Jumping in a swimming pool is one of the joys of summer.

But for some kids with the common skin condition Eczema, swimming is out of the question.

In fact, pool water is just one of the things that can cause uncomfortable and unsightly flare ups.
The Mayo Clinic suggests some methods for kids and adults to manage chronic Eczema.

"She’s a fish."

But until last year, chronic Eczema caused 5 year old Avery Horn to be a fish out of water.

"She couldn't really get in the water at all because her skin had a lot of open sores on it and she would scratch so much."

Itching kept Avery up at night and she couldn't play outside with other kids because almost everything caused a flare up.

"Anytime any of her skin was exposed she would start scratching."

"Hello Ms. Avery, how’s your skin? (Good) fantastic!!"

Dr. Dawn Davis says up to 40% of all kids in America have bouts of Eczema.

"It’s an inflammatory disease of the skin."

It's caused by an over-active immune system. What happens is your immune system recognizes something on your skin, such as pool water, as foreign. It reacts by releasing immune cells that migrate to the border between your epidermis and dermis. The immune cells eat away at your skin causing redness and cracking. It also releases chemicals that cause itching.

"The most practical way to treat Eczema is to create a barrier between your skin and the environment."

Dr. Davis recommends a three-tiered treatment plan: Antihistamines to ease the itch. Antibiotics to get rid of bacteria. And a daily sensitive skin care regimen which includes soaking in a bath for 15 minutes, washing with mild soap, and applying an emollient or rich cream, to your skin afterwards.

"It’s a lot of steps to still have to do, but it's allowed her to have a quality of life."

"Swimming!!!"

Avery still has flare ups now and then. But with proper care, flare ups can be less frequent and mild. And while eczema can be unsightly, it is not contagious.