How to Prevent & Manage Wetsuit Chafing
For many water sports enthusiasts, nothing ruins a session faster than wetsuit chafing. Whether you’re surfing, diving, or swimming, the combination of wetsuit material, saltwater, moisture, and friction can lead to skin irritation, wetsuit rash, and painful discomfort. Fortunately, with the right preventive measures, you can prevent chafing, reduce the risk of further irritation, and keep your focus on enjoying the water.
Common Causes of Wetsuit Chafing
Chafing occurs when a wetsuit rubs against the skin repeatedly, creating excessive friction. This can be made worse by:
- Improper fit – A wetsuit that is too tight or has loose material can cause rubbing in areas prone to chafing, such as the neck, underarms, and thighs.
- Seams & folds – Thick or poorly positioned seams and wetsuit folds increase friction. Even with flatlock seams, sensitive areas can still be affected.
- Long periods in water – Spending hours in a damp environment allows friction, sweat, and saltwater to irritate the skin.
- Neoprene – While it provides warmth and protection, the wetsuit material itself can aggravate sensitive skin.
Knowing the common causes helps you take necessary precautions to avoid discomfort.
How to Prevent Wetsuit Chafing
The good news is that a few simple adjustments and preventative measures can stop wetsuit rash before it starts.
1. Choose the Right Fit
A well-fitting wetsuit should feel like a second skin snug but not restrictive. Loose suits move around and increase rubbing, while overly tight ones cause increased redness and irritation. Always try on your wetsuit before buying, checking for optimal comfort in areas prone to chafing.
2. Use Anti-Chafe Products
Products like body glide, anti-chafe creams, or silicone based lubricants help reduce friction. Apply to affected areas such as the neck, thighs, and underarms before wearing your wetsuit. Natural alternatives like shea butter or aloe vera gel can also enhance comfort for those with sensitive skin.
3. Wear Rash Guards & Extra Layers
Wearing rash guards, compression shorts, or even a sports bra underneath your wetsuit creates an extra layer of protection. These act as a barrier, helping to reduce chafing and stop chafing in high-risk areas.
4. Rinse with Fresh Water
After each session, rinse your wetsuit and your skin with fresh water. This removes salt and bacteria that thrive in a damp environment, reducing the chance of fungal growth or bacterial infections that can make wetsuit rash worse.
5. Check the Seams & Material
Look for wetsuits with flatlock seams to minimise excessive friction. Quality gear with smooth neoprene or lined with synthetic fabrics can make a significant difference in comfort.
How to Treat Wetsuit Chafing
Even with the best preventive measures, mild cases of wetsuit rash can still happen. Recognising the early signs and knowing how to treat chafing is key.
Immediate Relief
- Clean the affected areas with fresh water to remove salt and dirt.
- Apply soothing creams like aloe vera gel to reduce inflammation and speed up the healing process.
- Avoid scratching – this increases the risk of infection and further irritation.
Ongoing Care
- Keep the area dry to prevent fungal growth.
- Use breathable fabrics between sessions to allow healing.
- Apply natural moisturisers such as shea butter to restore the skin barrier.
When to Seek Medical Attention
In some cases, wetsuit rash can worsen. If you notice swelling, increased redness, or signs of allergic reaction, it may require medical attention. Always consult a healthcare professional if you’re unsure about the severity.
Final Thoughts
Wetsuit chafing is a common but avoidable issue for surfers, swimmers, and divers. By choosing the right wetsuit material, applying preventative measures, and knowing how to treat chafing, you can avoid discomfort and focus on the fun. A few simple steps from using anti-chafe creams to rinsing with fresh water can keep you rash-free and enjoy your time in the ocean.
At Sharkskin, we design rash guards and performance swim gear to help you prevent chafing, protect against skin irritation, and enjoy long sessions in the water with maximum comfort. Explore our innovative range to find the perfect extra layer of protection for your next adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes wetsuit chafing?
Chafing is usually caused by a combination of poor fit, thick or poorly positioned seams, prolonged time in wet gear, and friction against the skin. Areas like the neck, underarms, and thighs are especially prone to irritation.
How can I stop my wetsuit from chafing?
Choosing a snug, well-fitting suit, applying an anti-chafe product to high-friction areas, and wearing a rash guard or extra layer underneath are all effective ways to reduce rubbing and prevent chafing.
Are anti-chafe creams safe to use in the water?
Yes. Products like body glide, silicone-based lubricants, and natural alternatives such as shea butter or aloe vera gel are commonly used before water sessions to reduce friction without affecting suit performance.
Should I rinse my gear after every session?
Yes. Rinsing both your skin and your gear with fresh water after each session removes salt and bacteria, which lowers the risk of fungal growth or bacterial infection that can worsen skin irritation.
How do I treat chafing if it's already happened?
Clean the affected area with fresh water, apply a soothing cream like aloe vera gel, and avoid scratching. Keeping the area dry and using breathable fabrics between sessions supports healing.
When should I see a doctor about wetsuit rash?
If you notice swelling, increased redness, or signs of an allergic reaction, it's best to consult a healthcare professional rather than continuing to self-treat.
Can seams make chafing worse?
Yes. Thick or poorly positioned seams increase friction against the skin. Flatlock seams are designed to minimise this and are worth looking for when choosing gear for long sessions in the water.
