seabather's eruption

Symptoms generally arise later after showering. It is unusual to notice the eruptions immediately. Symptoms can last from a few days up to, exceptionally, two weeks.{{citation needed|date=August 2020}}

The reaction is identified by severe itching around small red papules 1mm to 1.5 cm in size 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, or takes a freshwater shower, without removing the affected clothing.{{citation needed|date=August 2020}}

Treatment is symptomatic,{{cite journal |vauthors=Ubillos SS, Vuong D, Sinnott JT, Sakalosky PE |title=Seabather's eruption |journal=South. Med. J. |volume=88 |issue=11 |pages=1163–5 |date=November 1995 |pmid=7481994 |doi= 10.1097/00007611-199511000-00019}} with most affected using a topical anti-itch cream (diphenhydramine) and a cortisone solution (hydrocortisone).{{Citation needed|date=June 2008}}

Seabather's eruption is common throughout the range of Linuche unguiculata in the Caribbean, Florida, Mexico, and Gulf States.{{cite journal |vauthors=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= 10.1590/S0036-46652001000300011|doi-access=free |hdl=11449/11740 |hdl-access=free }} Cases were first identified in Brazil in 2001. The closely related Linuche aquila, found anywhere between Malaysia, the Philippines and the east coast of Africa, is also known to cause the condition.[https://www.mdpi.com/1424-2818/13/9/420/pdf?version=1630407475 Diversity] MDPI

Swimmers in Queensland, Australia, have reported seabather's eruption during the summer months of the year.{{Cite web|title=Sea lice: What are the tiny ocean irritants?|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|url=https://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2015/02/03/4173206.htm?site=goldcoast|access-date=2020-12-27|website=www.abc.net.au}} Swimmers at the east-coast beaches of Auckland and the rest of the Hauraki Gulf in New Zealand can develop seabather's eruption, typically during summer.{{cite web|title=Fact sheet: Jellyfish stings|url=http://www.arphs.govt.nz/Portals/0/Health%20Information/HealthyEnvironments/Factsheets/Recreational%20Water/Jellyfish%20stings/Jellyfish%20Stings%20-%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf|publisher=Auckland Regional Public Health Service|access-date=6 March 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130208084916/http://www.arphs.govt.nz/Portals/0/Health%20Information/HealthyEnvironments/Factsheets/Recreational%20Water/Jellyfish%20stings/Jellyfish%20Stings%20-%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf |archive-date=8 February 2013}}

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{{Animal bites and stings}}

Category:Immune system disorders

Category:Parasitic infestations, stings, and bites of the skin