Horrible Acne after swimming in ocean

I have visited the Bahamas multiple times now and everytime I go down there, my upper back and shoulders break out in absolutely horrible acne. Mostly it contains whiteheads and then a constant redness starting from the lower shoulder blades up to my neck line. It seems to happen a few days after I go swimming in the ocean but it is at least partially possible it could be due to the over sweating from the warm climate. I do however work out and sweat a lot in the states (with mild acne on the back area but mostly just redness without many whiteheads) and thus feel the only difference is the swimming in the ocean. It also seems to take about 4-5 days before my back gets really red and produces about 150~ whiteheads. I cant even begin to pop them all and they seem to go away around 2 days after I leave the Bahamas. They make my back pretty sore and generally makes the trips very uncomfortable. Does anyone have any idea what might be causing this and/or what can be done to prevent this (aside from not going into the ocean)?

[ykwak]

Does this same episode occur while open-water swimming in the pacific or atlantic ocean?

My concern would be:

1) temporary weakness in the immune system - especially if you are consuming larger amounts of alcohol, and suffering jet lag. - leading to temporary opportunistic infection by dermal flora

2) infection by microbes in the water

3) sun burn, leading to immunocompromised state and opportunistic infection of the dermis

[pnemosiene]

It is probable that a mix between the warm humidity and and exposure to sunlight uv rays are extracting the acne already present in your skin. A white head indicates the bacteria is being pulled out of the skin. It generally takes about 14 days for acne bacteria to be expelled by the skin, so at the point when the acne is presently visible it has been there previously in most cases. However increases in humidity , sweating and sunlight can expidite this process and pull out your acne at an increased rate. The reason it hurts is because there are so many of them in one area. I suggest when you plan to go you use a body wash with small particle scrub. The scrub also increases the rate acne bacteria is pulled from the skin. Also try wearing loose clothes instead of tight, especially at night, like a loose flowing night gown instead of tanks and halters, the sweat sits in them and adds to the bacterial spread of acne.

[Trasto]

Hi all,

I have a  similar problem but on my face, not on my shoulder. Everytime I go to the sea (regardless it is Atlantic or Mediterranean) a terrible acne appears in my face with hundreds of whiteheads. It takes approximately 2 days to appear and 2 days to completely disappear if I give up swimming. Never experienced the same problem in the swimming pool nor in the beach if I don't swim. I have tried with and without protection, but no difference. I'm 35 years old male.

Thanks for your help.

[Mountain_Gurl]

I have this same problem. Never used to happen when I was a kid - after not being in the ocean for 10 years I went to Hawaii and had a horrible break out all over my face, shoulders, back but it wasnt a regular breakout. I know what my zits look like after 32 years. This was a reaction. No doubt. Hundreds of whiteheads, really sore sensitive skin, swollen, very red. At the time this came out I had an itchy rash come and go on random parts of my body. Especially my torso or under my arms...the places that were most touched by clothing or warmest.

I didn't think much of it until I went to St. Lucia, Mexico, and Antigua all with the same reaction. This happens every single time I swim in the ocean and I have no idea why. Its so frustrating - the ocean is my favorite place to be! Antihistamine seems to defuel the whiteheads for awhile and it brings great comfort to the additional rashes. Mine lasts for about 4 days after I stop going into the ocean.

I started taking Omega Zen 3 supplement a few weeks ago. A vegan Omega 3- the same reaction started happening this week. The only two things that make me break out in this way with this sore, itchy skin.

Any help is GREATLY APPRECIATED!!! Thanks.