Every year, at about this time, things start heating up and nothing sounds better than a dip in the refreshing, sparkling, Caribbean Sea.
 Upon getting out of the water you become painfully aware that the season for Sea Bathers Eruption has once again returned. Sea Bathers Eruption, sometimes mistakenly called Sea Lice (Sea lice are actually small parasites that affect fish), is caused by the larval form of the thimble jellyfish...

Each larva is equipped with a number of stinging cells that can be triggered by pressure on the small jelly fish, evaporation, or rinsing off with freshwater. This causes the stinging cells to discharge, releasing toxin into the skin. The rash typically develops under your bathing suit, which traps the jellyfish larvae against the skin. You can still be stung days or weeks later, even after washing and drying the infested clothing. The stinging cells are not actually alive, and can persist until a particular reaction stimulates them to fire the stinger that contains the toxin.

If you have been exposed to the jellyfish larvae, the most effective preventive measure is to take off your bathing suit as soon as possible and rinse the body in seawater that doesn't have the jelly fish. Pat-dry with a towel and change your clothes. Do not rub the affected areas with towels, or hands, as that could cause additional stinging. Note that an immediate rinse with fresh water, vinegar, or other solutions, may actually cause additional stinging from larvae clinging to your skin or clothes.

Once exposed to Sea Bathers Eruption, the symptoms are: skin irritation, redness and welts, which usually appear several hours after exposure. Pain and irritation can last two days to two weeks, sometimes accompanied by fever and nausea. Once the rash occurs, an application of diluted vinegar or rubbing alcohol may neutralize any toxins that are left on the skin. An ice pack may also help to relieve any pain. Applying a hydrocortisone cream to the rash 2-3 times a day for a period of 1-2 weeks will help relieve the itch, as will topical calamine lotion. Since the stinging cells may remain in the bathing suit even after it dries, the clothing should be thoroughly rinsed in alcohol or vinegar, and then either machine washed or washed by hand with soap and water.

There are not any sure fire methods of prevention, shy of not getting in the ocean when they are present. Ask a local diver, they will often know if the jellyfish are present or not. There are some creams that claim to assist, though they often are not strong enough to provide a barrier from the stinger, and they are not good for the sea environment Wearing a smaller suit gives less area where they might be trapped. Another option is to wear no suit at all, as the jellyfish won’t have anywhere to get trapped, though this method may not be recommended on public beaches.

Comments (0)

Show/Hide comment form

Name

Email

Comment

Write the displayed characters

Add Comment