“I want to go swimming, but I’m nervous — not sure how my lesions are going to respond or if they will infect the pool,” one myHSteam member wrote. Another member asked, “I was just wondering if I can go swimming. Does it make the open cysts worse?”

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin condition, meaning it lasts for a long time or keeps coming back. It causes painful lumps under the skin in areas like the armpits, groin, buttocks, and other body parts that rub together. Swimming can be a great low-impact exercise option for people with HS, but there are some key points you need to know before getting into a chlorinated swimming pool.

Does Chlorine Worsen Symptoms of HS?

Chlorine is used to disinfect swimming pools and keep them safe. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends chlorine to help stop the spread of germs in pools.

Although research on how chlorinated water affects HS is limited, we do know that chlorine can affect skin differently for each person. For some, it can dry out or irritate the skin, leading to redness, rashes, itchiness, or tenderness. This irritation may make HS symptoms worse. For others, chlorine might not cause problems and could even help dry out lesions.

If you’re unsure how your skin will react, watch for any signs of irritation and check in with your dermatologist. Saltwater pools or ocean swimming might be gentler alternatives if chlorine doesn’t agree with your skin.

Reports From myHSteam Members

For some myHSteam members, chlorine has no impact or even helps:

• “Went to a swimming pool yesterday. The chlorine seemed to clear some of these pustules on hands and feet.”
• “Chlorine helps it as well. We had a pool for three years in Florida, plus the beach every week, and I rarely had a flare-up.”
• “I go swimming twice a week. It doesn’t affect my sores.”

Other members find that chlorine makes their skin worse:

• “At least for me, chlorine seems to cause more issues. I always get more abscesses after going swimming in a pool.”
• “I get HS breakouts from public pools at gyms but no issues swimming in lakes or oceans. The chlorine breaks down my natural skin barrier.”
• “The chlorine breaks down my skin at my age — didn’t bother me as a child but it does now.”

Can You Swim With an Open Wound?

Swimming is generally not recommended if you have an open or unhealed wound. Whether you’re swimming in an ocean, a lake, or a public pool, open wounds can let bacteria or viruses into your body, increasing the risk of infection. The risk is higher if the wound is deep, infected, or bleeding. Water exposure can also slow healing, so it’s best to wait until your skin has fully healed before swimming.

If you decide to swim before your skin has healed, cover the wound with a waterproof bandage and take a shower right after swimming.

If you’re recovering from surgery, ask your doctor how long you should wait before getting into the water. One member shared, “I’m having my second surgery in 10 days — no swimming for two weeks.”

What Infections Can You Contract From a Pool?

Swimming in a properly maintained, chlorinated pool is generally safe. However, swimming with unhealed or open wounds can increase your risk of infections, such as pseudomonas dermatitis, also called “hot tub rash.” This infection can cause itchy, red bumps that may burn. You’re more likely to get an infection from a pool or hot tub that isn’t cleaned or maintained well. If you notice any signs of infection after swimming, like unusual redness, swelling, or pain, reach out to your doctor.

HS Is Not Contagious

Although you can catch infections from a swimming pool, no one can catch HS from you if you swim. HS is not contagious. You cannot catch HS from someone else, nor can you spread it to others, even in a pool setting. This is because HS is a chronic inflammatory skin condition and not an infection. However, HS lesions can become infected, which is why keeping wounds covered and following good skin care practices is essential.

What To Wear to the Pool?

Many people with HS enjoy swimming for exercise, recreation, and stress relief. However, sometimes, concerns about what to wear while swimming prevent people from jumping into the pool.

“I have scars on my thighs and under my arms. What do you other ladies wear to the beach or pool to cover your scars?” one myHSteam member asked. Another member shared, “Summer is coming, and I would love to wear a bathing suit and tanks, but the scarring under my arms and thighs is embarrassing.”

Other members recommend a long-sleeved swim shirt that also doubles as sun protection or a longer swim skirt or shorts.

In addition to feeling self-conscious about HS lesions and scars, some members find that traditional swimsuits irritate their HS. “The problem I have always had swimming is that I have HS in my groin, and any bathing suit bottom cuts right where HS is,” one member wrote. “I am going to get some black spandex shorts, and they will be my bathing suit bottoms!”

Swimming Safely With HS

Swimming can be a great way to stay active and relieve stress if you have HS. It’s important to understand how your skin reacts to chlorine and to make smart choices about when it’s safe to swim.

Your dermatologist can help you decide what’s best for your skin and suggest ways to protect yourself while swimming. With the right care, protection, and comfortable swimwear, you can enjoy the water safely and confidently.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On myHSteam, the social network for people and their loved ones living with hidradenitis suppurativa, more than 46,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with HS.

Do you go swimming with HS lesions? Does chlorine bother your skin? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.