Help!! Rash is scaring me!!!

[anikawi522]

I recently got cerified and am having trouble with either the wetsuit (neoprene) or the chlorine in the pool because every time i get a nasty rash . Is this common or is there someone who knows? I wear a rashguard ,is there anything i can do? I would hate to think that my new found passion is going to end because of this Please anyone with anything!!!!!!

 

[Steve50]

I have had problems with localized rashes from the wetsuit, which is very much improved within 24 hours by applying cortisone creme. In my case tends to be worse when humidity is low and skin is less moist.

 

[sam1]

I have the same problem! Chlorinated water by itself is not a problem. A neoprene wetsuit in salt or fresh water is not a problem. But with neoprene and chlorine, I, too, get a rash. I found a non-neoprene wet suit (in the UK) that works fine on those relatively rare occasions when I dive in a pool. See Fourth element . (BTW, I think "rash" in rash guard refers to a rash caused by abrasions, not by chemicals in neoprene. That is to say that a rash guard did not help me.) And to answer your other question, in my experience this is not a common problem. We are unique!

Good luck.

 

[Monkey_Gland]

A rash never stopped me doing something I enjoyed...oh wait...there was that one time...

 

[Blackwood]

You sure it's a rash?

It doesn't look like this, does it?


edit, never mind, I misread the post. I thought you were getting it in the ocean and not in the pool. Skin bends is unlikely in a pool.

 

[Diver0001]

I recently got cerified and am having trouble with either the wetsuit (neoprene) or the chlorine in the pool because every time i get a nasty rash . Is this common or is there someone who knows? I wear a rashguard ,is there anything i can do? I would hate to think that my new found passion is going to end because of this Please anyone with anything!!!!!!

I'm going to move this to the medical forum. Maybe you'll get better answers there.

Just a couple of questions. Have you ever had rashes like this before? Do you have any known allergies? What does the rash look like? Where is it? How long does it take before it goes away? Is it itchy or does it hurt? Have you found any ways to control it yet?

R..

 

[Grover48]

I developed a rash after diving last summer. I had been taking lessons in a pool. We spent the surface intervals on the pool deck and the temps were in the high 90's. I was wearing a 7mm wetsuit because the water we we to dive in was Central California.

My Dr prescribed Lotrisone.

Took care of it.

 

[Lopaka]

Back when I got certified, we used the shop's Xcel 7mm wetsuits for pool and ocean. After the second day in the pool, I developed an outrageously itchy rash that perfectly matched the seams in the wetsuit. It was everywhere. I was going out of my mind with the itching.

Luckily the dive boat had a problem and there was a short break until we went in the water again. Dermatologist said it was likely a reaction to the glues used in the seams, prescribed a steroid cream. Worked well.

Have had a hint of the rash in the years since with my own wetsuits. Noticed when I get it with a new one, it disappears with use and time. I think it is a reaction to the solvents in the glues that slowly evaporate.

 

[CamG]

Greetings anikawi522 and welcome to SB! Sorry to hear of your rash I to suffered a rash during my OW training. I think it was a new wet suit and there is something about new neoprene and my skin that does not jive.
No worries though I will tell you what I was told but I can not explain it.
I was advised to pee in my suit! That is right I know it sounds crazy but guess what it worked. Not something you want to share with everyone but if it helps, which I hope it does. It is possible the urines chemical make up helps to prevent rashes?
I am sure others with a medical back ground can shed some light on this.
I was willing to try anything, my rash was behind my legs and very painful when kicking. It is up to you.
I was also advised to rinse my wet suit in baby shampoo, sink the stink, and other gentile cleaners. Believe me you need to rinse it well!
Good luck and I hope your rash goes away!
CamG Keep diving....keep training....keep learning!

 

[muzicgirl]

Actually that's funny because i was going to ask exactly the opposite - if you have ever peed in your suit, or been in a pool that doesn't have enough chlorine in it, that can cause a rash as well - bad memories of borrowing a wet suit!!! Sink the Stink is a personal favorite of mine...