Itchy and bumps like mosquito's

[shelling4life]

Hi, I havetroubles with itchy bumps like mosquito bites, but itch 100 times more than a mosquito bite. I have no idea how to avoid it. It is definately from the water in florida. Each time I go, it happens to me. If I just wade, it gets my legs from like the knees down. If I snorkel then it affects also my neck and back. I dont wear a wetsuit or rarely a vest. What is it????

And what can I do to prevent it....It stays itching for weeks...and I cant rest well when I get it bad enough. Help...taking a cruise to southern caribbean next fall....end of Oct.

[scubaran]

Hi, I havetroubles with itchy bumps like mosquito bites, but itch 100 times more than a mosquito bite. I have no idea how to avoid it. It is definately from the water in florida. Each time I go, it happens to me. If I just wade, it gets my legs from like the knees down. If I snorkel then it affects also my neck and back. I dont wear a wetsuit or rarely a vest. What is it????

And what can I do to prevent it....It stays itching for weeks...and I cant rest well when I get it bad enough. Help...taking a cruise to southern caribbean next fall....end of Oct.

 

Sea lice or sand fleas. Sea lice live in the sand in the water and as you wade in you disturb them. Also try to avoid wading in the water at sunset/night as this is when they're most active. Try something like Avon's skin-so-soft to put a lubrication layer on your skin and keep them back. Also you can wear a "thin-skin" lycra body suit to help (also prevents sunburn).

 

Randall

[shelling4life]

Thankyou...did some research...have you heard of Safe Sea? Any comments from other users?

[scubaran]

Thankyou...did some research...have you heard of Safe Sea? Any comments from other users?

 

Yep, some people on this board swear by it. I personally don't have any experience with it (I just get ichy and bumps all over) so no opinion.

 

Randall

[WILLVINO]

I have and have used safe sea products and they seem to work as I have never had issues while my husband who wont use any lotion type stuff has. I would recommend it. it is really a sun block..

[KULPN]

I live in Florida & haven't had that problem but I imagine there are sand fleas. Can you try taking a benadryl to reduce your immune response?

[cruiser888]

sounds like sea lice - I swim in many places in the world and they are all over. I live in Miami and I can tell you sometimes they are in the ocean and sometimes they are not. Some people are more allergic to them then others. They sure make you itch.

[TheVegasMan]

From the Sea Safe lotion website:

 

Sea Lice (Thimble Jellyfish larvae)

 

Sea Lice is also known as Sea Bather's Eruption (Pica-Pica)

Sea lice generally occur on the lower Atlantic coast of Florida from March through August, with the highest incidence in May and June. I have not heard of them being a problem on the Gulf coast at all. Sea lice create an itchy red rash on areas of the body covered by a bathing suit. But, sea lice are really not lice at all. They are the larvae of the Thimble Jellyfish. The nearly microscopic larvae become trapped between the bathing suit fabric and the skin. The resulting friction activates the larvae’s stinging mechanism. The stinging mechanisms are called nematocysts, like those of a jellyfish.

Symptoms of Sea Lice (Jellyfish larvae )Stings

 

* On first exposure, while still in the water, a bather may experience a tingling sensation on areas of the body covered by swimwear. Hairy underarms and hairy chests are also affected.

* During the next few hours an itchy red rash develops. The itch can last for several weeks. The rash is the body's reaction to the jellyfish venom, or toxin injected by the nematocysts.

* Some people may develop a fever or feel unwell and tired. Children are more likely to develop systemic effects like fever, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

Treatment of Sea Lice (Jellyfish larvae) Stings

 

After showering, applying diluted vinegar or rubbing alcohol to the skin may help neutralize any remaining toxin from the stinging nematocysts. Hydrocortisone lotion or cream and antihistamines may also help.

Prevention of Sea Lice (Jellyfish larvae )Stings

 

* The best prevention is to avoid going swimming along the lower southeast coast of Florida during the early summer months, particularly May and June.

* Pay attention to signs posted on the lifeguard towers warning of sea lice in the water.

* Wear as little clothing as possible while swimming in water that may have sea lice.

Using SafeSea Lotion to help prevent Sea Lice (Jellyfish Larvae) Stings

 

* Use a sunscreen called Safesea that helps prevent the jellyfish nematocysts from stinging. Safesea is used by swimmers, divers, fishermen, surfers, and anyone else that might be exposed to jellyfish or jellyfish larvae. Safesea helps prevent jellyfish stings, sea lice stings and sunburn. Find out more and Order Safesea online.

* When swimming in water with sea lice jellyfish it is most important to remove the bathing suit as quickly as possible. As the fabric dries and the skin rubs against it, more stings will occur. Do not shower with the “contaminated” suit on. The fresh water will cause the nematocysts to sting even more.

* Remove the suit and shower under forceful water to rinse off any larvae that may be clinging to the skin. Rinsing in salt water that is free of larvae is the best way to rinse, but it doesn't seem likely that such could be easily found.

* The contaminated suit should be machine-washed in hot soapy water, and dried in a hot drier. A hand rinsed and air dried suit may still contain active larvae.

Different people are affected to different degrees. I went swimming off Miami Beach a few years ago with some friends during the last week in May. One of them developed a significant rash. I only had a few stings. Another friend had no effects at all. A person’s immune system seems to have an important role in the severity of the reaction an individual may experience.

I've never encountered sea lice on the Gulf coast, but that doesn't mean others haven't.

[TransplantedOkies]

Can anyone tell me if the SafeSea is available in any ports? I may pick some up IF I can find a place around here that sells it.

 

Also how bad is sea lice in March in the Western Caribbean?

[tombo]

Contact a local dive shop. (I know that Colorado is not near the Caribbean but there a lot of Colorado divers who take dive trips to the Caribbean). I bet you could buy it online too.

 

I've always thought of April and especially May as peak months for sea lice.

[TransplantedOkies]

Contact a local dive shop. (I know that Colorado is not near the Caribbean but there a lot of Colorado divers who take dive trips to the Caribbean). I bet you could buy it online too.

 

I've always thought of April and especially May as peak months for sea lice.

 

Thanks! I do know of a dive shop not too far from our house so I will start there.