How Swimming Affects Your Body
Swimming is one of the most popular sports activities. It provides an array of health benefits - improving cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, endurance, and mental health. However, spending time in pools can also have some odd effects on your body.
Wrinkly, Pruney Fingers and Toes
After prolonged exposure to water, such as during a long swim, your fingers and toes may start to look shriveled and wrinkly, similar to prunes or raisins. This occurs due to osmosis - the movement of water into and out of your skin cells.
Soaking in the pool water causes water to pass from the pool into the skin cells on your hands and feet. This causes them to absorb more water and swell up. But the outer skin layer doesn't stretch as easily, causing it to wrinkle and pucker.
Remedies for Pruney Skin
The wrinkled appearance after swimming goes away soon after you get out of the water. Gently drying your hands and feet should make them return to normal within 10 to 30 minutes. Using moisturizer can also help rehydrate the skin.
Chlorine Smell
Does your skin or hair smell like chemicals after swimming? This lingering chlorine odor lets you know you've spent too much time soaked in pool water. Chlorine mixed with sweat and body oils creates chloramines which give off a strong smell.
Getting Rid of Chlorine Smell
To remove the bothersome chlorine scent, be sure to shower right after swimming using warm water and soap. An acidifying body wash can help deactivate chloramines. You can also try a vinegar rinse on your hair.
Can Swimming Cause Headaches?
For some people, yes - swimming can occasionally trigger headaches. Typically it's the cold water, exertion, or chlorine exposure while swimming laps that leads to head pain afterward.
Cold Water Headaches
Jumping into a cold pool causes your body to react with a sudden spike in blood pressure and restricted blood vessels. These cardiovascular changes may precede a tension or vascular headache in some people prone to them.
Exertion Headaches
The physical effort required to swim lengths taxes your cardio and skeletal muscle systems. Fatigue, increased blood pressure, and muscle tension from lactic acid build-up can produce an exertion or exercise-induced headache post-swim.
Chlorine Sensitivity Headaches
Chlorinated pool chemicals like chloramines can be a headache trigger for those with sensitivities. Inhaling airborne chlorine while swimming makes some people prone to migraines or sinus headaches afterwards.
Can Swimming Cause Other Pains?
In addition to headaches, avid swimmers may occasionally experience other minor bodily pains such as:
- Stiff neck and shoulders from poor stroke mechanics
- Strained lower back from repetitive torso rotation
- Sore knees or hips due to overuse on kick sets
- Chest congestion on an inhale during butterfly stroke
Preventing Headaches and Pains After Swimming
While spending long hours immersed in water can have odd effects, taking a few precautions helps minimize headaches, aches, and pains:
Warm-up Gradually
Ease into your swim session to allow your body to adjust slowly. Start with a warmer pool if possible and slowly increase your effort.
Improve Stroke Technique
Use proper form, body positioning, kicking, and breathing patterns to prevent overuse strains and pains.
Hydrate Frequently
Drink plenty of water before, during and after swimming to prevent dehydration contributing to headaches.
Consider Swimming Headgear
Wear a swimming cap, ear plugs, and/or nose clip to decrease cold water exposure and irritation from chlorine.
Shower After Swims
Rinse off right after leaving the pool to remove chlorine and chloramines from your hair and skin.
Treating Headaches After Swimming
If you do experience headache pain or other discomforts following time spent in the pool, treat mild symptoms with:
Over-the-Counter Pain Medications
For tension headaches, take an NSAID like ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin for relief.
Stay Hydrated
Drink extra fluids before and after swimming to avoid dehydration contributing to headaches.
Gentle Stretches
Lightly stretch sore neck, back and shoulder muscles to ease post-swim tightness.
Warm or Cold Compresses
Apply warm compresses to ease headache pain and muscle tension. Use cold packs to reduce inflammation.
Consider Supplements
Magnesium, CoQ10, or feverfew supplements may help prevent headaches in some people.
When to See Your Doctor
Schedule a medical appointment if you experience:
- Frequent or worsening headaches whenever you swim
- Nausea or dizziness along with head pain
- Inability to treat headaches with over-the-counter medications
- Headaches that interfere with your ability to participate in swimming
Your doctor can evaluate your symptoms, diagnose potential causes, and prescribe appropriate treatment options. Seeking medical advice helps ensure swimming remains an enjoyable, healthy experience.
FAQs
Why does my head hurt after swimming?
The cold water, physical exertion required, poor swimming mechanics, or chlorine irritation can all trigger headaches afterwards in prone individuals.
Are headaches normal after swimming?
Occasional minor headaches can happen after intense swim sessions. But frequent, worsening, or severe headaches require medical evaluation to rule out underlying conditions.
How can I prevent headaches when swimming?
Warmup gradually, use proper stroke technique, stay hydrated, wear a swim cap/ear plugs to decrease exposures, and rinse off right after getting out of the pool.
When should I see a doctor for swim headaches?
Consult your physician if you have frequent or severe headaches that don't respond to over-the-counter meds, as well as any headaches accompanied by nausea, dizziness or other concerning symptoms.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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