Medical FAQs

Here's a list compiled over the years of commonly asked questions. The list was created by DAN MDs and represent specific, evidence-based recommendations our member should take into consideration.

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I’m a SCUBA and apnea instructor. One of my students suffers from an arthritic disorder called psoriatic arthritis and he is being treated with Metotrexate 15mg. I would like to know whether his case represents a contraindication for recreational diving.
The Psoriatic Arthritis is a musculo-skeletal inflammatory chronical disease and it is itself a contraindication for diving as it makes the body vulnerable to decompression stress.

Moreover, the Metotrexate intake could put your student at a further risk for its side effects which includes lung tocixity  and myelotoxicity. Hence you need to have your student’s fit to dive necessarily verified by a specialist in diving and hyperbaric medicine.

I have an allergy to latex. Is "any" part of the diver's equipment made with latex? I am interested in taking up the sport, but if there is any latex involved, I can't.
The overwhelming majority of diving equipment uses either silicone or neoprene rubber. Latex is most often used in what are known as dry suits. These exposure suits have water-tight seals at the neck and wrists.

 This where you would find the majority of latex, but this is not an entry-level issue. There are pieces of accessory equipment that are made of latex, but there are many alternatives that are made of other materials. You have a great deal of control with latex exposure with your own equipment. However, when you are diving from a resort, especially a dive boat, incidental encounters with latex are certainly possible. The severity of your allergic reactions needs to be considered as the best indicator of whether diving would be an appropriate pursuit. Please feel free to contact our medical division if you have any further questions. Also your local dive shops are a good resource for discussing specific equipment issues.