**Reno Rash: City Chlorine Blocking Summer Glow?**

By Franklin Everett Shaw

January 25, 2026

Have you ever emerged from a refreshing dip in a Reno pool, only to find your skin screaming in protest? That itchy, red, and irritated feeling might be more than just dry skin. It could be “Reno Rash,” a localized phenomenon that’s got some Reno residents scratching their heads – and their skin. Let’s dive into what Reno Rash is, how to identify it, and, most importantly, how to protect yourself and your family from its unwelcome embrace.

Reno Rash, as it’s colloquially known, is suspected to be a form of skin irritation potentially exacerbated by the chlorine levels in Reno’s public pools and splash pads. While chlorine is essential for disinfecting water and preventing the spread of disease, high concentrations can wreak havoc on sensitive skin. This isn’t just a Reno problem, of course, but anecdotal evidence suggests a higher incidence of skin irritation after swimming in certain Reno pools, prompting the “Reno Rash” moniker.

So, how do you know if you’re dealing with Reno Rash and not just regular dry skin? Look for these telltale signs:

• Intense Itchiness: This is the hallmark symptom. The itch can be relentless and incredibly uncomfortable.
• Redness and Inflammation: Affected areas will appear red and inflamed, sometimes with small bumps or hives.
• Dry, Scaly Skin: Chlorine strips the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and flakiness.
• Location: The rash often appears in areas where chlorine is concentrated, such as under swimsuits, in skin folds (armpits, groin), and on the face.

If you suspect you have Reno Rash, here’s a step-by-step guide to treatment:

1. Rinse Immediately: As soon as you leave the pool, rinse your skin thoroughly with clean, lukewarm water. Don’t just towel off and let the chlorine linger.
2. Gentle Cleansing: Use a mild, fragrance-free soap to gently cleanse your skin. Avoid harsh soaps or scrubbing, which can further irritate the affected areas. A good option available at most Reno drugstores is Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser.
3. Moisturize Liberally: Apply a thick, hypoallergenic moisturizer to your skin while it’s still damp. This helps to lock in moisture and soothe irritation. Look for products containing ceramides or oatmeal, which are known for their skin-soothing properties. Consider CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, widely available at Reno retailers like Walgreens and CVS.
4. Topical Corticosteroids: For more severe cases, a low-potency topical corticosteroid cream, such as hydrocortisone 1%, can help reduce inflammation and itching. You can find this over-the-counter at most pharmacies in Reno. However, use it sparingly and for no more than a week, as prolonged use can have side effects.
5. Antihistamines: If the itching is intense, an over-the-counter antihistamine like Benadryl (diphenhydramine) or Zyrtec (cetirizine) can provide relief. Again, these are readily available at Reno pharmacies.
6. Consult a Dermatologist: If your symptoms don’t improve after a few days of home treatment, or if the rash is severe, consult a dermatologist. A Reno-based dermatologist like Dr. Smith at the Dermatology Center of Reno can provide a professional diagnosis and recommend a more tailored treatment plan.

Prevention is always better than cure. Here’s how to minimize your risk of developing Reno Rash:

• Pre-Swim Shower: Showering before entering the pool helps to remove sweat, dirt, and oils from your skin, reducing the amount of chlorine needed to disinfect the water.
• Chlorine-Blocking Products: Apply a chlorine-blocking lotion or cream before swimming. These products create a barrier between your skin and the chlorine, minimizing its irritating effects. Look for products containing dimethicone or petrolatum. TriSwim Chlorine Removal Body Wash and Lotion, available at some sporting goods stores in Reno, are specifically designed for swimmers.
• Swimsuit Care: Rinse your swimsuit thoroughly with clean water after each swim. Chlorine can linger in the fabric and continue to irritate your skin.
• Limit Exposure: Reduce the amount of time you spend in the pool, especially if you have sensitive skin.
• Post-Swim Shower: As mentioned earlier, shower immediately after swimming to remove chlorine from your skin.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.

But what about the chlorine levels in Reno’s public pools? Are they consistently within safe limits? This is where things get tricky. While the City of Reno likely adheres to state and federal guidelines for water quality, fluctuations in chlorine levels can occur due to factors like bather load, weather conditions, and maintenance schedules.

Unfortunately, accessing real-time chlorine monitoring data for all Reno public pools isn’t always straightforward. However, you can take these steps to advocate for safer water quality:

• Contact the City of Reno Parks and Recreation Department: Inquire about their chlorine monitoring protocols and request access to historical data.
• Attend City Council Meetings: Voice your concerns about water quality and advocate for increased transparency in chlorine monitoring.
• Form a Community Group: Organize with other concerned residents to raise awareness about Reno Rash and advocate for solutions.
• Test the Water Yourself: Purchase a pool testing kit from a local Reno hardware store like Lowe’s or Home Depot and test the water yourself. While this won’t provide official data, it can give you a sense of the chlorine levels in your favorite pools.

The CDC recommends a free chlorine concentration of 1-3 parts per million (ppm) and a pH of 7.2-7.8 for swimming pools. If you consistently find that Reno pools are exceeding these levels, it’s time to take action.

Reno Rash might be a localized problem, but it highlights a broader issue: the importance of water quality and its impact on our health. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and prevention methods of Reno Rash, and by advocating for safer water quality in our community, we can ensure that swimming in Reno’s pools remains a refreshing and enjoyable experience for everyone. Don’t just suffer in silence; take control of your skin health and demand better water quality for Reno.