What Causes the Irritation from Wet Bathing Suit? 4 Potential Causes and Solutions

Aw! The summertime itch. No, not mosquito bites. The irritation might come from wearing a wet bathing suit.

If you’re someone who finds yourself uncomfortably itchy after spending a day in the water, don’t worry, you’re not alone.

In fact, this is a relatively common issue that can have a few different causes, such as infection, chafing, allergy, or sand itch. But not everyone factors equally. the potential causes of irritation from wet bathing suit will be ranked from most to least likely.

Of course, the best way to deal with any irritation is to prevent it from happening in the first place. So, we’ll also provide three practical tips for preventing irritation when wearing a wet bathing suit.

Now stay tuned and learn more about what’s causing that pesky irritation and how you can stop it!


Factor 1: Fungal Infection (Tinea Cruris, Yeast Infection)

“A fungal infection is the most common cause of irritation from a wet bathing suit,” says Dr. Ana Adrien, a dermatologist from New York. “This type of infection can occur when the skin is wet and sweaty for an extended period of time, which is often the case when wearing a wet bathing suit.”

Two fungal infections can occur in the groin area: tinea cruris (jock itch) and candidiasis (yeast infection).

Jock itch is more common in men and usually presents as a red, itchy rash. Yeast infections are more common in women and can cause irritation, itching, and burning.

If you think you might have a fungal infection, it’s best to see a doctor for treatment.

Factor 2: Chafing

Chafing is another common cause of irritation, especially when your bathing suits are wet.

This is because when the fabric gets wet, it can rub against your skin and cause irritation.

“Chafing is more likely to occur in areas where the skin is thinner, such as the groin, inner thighs, and armpits,” says Dr. Adrien. “It can also be worsened by salt water or sand.”

Unsuitable-sized bathing suits can also cause chafing. If your bathing suit is too tight, it can rub against your skin and cause irritation. Conversely, if it’s too loose, it can bunch up and also cause irritation.

Factor 3: Allergy (Less Potential)

You may be allergic to the fabric of your bathing suit. But I mark this as less potential because if you’re allergic to the fabric, you would have irritation all the time, not just when the bathing suit is wet.

Some common fabric allergies include latex, rubber, and spandex. The area around the bathing suit may also be allergic to certain chemicals, such as those found in sunscreen, pool water, or laundry detergent.

If you think your irritation might be caused by an allergy, it’s best to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Factor 4: Sand Itch (Less Potential)

If you’re spending time at the beach, sand might be the culprit. Sand can get trapped in your bathing suit and cause irritation when it rubs against your skin.

This is the least likely cause of irritation from a wet bathing suit because it would only occur if you’re wearing a bathing suit that’s been in contact with sand.

So, there are four possible causes of irritation from a wet bathing suit: fungal infection, chafing, allergy, and sand itch. Now let’s move on to practical prevention tips!


4 Practical Prevention Tips

Here are three practical tips for preventing irritation when wearing a wet bathing suit:

Looking for a Quick-Dry Fabric Bathing Suit

The first step to preventing irritation is to choose a bathing suit made from quick-dry fabric. This type of fabric will help to wick away moisture and prevent the growth of bacteria.

Another benefit of quick-dry fabric is that it will help to prevent chafing. This is because the fabric will dry quickly and won’t have a chance to rub against your skin and cause irritation.

Wash Your Bathing Suit After Each Use

It’s important to wash your bathing suit after each use, even if you don’t think it’s dirty. This will help remove any salt, sand, sunscreen, or chemicals on the fabric and cause irritation.

Make sure to use a mild detergent and wash your bathing suit by hand. Avoid using a washing machine, as this can damage the fabric of your bathing suit.

Avoid Wear Any Underwear with Your Bathing Suit

Normal underwear can trap moisture and bacteria, which can lead to irritation. So, avoiding wearing any underwear with your bathing suit is best.

If you must wear underwear with your bathing suit, make sure it’s made from quick-dry fabric. This will help to wick away moisture and prevent the growth of bacteria.

Take a Shower When Leave the Pool or Beach

When you leave the pool or beach, take a shower. This will help remove any salt, sand, sunscreen, or chemicals on your skin that could cause irritation.

Be sure to use a mild soap and avoid scrubbing your skin too harshly. Scrubbing can irritate your skin and make the irritation worse.


Final Words

There you have it! These are four potential causes of irritation from a wet bathing suit and three practical tips for preventing it. Following these tips can help prevent irritation and enjoy your time at the pool or beach.

Moreover, ensure you go to a doctor’s checkup if irritation persists in ruling out any skin infection.

Have you ever experienced irritation from a wet bathing suit? What tips do you have for preventing it? Let us know by contacting us!