An intensely itchy rash due to contact with the tiny thimble
jellyfish (Linuche unguiculata).
T hese jellyfish are common between March and August in the waters off of Florida
and in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. There may be no adult jellyfish
around as a warning. The jellyfish larvae look like mere specks of "finely ground
pepper" and can evoke the same response.
The reaction tends to start 4-24 hours after exposure to the jellyfish. People
who have had previous exposure to seabather's rash may have an immediate stinging
sensation. Some people feel like they have the flu with nausea, vomiting, headache,
muscle and joint aches, and malaise.
A bathing suit traps the jellyfish larvae with the fabric acting like a net.
The best way to prevent stings is clearly to stay out of the water. Anyone who has
had a previous episode of seabather's itch is advised to not go in the water. If
one goes in the water, one can wear clothes such as a wet suit that provide a protective
barrier. Careful washing of swimwear after taking a dip is advisable. Wearing a
T-shirt into the water is a poor idea because it increases the risk of a severe
reaction. Topical anti-itch creams are only temporarily effective.
Other names for this disorder include bather's eruption, sea poisoning, ocean
itch and seabather's itch and the jellyfish are sometimes called sea critters or,
incorrectly, sea lice.
medical
dictionary, online medical dictionary, medical
terminology dictionary, free online medical
dictionary, medical dictionary, online medical
dictionary, medical terminology dictionary, free
online medical dictionary, dictionary medical,
dictionary medical online, dictionary medical
terminology, dictionary free medical online,
dictionary free medical, dictionary medical
terms, dictionary drug medical medicine,
dictionary health illustrated medical nursing
profession stedmans, dictionary English medical,
dictionary medical online terminology,
dictionary encyclopedia medical online,
condition dictionary medical, dictionary
medical, dictionary drug medical, medical
dictionary software, cyclopedic dictionary index
medical tabers thumb, medical dictionary, online
medical dictionary, medical terminology
dictionary
