After a fun afternoon at the pool with your child, you notice something strange. Their hands and feet are red, tender and maybe even a little swollen. Did they get a sunburn? Was it the chlorine? Or is it something more serious?
Before you panic, there’s a good chance your child is experiencing a harmless condition called pool palms (pool pulpitis) and it’s more common than you might think.
We spoke with Samia Kadri, a family nurse practitioner at Banner Urgent Care, to learn more about pool pulpitis and tips for preventing it.
What is pool palms?
“Pool pulpitis is a type of frictional dermatitis that affects the skin of the hands and feet after repeated contact with rough pool surfaces,” Kadri said.
Pool palms, pool toes or pool pulpitis are all names for the same kind of skin irritation. This condition isn’t caused by bacteria, viruses or chemicals. It’s simply a friction-related skin irritation caused by repeated contact with textured surfaces.
Rough pool bottoms, steps and no-slip edges are designed to prevent falls. But these textured surfaces can also act like sandpaper on soft skin, especially if your child is busy crawling, climbing or hanging on the edge during long pool days.
All that activity adds up to more rubbing and more chances for irritation to happen.
Why are children more likely to get it?
Pool palms and pool toes can affect anyone, but they happen more often in younger children or new swimmers.
“Children’s skin is more fragile and softer,” Kadri said. “They also tend to rub against the pool surface more when playing or getting in and out of the pool.”
What do pool palms and toes look like?
It’s not always easy to tell what’s causing the rash. Pool palms and toes can look like other skin problems but here are a few signs to look for:
- Shiny red or purple patches on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
- Areas that look tender, swollen or slightly raised
- Skin that feels sore or tight, especially when touched
- No itching or blisters (unlike other rashes)
“Pool palms may be mistaken for contact dermatitis or even hand-foot-mouth disease,” Kadri said. “But unlike those conditions, pool palms and toes don’t itch and an infection or allergy does not cause them.”
If your child’s rash doesn’t seem to match the signs of pool palms or toes, or it worsens, spreads or causes other symptoms, check with your provider.
How to treat pool palms at home
Most of the time, pool palms and pool toes will go away on their own within a few days. But you can help soothe your child’s skin and speed up healing with a few steps:
- Moisturize the skin: Use a thick, fragrance-free moisturizing cream or healing ointment to keep the skin hydrated and healthy. Apply it a few times a day, especially after swimming and bathing.
- Give the skin a break: Let your child take a break from the pool for a day or two if their skin looks irritated. This gives their hands and feet time to heal.
- Avoid further rubbing: Try not to let them rub or pick at the area. Keep their hands and feet clean and dry when they’re not swimming.
When to see a health care provider
Pool palms and toes usually get better with home care, but there are times when it’s best to check in with your child’s provider.
Contact them if:
- The skin looks broken, cracked or bleeding
- You see signs of an infection (pus, oozing or warmth)
- The rash spreads to other areas of the body
- Your child has pain that worsens or doesn’t improve in a few days
- You aren’t sure if it’s pool palms or something else
“If there is skin breakdown or concern of secondary infection, a follow-up with a primary care provider is warranted,” Kadri said.
How to prevent pool palms and pool toes
You can’t always stop skin irritation completely, but there are easy ways to lower your risk and protect your child’s skin:
- Wear water shoes or gloves: Water shoes or aqua socks help shield the bottom of the feet from rough pool decks and steps. Soft swim gloves also help protect your hands.
- Limit contact with rough surfaces: Teach your child not to rub their hands along the edge of the pool or repeatedly climb the same spot.
- Take breaks from the water: Short pool sessions with breaks in between can give the skin time to rest and recover. This is especially helpful if you have a skin condition such as psoriasis, eczema or dermatitis.
- Rinse off: Always rinse off after you swim. Use warm water instead of hot water to avoid irritating or drying out your skin even more.
- Moisturize before and after swimming: Keeping the skin hydrated makes it stronger and less likely to get irritated.
- Check the pool surfaces: Some pool surfaces are more abrasive than others — especially older or textured ones. Choose pools with smooth tile finishes when possible. Be extra cautious if the deck or pool bottom feels like sandpaper.
Bottom line
Pool palms, pool toes and pool pulpitis might sound scary, but they’re really just signs that your child’s skin has had a little too much contact with rough surfaces. With a little care and attention, your child will feel better quickly and ready to splash again.
If you have concerns about your child’s rash or if the condition spreads or worsens, schedule an appointment with their health care provider.
