Have you ever experienced this scenario? You’re out catching the perfect wave, the sun’s shining, and everything feels just right—until that familiar, irritating itch starts creeping in.

…wetsuit rash.

This is the last thing any surfer wants to deal with, but it’s an all-too-common side effect of our time out in the water. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or jumping on a board for the first time, understanding how to prevent and treat wetsuit rash can make the difference between an awesome surf session and an uncomfortable one.

So, in this blog post, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about wetsuit rash, from its causes to the best prevention techniques, so you can focus on what really matters—enjoying every moment on the waves.

Let’s get started on your journey to irritation-free surfing!

Understanding Wetsuit Rash

Before we get into how to treat wetsuit rash, let’s quickly explore what wetsuit rash actually is and its symptoms:

What Is Wetsuit Rash?

Wetsuit rash, also known as surf rash, is a specific type of skin irritation caused by friction and moisture that gets trapped between your skin and the wetsuit.

It typically occurs due to the repetitive rubbing of the wetsuit material against your skin, which can cause significant discomfort and pain. This is particularly true in snug areas like the neck, armpits, stomach, and inner thigh.

This rash can vary from mild to severe, depending on factors like the fit of the wetsuit and the duration of wear. While it might seem like a minor inconvenience, wetsuit chafing can quickly escalate into a painful condition that requires treatment if not promptly addressed.

Understanding what wetsuit rash is, its symptoms and common causes are crucial steps towards preventing and treating this pesky condition. With that said, let’s take a look at some of the common symptoms associated with wetsuit rash:

Symptoms of Wetsuit Rash

Recognising wetsuit rash symptoms early allows you to take preventive measures to avoid further irritation. Common symptoms include redness, itching, swelling, and blisters. These symptoms often appear in areas where the wetsuit rubs against the skin, ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain.

Common Causes of Wetsuit Rash

The primary cause of wetsuit rash is chafing from friction. This can occur due to an improper fit, where the wetsuit is either too tight or too loose, leading to excessive rubbing.

Other causes include trapped debris like sand and salt, increasing friction and irritation. Similarly, poor cleaning and wetsuit maintenance can also lead to irritation from saltwater and mould development, which can cause skin rash. The latter tends to be more prevalent if you leave your wetsuit in a damp environment. This promotes bacterial or fungal growth, further increasing the likelihood of rash.

Preventing Wetsuit Rashes

As with most things, prevention is always better than cure, and wetsuit rash is no different.

Following a few simple steps can massively reduce the risk of developing this uncomfortable condition – for example:

Let’s take a look at each of these in turn:

Choose the Right Wetsuit

A bad-fitting wetsuit can lead to excessive friction or harsh rubbing against your skin, causing wetsuit chafing. This is especially true if you have wetsuit folds. These are notorious for chafing against your skin, leading to irritation and discomfort.

Therefore, wearing the right size wetsuit minimises the risk of developing a rash. More specifically, the fit should be snug to reduce friction and enhance comfort.

You also want to ensure that you wear a wetsuit designed for surfing. These often feature flatlock seams that minimise irritation against the skin, making them an excellent choice for surfers who spend lots of time in the water.

Use Anti Chafe Cream

Anti-chafe creams work wonders to reduce friction and keep skin lubricated when in the water. For the best results, the cream should be applied generously to vulnerable areas such as the neck, underarms, groin, and behind the knees before you put on your wetsuits.

Pro Tip: Water-based and silicone-based lubricants are preferable as they don’t degrade neoprene, making them ideal for wetsuit use.

Wear Rash Guards and Compression Shorts

Rash guards and compression shorts are essential to help prevent chafing.

Rash guards (also known as rash vests) provide a protective layer that helps avoid skin irritation caused by wetsuits. High-quality rash vests often feature flatlock seams to reduce chafing while in the water. They’re designed to fit snugly and provide UV protection, and many are made from quick-drying materials, ensuring comfort both in and out of the water.

