Wetsuit Rash? second hand suit

[[surfthosewaves]]

Since I bought a new (second hand) wetsuit I have been getting pretty bad rashes. I bought it on gumtree , and obviously tried it on. Before that I also went to a couple surf stores to try on the different sizes and the one that fit the best (and the one that they all recomended) was a size MS. I found a size of that on gumtree and went and bought it. It did and still does fit fine, its tight but flexible. It felt fine the first couple times, but now Im getting really bad ones under my legs (like behind my knees) and under my armpits. Its sort of like a carpet burn but everytime I go out again, which depending on the waves is usually everyday, the rash gets worse and its really uncomfortable and sore in and out the water. I think its a standard wetsuit with the normal material, any ideas why I may be getting this, and how to help it? I also am getting a similar thing from my surfboard leash on my ankle, but again im pretty sure its not the material because its a really good one, its Island Style and its got padding and everything. Any ideas are deeeepply appreciated. Shot oaakkss.

[tony g]

Hello surfthosewaves,
A rash guard works great at reducing or preventing the rash under your arms from paddling. You can get them in short or long sleeve models at most surf shops. I have used them and can say that they help a lot for the rash caused from paddling. I am not sure about the rash behind our knees. Be careful with some ointments and creams as you do not want them to break down the neoprene. Maybe you could look into Lycra pants, or a full Lycra body suit. I think if you are getting a rash behind your knee, maybe you have a little to much length in the legs of your wetsuit. Check it out next time you have it on and see if it is a little long.

[[surfthosewaves]]

Thanks for the tip about the rashguard, will definately try that out. If anything, the wetsuit is short. It sort of rests above my ankles, so i dont think length is the problem.

[Wetstuff]

I used to make this stuff .. like Tony said; get some Lycra or Polypro pants (tights). Dance tights (order by post if your manhood is vulnerable) work perfectly well. ..best if they have foot straps.

If you don't wear booties, then simply pull the foot strap to the back after you get the wetsuit on. You will also find your wetsuit goes on/off like is was coated on the inside with silicone. ..even lycra socks will give that effect. Shops used to keep socks around when people were trying on different suits.

Jim