Seabather's eruption

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eMedicineSubj = derm
eMedicineTopic = 390
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Seabather's eruption is a pruritic dermatitiscite journal |author=Freudenthal AR, Joseph PR |title=Seabather's eruption |journal=N. Engl. J. Med. |volume=329 |issue=8 |pages=542–4 |year=1993 |month=August |pmid=8336754 |doi= |url=http://content.nejm.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=short&pmid=8336754&promo=ONFLNS19] to the larval stage of cnidarians,cite journal |author=MacSween RM, Williams HC |title=Seabather's eruption--a case of Caribbean itch |journal=BMJ |volume=312 |issue=7036 |pages=957–8 |year=1996 |month=April |pmid=8616313 |pmc=2350763 |doi= |url=http://bmj.com/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=8616313] , such as the thimble jellyfish and sea anemone.

It should not be confused with Swimmer's itch (also known as sea lice.)cite web |url=http://dermnetnz.org/arthropods/swimmers-itch.html |title=Swimmer's itch. DermNet NZ |format= |work= |accessdate=] However, the term "sea lice" is also sometimes used to describe Seabather's eruption.cite web |url=http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh///html/beach/beach_risks3.shtml |title=Sea Lice/Sea-Bathers Eruption : Beach Quality and Safety : NYC DOHMH |format= |work= |accessdate=] cite journal |author=Tomchik RS, Russell MT, Szmant AM, Black NA |title=Clinical perspectives on seabather's eruption, also known as 'sea lice' |journal=JAMA |volume=269 |issue=13 |pages=1669–72 |year=1993 |month=April |pmid=8455301 |doi= |url=]

Locations

This reaction occurs mainly in the tropics and in Florida, due to the proximity of the Gulf Stream to the state. It has been identified in other locations as well.

Bahamas

At certain times of the year this can be a problem in some areas of the Bahamas particularly around New Providence.

Philippines

Seabather's eruption is also an issue in various parts in Anilao and Mindoro in the Philippines. This typically occurs within 30 ft. below surface, just above the coral reefs. Snorkelers are most prone because of their proximity to the surface. Scuba divers encounter less of this, and usually in shore dives. The occurrence of stinging is highly probable whenever plankton is abundant.

Thailand

Occurrences in Thailand indicate that the eruption isn't an isolated issue for Florida. As recently as October 2007, individual reports indicate that sea lice are present in the Gulf of Siam along the western coast area near Hua Hin.

Brazil

Cases were first identified in Brazil in 2001.cite journal |author=Haddad V, Cardoso JL, Silveira FL |title=Seabather's eruption: report of five cases in southeast region of Brazil |journal=Rev. Inst. Med. Trop. Sao Paulo |volume=43 |issue=3 |pages=171–2 |year=2001 |pmid=11452328 |doi= |url=http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0036-46652001000300011&lng=en&nrm=iso&tlng=en]

Presentation

The reaction is identified by severe itching around small red papules 1mm to 1.5cm in size usually found around areas where swimsuits were in contact with the skin or hair, but not necessarily.

Treatment

Treatment is symptomatic.cite journal |author=Ubillos SS, Vuong D, Sinnott JT, Sakalosky PE |title=Seabather's eruption |journal=South. Med. J. |volume=88 |issue=11 |pages=1163–5 |year=1995 |month=November |pmid=7481994 |doi= |url=http://meta.wkhealth.com/pt/pt-core/template-journal/lwwgateway/media/landingpage.htm?issn=0038-4348&volume=88&issue=11&spage=1163]

Treatment does not require a doctor's attention unless the case is severe, with most affected using a topical anti-itch cream (diphenhydramine) and a cortisone solution (hydrocortisone).Fact|date=June 2008 Do not scratch the area, and avoid any clothing that may irritate the affected area; scratching will result in localized swelling and intense itching. Fact|date=June 2008

It is best to remove clothing before rinsing in cold water or drying off. Inactivated larvae may react to fresh water or lack of water, thus activating. The contaminated swimsuit should be machine washed, and dried in warm air. Fact|date=June 2008

It should be noted that animals can be affected as well, and that a cortisone solution for humans can be used on dogs.Fact|date=June 2008

ymptoms

Symptoms generally arise later after one takes a shower. It is unusual to notice the eruptions immediately. Symptoms can last from a few days up to 2 weeks the shorter time being the norm.

References

External links

* [http://www.fau.edu/safe/sea-lice.html FAU Sea Lice Page]
* [http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/medical/articles/article.asp?articleid=55] The latest information on sea bather's eruption By G. Yancey Mebane, M.D.
*DermNet|arthropods/sea-bathers