MEDICAL FAQs

QUESTION

ANSWER

I think the only thing this could be is perhaps a reaction to the silicone in your mask. When it happens again see if the distribution of the rash is in the same place as the mask lining and the nose piece. If it is then either find a barrier cream you can rub on the inside of the mask, like Vaseline or try a non silicone mask lining. Sadly hypoallergenic masks have yet to be invented.
If the above doesn't work then maybe other causes are at work. Stress is a great inducer of acne like rashes. If you find diving stressful, and we all have at times then think long and hard about what brings it on. Bad buddys Diving beyond your limits Or, the fact that you are being cajoled into it against your better judgement. And treat the cause.

QUESTION

ANSWER

This is obviously a suit rash if you are getting it all over the body. There are weird algae blooms and other nasties that lurk in the deep that can cause similar problems, but neoprene rashes are by far the commonest.

You have 2 options here. Either you get a lycra undersuit, as its less likely to cause problems. Or you go the other way and get a drysuit. Under this you can wear whatever you want, even your normal clothes that you know wont cause a rash and itching. It may be a lot of kit to wear in hot countries but you'll get used to it. Just don't dehydrate, as you stand in 40 degree heat waiting to get in the water, as some muppet takes an hour to put on their own kit.

QUESTION

ANSWER

That’s a pretty swift and severe reaction to a not inexpensive dive comp, how unlucky. I guess you could always go for the nice cheap titanium strap instead! The best solution to latex/rubber allergy is obvious – don’t put these products next to your skin. Most wetsuits are made of neoprene and allergy to some of the compounds used in its manufacture is becoming more common (a lot of neoprene wetsuits do contain small amounts of latex). You can wear a non-allergenic layer under a neoprene wetsuit, eg. a fleece or Lycra lining. Some people I know smother themselves in Vaseline to protect their skin but I’m not sure how effective this is in the long run and it gets pretty messy. If the symptoms are that severe (blistering etc.) it might be worth seeing if your GP can refer you to an allergy specialist for patch testing, to find out exactly what you are allergic to. There are several chemicals used in making neoprene and if you can find out which one you react to, and avoid it, you may be able to find a neoprene wetsuit that you can wear.

QUESTION

ANSWER

I have a feeling she was right, actually. The rash you’re describing sounds very unlike the classic mottled appearance of a skin bend, and I’ve never heard of one lasting 4 months. In the absence of any other symptoms, I think DCI is unlikely; this sounds to me like something called cold urticaria. It is indeed a form of allergy, triggered by exposure to cold, where hives, wheals or bumps form on the skin. They can be incredibly itchy, and last for anywhere from minutes to months. Strangely it can be inherited (when it’s present from birth), or it can develop later in life, most commonly in the early 20’s. The diagnosis is usually made by the aptly named “cold test” – an ice cube held against the arm will produce characteristic hives after a few minutes. The treatment is pure rocket science – stay warm. The quicker the skin is warmed, the sooner the reaction will disappear. Antihistamines will sometimes help the itch and possibly reduce the number of hives. Although it sounds trivial, cold urticaria can sometimes result in serious anaphylactic shock, which can be fatal, so more severe sufferers should carry an adrenaline injection around with them. In your case, if the bumps are still present, I would strongly advise you see an allergy specialist to get a concrete diagnosis. Probably best to avoid cold water diving until then too.

QUESTION

ANSWER

Stop diving. No, don’t panic, there are several potential remedies to trial before you take this most drastic course of action. Neoprene allergy is not that uncommon, but the typical products that seem to provoke skin reactions are the accelerators used to cure and harden the natural rubber in neoprene manufacture. Discovering which one would be tantamount to finding the proverbial needle in a haystack, so rather than embarking on fruitless and arduous skin testing procedures, I’d advise you to try some alternatives. A mild allergy can sometimes be controlled by antihistamines and chemical barriers such as Vaseline, but these don’t tend to last for long. Exposure suits made of Polartec Aquashell or Lycra are a better option; they can be worn in between your skin and the neoprene, which would provide a layer of insulation as well as removing the causative agent from skin contact.