Layering your rash vest with compression shorts provides an extra barrier against friction. These garments draw moisture away from the skin, providing additional protection against irritation.

Keep Your Wetsuit Clean

Lastly, proper wetsuit maintenance is essential to prevent irritation and mould growth. Once you’ve used your wetsuit, it’s important to rinse it thoroughly with fresh water. This removes salt, sand, and other debris.

Then, hang the wetsuit to dry. Ensure it’s thoroughly air-dried before packing it away. This helps to prevent bacterial and fungal growth.

Regularly cleaning and drying your wetsuit will prolong its life and enhance comfort.

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Treating Wetsuit Rash

Despite your best efforts, surf rash can sometimes occur. When it does, it’s essential to know how to treat it effectively to minimise discomfort and speed up the healing process. Below, we’ve provided some advice to help you achieve exactly that:

Immediate Relief for Wetsuit Rash

You can use various topical treatments to get immediate relief.

Moisturisers play a crucial role in skin recovery by hydrating and soothing irritated areas affected by surf rash.

For example, aloe vera gel can soothe the pain and moisturise irritated skin. Similarly, shea butter is a popular moisturiser that can aid in healing and nourishing the skin affected by wetsuit rash.

In addition to moisturisers, you may want to use a healing balm. These balms usually contain ingredients like shea butter, beeswax, and essential oils that provide a protective barrier and promote faster recovery from skin irritations.

Alternatively, using hydrocortisone cream can help reduce inflammation and itching from wetsuit rash.

Long-Term Care for Affected Areas

Remember, while the above tips can be effective for mild cases, it’s always best to seek professional medical advice for severe or persistent wetsuit rash.

If you notice wetsuit rash developing, avoid surfing for a few days. This will help the rash heal. A mild wetsuit rash typically resolves in a few days to a week (provided you keep the affected areas clean and dry and avoid scratching the rash). To help speed up the healing process, consider using one of the aforementioned topical treatments.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Sometimes, wetsuit rash may require medical attention. Consult a healthcare professional if the rash shows signs of infection, such as pus or increased redness. Medical intervention may be necessary if home treatments don’t improve things within 7-10 days.

Severe itching that disrupts daily activities may also require prescription medication for relief due to an allergic reaction.

Extra Tips for Surfers

Below, we’ve listed a couple of extra tips to help surfers prevent wetsuit rash and ensure a comfortable experience on the waves:

  1. Skin toughening techniques
  2. Avoiding prolonged water exposure

Let’s explore these in more detail:

Skin Toughening Techniques

Regular skin toughening practices build resilience, reduce susceptibility to friction, and develop calluses, making the skin less prone to irritation.

One such practice includes gradually increasing exposure to wetsuit use and regularly engaging in water activities like surfing or swimming. These practices will help your skin adapt, making it less sensitive to friction and moisture and reducing the risk of wetsuit rash.

Avoid Longer Periods In Water

Taking breaks during long surf sessions minimises the risk of developing wetsuit rash. So, schedule regular intervals to rest and inspect the skin for irritation while surfing. This proactive approach helps catch early signs of the rash and allows you to address them before they worsen.

Ready To Say Goodbye To Wetsuit Rash?

Wetsuit rash is a common issue for surfers, but it doesn’t have to ruin your fun on the water. By understanding what wetsuit rash is, recognising the symptoms, and knowing the common causes, you can take proactive steps to prevent it.

For example, choosing the right size wetsuit, using anti-chafe creams, wearing rash vests and compression shorts, and keeping your wetsuit clean are all effective ways to avoid this uncomfortable condition.

However, if you still experience wetsuit rash despite these measures, applying moisturisers and healing balms for immediate relief will aid your recovery.

We hope the above advice lets you say goodbye to wetsuit rash and enjoy your surf sessions without discomfort. So gear up, take care of your skin, and confidently hit the waves!