Clinical Perspectives on Seabather's Eruption, Also Known as 'Sea Lice'

Tomchik, Robert S.; Russell, Mary T.; Szmant, Alina M.; Black, Nancy A.

doi:10.1001/jama.1993.03500130083037

Cited by 44 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 24 publications

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“…The areas of highest prevalence include Florida, the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the northeast coast 37 . The larvae of the adult sea anemone, Edwardsiella lineata , 37 and the thimble jellyfish, Linuche unguiculata , 38 both cause seabather’s eruption. Each larva contains approximately 200 nematocysts that inject toxins directly into the skin.…”

Section: Organism‐related Dermatosesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Review: Aquatic Sports Dematoses. Part 2 – In the Water: Saltwater Dermatoses

2010

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The second part of this three-part series on water-related dermatoses will discuss dermatologic conditions seen in athletes exposed to saltwater. The vast majority of the following dermatoses result from contact with organisms that inhabit saltwater, including bacteria, cnidarians, and echinoderms. This review also will include other dermatoses affecting saltwater athletes and should serve as a guide for dermatologists, sports medicine physicians, and other medical practitioners in recognition and treatment of these dermatoses.

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Section: Organism‐related Dermatosesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Review: Aquatic Sports Dematoses. Part 2 – In the Water: Saltwater Dermatoses

2010

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“…The microscopic larvae of cnidarians can cause stinging sensations while swimming in waters where these occur. Larvae of some jellyfish, sea anemones, and even small hydroids have been suggested as causative and, like cyanobacterial dermatitis, this has also been termed “sea lice” and “seabather's eruption”(52–56). Lesions can vary from erythematous macules and papules ( Fig.…”

Section: Estuarine and Marine Zooplankton (“Sea Lice”“seabather's Ermentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The eruption usually begins with a stinging or “prickly” sensation while in the water. The thimble jellyfish ( Linuche unguiculata ) as well as a sea anemone larva ( Edwardsiella lineata ) have been implicated (52–58). While some of the stinging sensation in the water might be due to nematocyst activation, immunologic hypersensitivity may also occur, as sera from affected persons may show specific reactivity to the organism (59).…”

Section: Estuarine and Marine Zooplankton (“Sea Lice”“seabather's Ermentioning

confidence: 99%

Skin problems related to noninfectious coastal microorganisms

Burke

Tester

2002

Dermatol Ther

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While there are a number of coastal microorganisms that can cause infections of the skin, there are many that can cause skin problems that are noninfectious in nature. From cyanobacterial dermatitis to skin problems related to dinoflagellates, to skin signs of ciguatera or scombroid fish poisonings, to “sea lice”/“seabather's eruption,” to “swimmer's itch,” this article attempts to separate these entities into distinct syndromes caused by a variety of bacteria, phytoplankton and zooplankton. Treatment and prevention of these diseases are also discussed.

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“…Although small, these stinging cells may number in the hundreds of thousands per centimeter of tentacle, and many millions may be involved in a single encounter. Tentacles may detach from the body of the coelenterates in rough surf or turbulent water, which may result in free-floating nematocysts known as sea lice [1]. Not all nematocysts will discharge on contact with prey or victim, and an undischarged nematocyst may retain its stinging capability for weeks to months, even if the coelenterate is dead or the tentacle has detached [2•].…”

Section: Introduction Coelenteratesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Marine neurotoxins: Envenomations and contact toxins

Watters

Stommel²

2004

Curr Treat Options Neurol

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Familiarity with the appearance and habitat of venomous sea creatures, the location of their stinging apparatus, and surveillance of population concentrations within recreational waters are essential in avoiding envenomations. Compared with the thermo-stable low molecular weighted ingestible seafood toxins, venomous toxins are often large molecular weight proteins and many are heat labile, which provides opportunity for therapeutic intervention. Heat therapy may denature the toxins, and provide immediate relief of pain in coelenterate and venomous fish envenomations. Injections of local anesthetic agents may also be used. First aid measures at the seashore may limit the spread of venom, and include immobilization of the affected sites, compression bandaging, and venous-lymphatic occlusive bandages. Measures to limit continued envenomation by attached stinging cells include topical vinegar for jellyfish tentacles and irrigation with debridment for spines of venomous fish. Antivenins are of limited availability and may be used for envenomations with sea snakes, Chironex box jellyfish, and some venomous fish. Sea snakes bites may be treated with antivenin from land snakes or with hemodialysis when antivenin is not available. Neuromuscular paralysis occurs with bites by sea snakes, cone snails, blue octopuses, and some jellyfish. Supportive treatment includes attention to cardiopulmonary resuscitation and intubation. Exposure to Pfeisteria may result in cognitive and behavioral abnormalities. Treatment with cholestyramine may be helpful in binding the toxin and improve recovery.

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Clinical Perspectives on Seabather's Eruption, Also Known as 'Sea Lice'

Cited by 44 publications

References 24 publications

Review: Aquatic Sports Dematoses. Part 2 – In the Water: Saltwater Dermatoses

Review: Aquatic Sports Dematoses. Part 2 – In the Water: Saltwater Dermatoses

Skin problems related to noninfectious coastal microorganisms

Marine neurotoxins: Envenomations and contact toxins

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