Skinny Dipping

Tony Guadagnino is a marketing consultant. Located in New Jersey, his clients are based across the country, focusing on social media to build their presence on the internet. He studied creative writing in college and is currently working on his first novel on bullying. He lives with his partner Mark. This month Tony talks about the age-old practice of skinny dipping

SKINNY DIPPING!

Does that get your attention? You know it does.

I’d like to ask a controversial question: do you swim naked?

Now, I understand there is some hesitation to this question, and it can be more difficult to fulfill the fantasy of swimming without a proper suit. After all, most public pools are not clothes-free. You need to find a private backyard pool, a clothing-optional beach, a secluded swimming hole, a nude beach (or at least a clothing optional one), or an all-natural campground to expose your fanny to the sun. Yet if you’re determined, you’ll succeed.

And as honest adults, I am sure that every person in this world, at some time or another, has stripped to their birthday suit to swim at some point in their lives. If the curiosity didn’t get you to experiment, then it was excitement, or the “dare,” of being caught that did. And some people are just nudists who prefer to wear nothing. It’s ok if you are (don’t let the conservatives let you label you as “weird” or “perverted”).

But are there benefits to disrobing to take the plunge? I did some research on this topic, and yes, there are benefits. I don’t think I need to discuss the sexual aspect of it; like sleeping naked, some endorphins are ignited when the body is exposed and stimulated by other outside objects (in this case, it’s water).

But how about that soaking wet bathing suit that you wear for hours? Is it safe to wear it for so long? Believe it or not, the answer is no. It is not safe. Lying out in a wet bathing suit can be potentially harmful, as it provides a perfect situation for fungus to develop.

Fungal infections are the leading problem with wearing a wet bathing suit. Men can potentially develop tinea cruris, better known as jock itch. This fungus occurs when men are wearing tight-fitting clothes and moisture is trapped in the area. It usually occurs around the groin and inner thigh area. Signs of jock itch include dryness, flaking, redness, itchiness, and sometimes, a ring-shaped rash will appear. Treatment is easy with anti-fungal medications that anyone can buy at any drugstore; a prescription is not necessary. However, if it ensues, a visit to the doctor is recommended, to make sure a secondary infection does not show up.

And women are in danger, too, as they can develop candidiasis or a yeast infection. This occurs when the body’s natural yeast and bacteria become unbalanced. Early symptoms include itching, irritation, and abnormal discharge; severe infections can cause swelling and burning while urinating. Similarly to jock itch, over-the-counter medication will cure it, but it’s best to see a healthcare provider first.

Chafing is another problem that can happen. A wet bathing suit will tend to rub up on your body, causing irritation. Chafing may be a minor skin problem, but it can lead to infection, as chafing damages the hair follicles on your body, making them prone to infection.

If you are going to the beach or a pool, and you prefer to cover up, doctors recommend bringing extra towels and a bathing suit, one to wear for swimming and one to wear for sunbathing (use the towel trick to change your clothes).

Or, if you want to drop trousers for your sun excursions, and there are no backyard pools to visit, here’s a link to the Twelve Best Nudist Beaches in the United States: https://www.hotels.com/go/usa/best-nudist-beaches-us to do some skinny dipping!

Have some fun in the sun; be bold; be daring; be naked!