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I am a swimmer and my rashes just got better with a steroid cream. Can I hit the pool?

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Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have been using Betamethasone valerate (0.12 %) for three weeks (with occlusion) on my left and right knee to treat allergic contact dermatitis. Now that the rash is gone, I was advised to stop applying the topical cortisone. My question is since I am a professional swimmer, is it safe for me to hit the pool? Or should I wait for some time because of the increased risk of infection (I am especially worried about ringworm)?

Please help.

Answered by Dr. Shanza Ikram

Education:

FCPS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shanza Ikram is a highly experienced Dermatologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of skin, hair, and nail disorders. She is skilled in both medical and cosmetic dermatology, offering advanced treatments for conditions like acne, eczema, pigmentation, and aging concerns. With her patient-focused approach, Dr. Ikram provides personalized care to promote healthy and radiant skin.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through your case.

If your previous skin lesions are healed now, then you definitely need to stop steroids. Regarding an infection, particularly tinea, develops with steroids and moist skin. Just wait for two to three days, and then you can go to the pool. But please remember to keep yourself dry after swimming. Occluded sites, like finger webs, groin, and axilla, are more likely to develop tinea when moist or with steroids.

Take care.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At November 19, 2017
Reviewed At October 29, 2024

Education:

FCPS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shanza Ikram is a highly experienced Dermatologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of skin, hair, and nail disorders. She is skilled in both medical and cosmetic dermatology, offering advanced treatments for conditions like acne, eczema, pigmentation, and aging concerns. With her patient-focused approach, Dr. Ikram provides personalized care to promote healthy and radiant skin.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

FCPS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shanza Ikram is a highly experienced Dermatologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of skin, hair, and nail disorders. She is skilled in both medical and cosmetic dermatology, offering advanced treatments for conditions like acne, eczema, pigmentation, and aging concerns. With her patient-focused approach, Dr. Ikram provides personalized care to promote healthy and radiant skin.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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