problems.

What is SURFERS KNOTS?

Surfers are exposed to several hazards of the beach and ocean. A condition peculiar to surfers is known as surfers' knots. These knots develop on the tops of the feet or just below the knees, and are caused by repeated and prolonged kneeling on surfboards. Small fractures or chips. of bone may be present in the feet be­neath the knots. During the initial months of surfing, these lesions are soft, red and very painful, but after one or two years, they become firm and fibrous.