The Ministry of Health & Wellness in The Bahamas has issued an advisory reminding the public that sea lice are commonly present in the warm waters surrounding The Bahamas from March to August.
Sea lice are the larvae of jellyfish that, though barely visible to the human eye, float on the sea surface and tend to gather near the shoreline, especially in shallow, calm waters. Skin contact with sea lice often results in dermatitis or “sea bathers’ eruption,” which occurs when the larvae become trapped between swimwear and the skin.
The eruptions produce a prickly or stinging sensation that progresses into a bumpy, red rash within 4 to 24 hours following exposure. This skin rash can last up to two weeks. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, fever (usually 101°F), muscle spasms, joint pains, and difficulty sleeping.
According to the ministry, “treatment for sea bathers’ eruption include antihistamines such as diphenhydramine or BenadryI and corticosteroid creams such as Hydrocortisone 0.5 per cent or 1 per cent. Bathing in colloidal oatmeal preparations and applying calamine lotion to the rash may aiso provide comfort.”
Officials warn that people should avoid scratching or scraping the affected area as it may cause further irritation and skin damage. In severe cases, epinephrine and other intramuscular steroids may be required.
The ministry also advises beachgoers to be aware of their individual risk, especially if they have strong allergic reactions. Officials recommend wearing two-piece swimsuits and avoiding t-shirts and one-piece swimsuits, which can trap larvae against the skin while swimming.
After swimming, people should “change out of swimwear [and] swimwear should be washed with detergent and dried in a dryer as there may be a recurrence of symptoms when wearing a swimsuit that was air-dried.”
“Anyone who suspects they have been affected by sea lice and are experiencing other symptoms along with the rash should seek medical attention,” according to the advisory.
