One of the diseases that a traveler, particularly in the Caribbean area, may run into is the so-called marine dermatitis or "bather's dermatitis". It is contracted following immersion in the sea, affecting the areas covered by the swimsuit with papules that are accompanied by intense itching.
The symptoms occur after a short period of time and persist for about 7-14 days. It is a self-resolving condition with no need for specific therapy, only for specific symptoms such as severe itching are topical cortisone-based drugs or antihistamines used, oral drugs are resorted to if topical ones are found to be insufficient to quell the symptoms.
They are also affected by the skin condition.
Why are the areas covered by the garment specifically affected?
Dermatitis is caused by jellyfish larvae, which become trapped inside the swimsuit, promoting the activation of nematocysts (organs found in jellyfish used as defense tools) and the release of their stinging toxins.
It is necessary to make a differential diagnosis, so as not to run the risk of confusing it with the so-called "swimmer's itch" (swimmer's itch), which affects uncovered areas instead, due to the cercariae (larvae) of schistosomes that manage to penetrate the skin. Moreover, the lesions of swimmer's itch dermatitis may be, in addition to papular, papular-vesicular, partly excoriated, and in any case always strongly itchy, another fact that facilitates differentiation with swimmer's itch during an objective examination.
In the case of swimmer's itch we intervene with Albendazole, a typical drug used against schistosomes.
Jellyfish toxicity
.Jellyfish are classified in the phylum Coelenterates and are best known for their stinging tentacles, a characteristic given by nematocysts, small intracellular organs tasked with containing and releasing the toxins responsible for the "stinging" effects. These toxins are composed of a mixture of polypeptides (proteases, histamine releasers, hyaluronidases and phosphatases) but mostly serotonin-like substances.
Bather may come in contact with these coelenterates both in the Mediterranean Sea and in the tropics.
In the Mediterranean we recall the skin-level toxicity of Pelagia Noctiluca.
In the tropical and subtropical areas there are three species known to cause serious physical harm(up to and including death): two Cubomedusae and one Idromedusa, the former are found in southeast Asia and Australia, while the latter is found along the coasts of Florida (USA).
Jellyfish generally give skin reactions such as stinging lesions and erythematous-vesicular-bullous lesions at the site of contact with the tentacles, which usually do not leave scars. Particularly important are the edematous reaction in the surrounding area and the burning pain (pain similar to that caused by fire or red-hot bodies).
In countries where food consumption of jellyfish is typical, e.g., Japan, it is worth mentioning that if, even occasionally consumed in meals, they can cause gastroenterological and skin disorders, with a horticant-like reaction.
Among the systemic problems that have been described in individuals with jellyfish burns we find:
- muscle cramps;
- sight disturbances;
- vertigo;
- nausea and diarrhea.
In the presence of a jellyfish sting, it is advisable to clean the burned area and, to counteract edema and inflammation, to use a 5% aluminum chloride gel (also useful for limiting the itchy reaction and spread of toxins).
As a first-aid action, a mixture of water and bicarbonate or white vinegar may help to contain the painful reaction and toxins. Phytotherapeutic remedies include Aloe vera.
To dispel some unfounded legends about treating jellyfish stings here are some tips:
- don't scratch or rub the irritated area, both to avoid worsening the injury, and because hands in contact with the eyes and mouth, can spread the toxins giving more important reactions;
- do not apply ice; .
- do not pour urine on the lesion, often a recommended practice, because the ammonia present to be useful should at least reach 40° and more generally, do not apply ammonia except at high temperature;
- do not expose yourself to the sun.
For widespread injury or severe discomfort, we recommend seeking immediate medical attention or going to the nearest emergency room facility.
