Seabather's eruption in Adult
Alerts and Notices
Synopsis
Some refer to seabather's eruption as "sea lice," although this is a misnomer, as true sea lice are skin parasites of fish that do not affect humans.
Envenomation, primarily triggered by pressure and friction, occurs when the larvae get caught beneath swimwear and stinging cells (nematocysts) discharge into the skin.
The condition typically presents within minutes to 1-2 days after patient emerges from seawater as a pruritic, urticarial, and/or papular rash in the distribution of their bathing suit or other areas of pressure including surfboard contact. Symptoms usually persist for 5-7 days but may persist for up to 2 weeks or longer. Some patients may develop fever, headache, malaise, and emesis (especially children). Conjunctivitis and urethritis may develop if exposure to those mucous membranes occurs. Systemic hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, are rare in jellyfish envenomations. Rarely, the rash may recur within 2 weeks, and atopic individuals may have lesions for up to 6 weeks.
Risk factors include age younger than 16 years, a past history of seabather's eruption, and surfing. Showering without a bathing suit after seawater exposure has been found to be protective. Having a history of seabather's eruption increases the risk of future episodes, which supports the theory that this condition is due to underlying hypersensitivity. Some individuals are apparently immune, however, and do not develop a rash despite similar, repeated exposures in the same seawater as those who are symptomatic. No deaths have been reported.
Codes
ICD10CM:T63.691A – Toxic effect of contact with other venomous marine animals, accidental, initial encounter
SNOMEDCT:
238534006 – Sea bather's eruption
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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
- Pseudomonas folliculitis – Also called hot tub folliculitis, may also be accentuated under swimwear.
- Patients with swimmer's itch (animal schistosomes) have lesions outside the bathing suit area.
- Seaweed dermatitis is more severe and leads to blistering and desquamation; it is also endemic to Hawaii, where seabather's eruption has not been reported.
- "Dogger Bank itch" (Bryozoa dermatitis) is an algae-induced seaweed dermatitis. This condition is found in dockworkers along the North Sea and the Mediterranean. The lesions are chronic and can be disabling.
- Rashes caused by other ocean-dwelling organisms (hydromedusae, crab larvae)
- Acute schistosomiasis – Heavy exposure to human schistosomes may result in acute schistosomiasis, which may be associated with urticarial rash, pruritus, limb edema, lymphadenopathy, fever, nausea, and diarrhea.
- Varicella
- Scabies
- Contact dermatitis
- Folliculitis
- Insect bites
- Urticaria
- Mite dermatitis – Oak mite bites occur in the US Midwest; neck and torso bites may resemble seabather's eruption.
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Last Reviewed:06/18/2019
Last Updated:01/09/2020
Last Updated:01/09/2020
Patient Information for Seabather's eruption in Adult
Overview
Seabather's eruption is an itchy rash that occurs from the larvae of the thimble jellyfish Linuche unguiculata found in the Caribbean and off the coast of Florida or from the sea anemone Edwardsiella lineata found off the Long Island, NY coast. The rash is the result of larvae getting trapped in swimsuits.Who’s At Risk
You are at risk if you swim in the oceans of the Caribbean, Florida, and Long Island, NY. If you fail to change your swimsuit frequently, your risk of getting seabather's eruption is increased.Signs & Symptoms
Common symptoms of seabather's eruption are:- Rash with blisters and bumps
- Itchiness at site of rash
- Skin discomfort
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Pink eye
- Fever in children
Self-Care Guidelines
- Avoid rubbing your skin as this will cause the larvae to sting
- Rinse your bathing suit in vinegar or rubbing alcohol and then wash it in hot soapy water. Set dryer to hot setting, rather than hanging to dry
- You can shower and vigorously rub the infected skin with soap
- You may use calamine or camphor-menthol lotions and colloidal baths (oatmeal, etc)
When to Seek Medical Care
If your rash becomes infected, seek medical care. An infected rash may have increased pain and swelling, pus drainage, or red streaks around the affected area.Treatments
Your health care provider may recommend antihistamines or hydrocortisone creams to reduce itching.Seabather's eruption in Adult