Acne caused by wetsuit?

[mofongo_max]

I'm a new diver. I've been diving on the weekends lately and I've noticed that on Monday mornings my forehead and the temples have broken out pretty badly. Local diving dictates I wear a hood, which is where the acne is showing up (the areas of my face the hood covers).

Has anyone else experienced getting acne immediately following diving (specifically from wearing a hood)?

Do you have any tips to combat? (Wearing some kind of non-neoprene bandana/skull cap under the hood?)

[DocVikingo]

Hi Max,

Are you certain the condition is acne and not something else? Can you describe the lesions in detail? Is it possible for you to attach a photo?

Do you have a history of acne or other dermatological disorder involving the face? Of any other area of the body?

Is the hood a new one?

If it is an older hood, have you santized it recently?

Regards,

DocVikingo

[mofongo_max]

Hi Doc,

Thanks for responding.

I'm fairly certain it's acne. Several of the lesions have turned to whiteheads.

I had regularly occuring acne on my face as a teen/early twenties, but my skin has been clear for several years now (I'm currently 28). I've not gotten acne on other parts of my body since I began diving.

The hood is brand new. I've worn it less than time times.

I wore rental hoods prior to owning my own and I didn't experience the kind of irritation I'm currently experiencing with my hood. I don't know if it's the regularity of wearing the suit (almost weekly basis) that's causing the irritation to increase or if there was something different between the two hoods. Unfortunately, it wouldn't be easy for me to swap out hoods, since my current one is attached to my suit.

[DocVikingo]

Hi Max,

Since the hood is brand new, one possibility is that the acne-like eruptions are a reaction to certain chemicals used in the manufacture of neoprene (e.g., curers, hardeners) or adhesives used in the assembly of the hood. Another possibility with a new hood is chafing of the skin. These should slowly dissipate with time and use.

Since the local diving dictates the wearing of a hood, I'm going to assume the SCUBA isn't in tropical conditions. However, be aware that diving in heat and humidity, or perspiring profusely under a hood, can result in a folliculitis with pimple-like lesions.

The affected diver could experiment with:

1. Checking the inner surface of the hood to make sure it is smooth and without irregularities, and not excessively constricting.

2. Donning the hood only just before entering the water and removing it as soon as the dive is over.

3. Regularly washing the affected areas with antibacterial soap/antiseptic cleanser during dive outings.

4. Wearing a rash-guard hood instead of or underneath the present hood.

Helpful?

Regards,

DocVikingo

This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual, and should not be construed as such.

[mofongo_max]

Thanks Doc.

Local diving is in Northern California (far from tropical). I've noticed that as soon as I don my hood, my head begins to perspire until I get into the water. So in addition to trying some of your suggestions, once I hit the water I'll also try lifting the hood a bit, allowing water to come in contact with my forehead to wash away the perspiration.