How to Prevent Wet Suit Rash

"I still get wetsuit rashes at contests because I paddle so much. Sometimes it's unavoidable." -Timmy Reyes, O'Neill Surf Team Rider

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Vaseline
• Surfing Rash Guard
• Surfing Trunks
• Surfing Wet Suits

1. Buy a wetsuit with smooth material around the neck.

2. Make sure your suit has taped seams in the armpit area.

3. Wear a rash guard under your wetsuit.

4. Rub Vaseline under irritated areas.

5. Consider surfing bareback and avoiding wetsuits altogether.

Tips & Warnings

• "I have one word for you: Vaseline." -Timmy Reyes
• If you have an older wetsuit that gives you rashes, it's time to step up and buy a new one. Improvements in wetsuit design and materials have made most wetsuit rashes a thing of the past.
• Some wetsuits will give you a rash no matter what you do.

Who Can Help Sponsored

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on 11/22/2005 Body Glide. You can get it at most surf shops, or shops that carry triathlon gear. There are some other brands, basically a non-petroleum lubricant that comes in a stick like form similar to underarm deodorant. It works great and won't break down that nice new wetsuit you just dropped a couple hundred bucks on.

on 11/22/2005 Vaseline is petroleum-based. A doctor I spoke with said that it may break down neoprene rubber. I don't know if using it as a barrier for a neoprene allergy is wise.