Seabather's eruption
3819704
221839892
2008-06-26T09:41:44Z
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Date the maintenance tags or general fixes
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'''Seabather's eruption''' is a [[pruritic]] [[dermatitis]]<ref name="pmid8336754">{{cite 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}}</ref> to the [[larval]] stage of [[cnidarian]]s,<ref name="pmid8616313">{{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}}</ref>, such as the thimble [[jellyfish]] and [[sea anemone]].
It should not be confused with [[Swimmer's itch]] (also known as [[sea lice]].)<ref name="urlSwimmers itch. DermNet NZ">{{cite web |url=http://dermnetnz.org/arthropods/swimmers-itch.html |title=Swimmer's itch. DermNet NZ |format= |work= |accessdate=}}</ref> However, the term "sea lice" is also sometimes used to describe Seabather's eruption.<ref name="urlSea Lice/Sea-Bathers Eruption : Beach Quality and Safety : NYC DOHMH">{{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=}}</ref><ref name="pmid8455301">{{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=}}</ref>
==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.<ref name="pmid11452328">{{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}}</ref>
==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.<ref name="pmid7481994">{{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}}</ref>
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}}
==Symptoms==
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==
{{reflist|2}}
==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}}
[[Category:Skin diseases]]
[[Category:Immune system disorders]]