You enjoy swimming in the ocean, with its invigorating temperature and salt air smell. A few hours after your dip, you notice an intense itching accompanied by little blisters and raised skin. Your symptoms are most prevalent in areas covered by your bathing suit. You may also experience nausea, chills, fever or headache. Dr. G. Yancey Mebane of Divers Alert Network notes that you may be affected by sea bather's eruption.
Source
You've likely become acquainted with the larval phase of the thimble jellyfish. According to the New Zealand Dermatological Society Incorporated, these tiny creatures possess nematocysts, or stinging cells.
When you leave the water, larvae can become trapped in your bathing suit, leading the stinging cells to inject toxins into your skin. When you keep your suit on, or rub with a towel, the problem worsens. This affliction is called sea bather's eruption.
Treatment
The Pediatric Health Care Alliance states that sea bather's eruption is commonly treated with an oral antihistamine to minimize itching. You can also bathe in a colloidal oatmeal bath, and apply hydrocortisone cream to affected areas. If these medications don't help, consult your doctor for possible prescription drug recommendations.
Warning
The American Academy of Family Physicians notes that marine bites and stings can cause a variety of symptoms. If you are prone to allergic reactions from bites or stings, watch carefully for any unusually severe symptoms from your sea bather's eruption incident. Obtain professional medical help immediately, as time may be of the essence.
Prevention/Solution
Besides staying out of the ocean, you can wear a full-length wet suit to help prevent sea bather's eruption. Dr. Paul Auerbach, physician and avid diver, recommends you find a suit with wrist and neck cuffs. If possible, apply a jellyfish anti-sting product under your cuffs.
If you feel a tingling sensation, it's best to get out of the water immediately. Thimble jellyfish have been reported throughout the world, but are most prominent in the warm waters of the Atlantic and Caribbean in the summer months.
Always shower immediately after leaving the ocean and change from your west bathing suit as soon as possible.
Misconceptions
Seabather's eruption is sometimes called sea lice, but that term is not accurate. The SafeSea Company notes that sea lice are really marine parasites that feed on marine fish hosts. As a result, sea lice have no interest in humans.
References
- Dr. G. Yancey Mebane: Divers Alert Network: Debunking the Sea Lice Myth: Sea Bather's Eruption Symptoms
- New Zealand Dermatological Society Incorporated: Sea Bather's Eruption: What Is It?
- Pediatric Health Care Alliance: Sea Bather's Eruption Treatment
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Health Issues for Surfers: Sea Bather's Eruption
- Dr. Paul Auerbach: HealthLine: Prevention of Sea Bather's Eruption
Member Comments