Seabather's eruption

Seabather's eruption is an itching dermatitis[1] caused by a hypersensitivity reaction to the immature nematocysts of larval-stage thimble jellyfish (Linuche unguiculata), sea anemones (Edwardsiella lineata) and other larval cnidarians.[2] The term "sea lice" or "sea ants" is also sometimes used to describe seabather's eruption, although it is not in fact caused by the sea louse, a parasite that affects only fish.[3][4]

Seabather's eruption
SpecialtyDermatology

It should not be confused with swimmer's itch.[5]

Symptoms and signs

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 two weeks, the shorter time being the norm.

The reaction is identified by severe itching around small red papules 1mm to 1.5 cm in size located on areas of skin that were covered by water-permeable clothing or hair during ocean swimming. Initial swimmer exposure to the free-floating larvae produces no effects, as each organism possesses only a single undeveloped nematocyst which is inactive while suspended in seawater. However, due to their microscopic size and sticky bodies, large concentrations of larvae can become trapped in minute gaps between skin and clothing or hair. Once the swimmer leaves the ocean, the organisms stuck against the skin die and automatically discharge their nematocysts when crushed, dried out, or exposed to freshwater. This is why symptoms usually do not appear until the swimmer dries themselves in the sun or takes a freshwater shower without first removing the affected clothing.

Treatment

Treatment is symptomatic,[6] with most affected using a topical anti-itch cream (diphenhydramine) and a cortisone solution (hydrocortisone).

Incidence

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.

Bermuda

Cases have been found in Bermuda in 2011, 2014, and 2015, with Paradise Lakes proving particularly bad. In 2015 many felt the effects after swimming in Mangrove Bay and Harrington Sound.

Philippines

Seabather's eruption is also an issue in various parts of Anilao and Mindoro in the Philippines. It typically occurs within 30 feet (9.1 m) of the 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

As recently as October 2007, individual reports indicate that cnidarian larvae capable of causing seabather's eruption are present in the Gulf of Siam along the western coast area near Hua Hin. In January 2014, reports of larvae and seabather's eruption occurred around Koh Phi Phi and Ko Yao Noi. An outbreak in Koh Phi Phi occurred in March 2016.

Brazil

Cases were first identified in Brazil in 2001.[7]


Australia


Swimmers in Queensland have reported seabather's eruption during the summer months of the year. [8]

New Zealand

Swimmers at Auckland's east-coast beaches and in the rest of the Hauraki Gulf can suffer seabather's eruption, typically during summer.[9]

United States

Cases of seabather's eruption occur in Hawaii and many of the states along the Gulf of Mexico during the summer months. Cases are common from May to July in Florida, and in certain parts of Hawaii from April to August. South-facing Hawaiian beaches are most impacted by jellyfish eight days after a full moon.[10]

References
  1. Freudenthal AR, Joseph PR (August 1993). "Seabather's eruption". N. Engl. J. Med. 329 (8): 542–4. doi:10.1056/NEJM199308193290805. PMID 8336754.
  2. MacSween RM, Williams HC (April 1996). "Seabather's eruption--a case of Caribbean itch". BMJ. 312 (7036): 957–8. doi:10.1136/bmj.312.7036.957. PMC 2350763. PMID 8616313.
  3. John A. Williamson, Joseph W. Burnett & Peter J. Fenner, Jacqueline F. Rifkin (1996). Venomous and Poisonous Marine Animals: A Medical and Biological Handbook. University of New South Wales Press. p. 308.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  4. Tomchik RS, Russell MT, Szmant AM, Black NA (April 1993). "Clinical perspectives on seabather's eruption, also known as 'sea lice'". JAMA. 269 (13): 1669–72. doi:10.1001/jama.269.13.1669. PMID 8455301.
  5. "Swimmer's itch. DermNet NZ".
  6. Ubillos SS, Vuong D, Sinnott JT, Sakalosky PE (November 1995). "Seabather's eruption". South. Med. J. 88 (11): 1163–5. doi:10.1097/00007611-199511000-00019. PMID 7481994.
  7. Haddad V, Cardoso JL, Silveira FL (2001). "Seabather's eruption: report of five cases in southeast region of Brazil". Rev. Inst. Med. Trop. Sao Paulo. 43 (3): 171–2. doi:10.1590/S0036-46652001000300011. PMID 11452328.
  8. "Sea lice: What are the tiny ocean irritants? - ABC (none) - Australian Broadcasting Corporation". www.abc.net.au. Retrieved 2020-12-27.
  9. "Fact sheet: Jellyfish stings" (PDF). Auckland Regional Public Health Service. Retrieved 6 March 2013.
  10. Hawaii: Jellyfish sting warning
Classification
External resources
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