How one treats it will depend on what exactly is causing it
Something in the water (sand/debris particles/algae) is trapped between the wetsuit and your skin. Thereby, constantly rubbing as you propel yourself through the water with your arms and legs
VERSUS
A neoprene allergy/allergy to something the wetsuit is made out of
Chlorine nor salt discriminate and they will both dry hair and skin out- strip them of their natural oils and moisture- regardless of hair color or skin pigment/hair or skin type. That said, naturally finer hair tends to be more susceptible to damage and lighter color hair is more susceptible to the green/green-blue hue that results from the oxidation of copper when it bonds with chlorine while attached to the proteins of the hair.
Semi-permanent hair dye does not use the same type of chemicals (i.e. they aren’t as strong) as permanent hair dye. Thus, if one has colored their hair with semi-permanent hair dye, they will need to wait only 72 hours (3 whole days) before getting in the pool or ocean.
What exactly one wears and/or needs will vary depending on the individual and/or the swimming establishment/program (rules/regulations for). Ultimately, at a minimum and regardless of age, one will need a swimsuit and towel (goggles and a swim cap are nice and helpful if possible, but not entirely, truly necessary).
What we have found regarding how far one can swim in the ocean is that, in general, on average one can safely swim half of the total distance that they can swim (for an out and back swim). That is to say that if one can swim a total of 5 miles, then, they can swim 2.5 miles out into the ocean. (Thus, they will swim 2.5 miles back to shore; totaling their 5-mile max).
The inherent properties of water (buoyancy, viscosity, hydrostatic pressure, and temperature) add to the physical benefits of swimming and hydrotherapy- making either an excellent choice for the management of conditions such as arthritis, muscle/nervous system conditions, general fitness, or for rehab/recovery post-injury/surgery. Both activities are not only beneficial in general for the aforementioned areas/conditions, but are also specifically beneficial for soft tissue injuries such as strains, sprains, and tears- after proper healing and once cleared for such activities, of course.