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Eyeback · 18-10-2013, 18:55

I did a search for this in the archives and couldn't find any information about it. If you can't have a proper shower every day on board, what is the best way of looking after your skin to avoid salt boils, dry scalp/skin, dermatitis? Not really focusing on Melanoma here, just keeping skin clean and salt free. How do you do it and how do you treat any resulting affected skin?
Do you
1. Wait until you can have plenty of fresh water for a proper wash?
2. Use cremes/medications?
3. Wash your hair with salt water and Joy?
4. Wash once a day with salt water and then rinse off afterwards using a fresh water spray bottle.
5. Skip the salt water wash and just use a spray bottle.
6. Heat a gallon of fresh water in a container for a 30 second shower.
7. Wash your clothes without salt water?
8. What soap do you use?
Thanks in advance
Peter

onestepcsy37 · 18-10-2013, 20:07

6 and then 2.

stock up on hair shampoo and hair conditioner. cheap brands are ok.

'navy' shower using shampoo instead of soap, then dry off and rub conditioner lightly over your body.

**skipmac** · 18-10-2013, 20:22

More or less 4.

I have heard of several salt water soap options but we always used Lemon Joy. A really good salt water shampoo and shower then rinse with about a pint of fresh water pouring it on your head a bit at a time. Works great for me and I felt totally clean and not salty at all.

When water was tight have gotten by on a cup of fresh so a pint was plenty and a quart luxury. A gallon felt like a huge waste.

senormechanico · 18-10-2013, 20:50

Solar panels
Watermaker powered by above
Shower with soap, rinse and repeat daily.

Done.

**roverhi** · 19-10-2013, 11:06

For warm water sailing, we took freshwater showers when it rained. Used fresh water in a bowl to shave. Spent so much time in the water snorkeling and free diving seldom had to worry about using soap. When we did wash up in the cockpit, would use Joy detergent and saltwater in a bucket with a final rinse with a pot of freshwater. Never used the shower in the head and would be at the bottom of the list things to have on board for a sail to the tropics.

Only problem I had was a recurring staph infection on my knee. Tried anti-biotics but they only gave temporary relief. A cruising doctor told me to wash the area in a weak bleach solution and it went away in a day or two never to return.

WebWench · 19-10-2013, 11:45

I like pure Castile soap. With organic oils....good for shampoo and body wash...
If on restricted water usage I can use a wash cloth and about a gallon of warm water to bathe.

Craig Cape Town · 19-10-2013, 12:29

Unless you're planning on floating about on the big blue wet thing for weeks on end, you should be able to carry enough H2O in a few Jerry cans for your daily splash.
On past deliveries I've never been out for more than about 2 weeks between stops. ( and refilling opportunities ) I don't like to be a smelly boy, so I usually have a daily salt water wash and a fresh water rinse from a 2L bottle. ( punch a few holes in the cap ) Small solar shower bags are also great for rationing when there is little water and many bodies on board.
If you're quick, you can get your rinse from a passing squall. I only need a little water to rinse as the bristles on my pip are short. I think it is more of a problem for ladies with long locks. Carry extra bottled water, for drinking, just in case.

barnakiel · 19-10-2013, 14:43

I never kept it clean not salt free and I suffered none of what you describe. Tropics only.

If there is enough water and wx permits, shower. If not enough water, wet a sponge and clean yourself.

Remember to remove the curd before stepping ashore. And do not anchor windwards of my boat.

Seriously though, too little hygiene is bad for your smell, too much is bad for your skin.

b.

goboatingnow · 19-10-2013, 19:06

You shower every day ? , was I was small bath days were Saturdays !

Dave

goboatingnow · 19-10-2013, 19:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eyeback

I did a search for this in the archives and couldn't find any information about it. If you can't have a proper shower every day on board, what is the best way of looking after your skin to avoid salt boils, dry scalp/skin, dermatitis? Not really focusing on Melanoma here, just keeping skin clean and salt free. How do you do it and how do you treat any resulting affected skin?
Do you
1. Wait until you can have plenty of fresh water for a proper wash?
2. Use cremes/medications?
3. Wash your hair with salt water and Joy?
4. Wash once a day with salt water and then rinse off afterwards using a fresh water spray bottle.
5. Skip the salt water wash and just use a spray bottle.
6. Heat a gallon of fresh water in a container for a 30 second shower.
7. Wash your clothes without salt water?
8. What soap do you use?
Thanks in advance
Peter

Unless you specifically suffer from some of the aforementioned skin issues , lack of freshwater showers will not cause any f those things. I crossed oceans , using a fresh water wipe down using a litre of fresh water every two days ( or three or four) or so. You are not generally constantly immersed in salt water , the boat ,especially in the tropics stays fairly dry.

I'd avoid creams or medications unless you need them. A simple quick sponge down is enough. If you want to wash your body ( not your hair ) in salt water , and do a simple rinse in fresh.

This modern affectation with showering is very dubious , when I was young bath days were on a Saturday !

Dave

rw58ph · 19-10-2013, 19:28

Why every day. We shower once twice a week, and then its quick. A generation ago it was once a week, and if it was cold a sponge bath. I think the new generation is to clean and dirt free.

Teknav · 19-10-2013, 20:15

After showering/cleaning with fresh water, apply a thin coat of "suntan lotion - SPF 15+" that contains PABA (para-amino benzoic acid) and/or Zinc Oxide. A perfect moisturizer for your skin with sun protection, as well.

Mauritz

**skipmac** · 20-10-2013, 10:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by goboatingnow

You shower every day ? , was I was small bath days were Saturdays !

Dave

That's right. I take a bath every Saturday, even if I don't need it.

feelsgood · 02-11-2013, 12:47

When I used to sail solo on a small yacht I had a solar shower and a water maker (manual) I used to use baby wipes to wash with each day (3 were enough) then once a week I had a full shower with the solar shower. I use shower gells that have no rubbish in them.Washing the cloths is the challenge as the amount of water you have to use is quite a lot. I had one of those manual washing barrels which used 1 lt of hot water and worked really well. I have never heard of coating oyur body with conditioner but can understand how it would work.