10 things you might not know about the irritating sea lice that invade SC beaches
Have you ever come out of the ocean with a horrible irritation left somewhere on your skin?
Sea lice may be to blame.
What exactly are sea lice, and are they the spitting image that the name conjures: the ocean’s version of head lice?
Here are 10 things you need to know about sea lice.
They aren’t like head lice. Sea lice, rather, are actually small jellyfish larvae which get trapped underneath bathing suits, in hair and under other garments causing skin irritation due to pressure that releases inflammatory, stinging cells, according to Healthline. These cells can cause itchiness, irritation, red welts, bumps and in severe cases, a high fever in children and more.
- They do love hair. Sea lice have been known to have an affinity for human hair, which, aside from being rubbed against skin from bathing suits, means people will frequently find a majority of any rashes on their necks from hair that has been in the water and come in contact with their skin, according to Prevention.com.
- They also aren’t actually the real lice that inhabit the ocean. While these larval organisms are frequently referred to as “sea lice” among locals, tourists and lifeguards, these small irritants are unrelated to the actual parasite that can be found in fish and also share the name of “sea lice.”
- They can be present in greater magnitude during certain times of the year. Sea lice outbreaks are usually at their worst from around March to August, but can be present in ocean waters at most any time as the higher frequency months may change depending on the warmth of the water and breeding habits of the jellyfish.
- Symptoms can be pretty unpleasant. They may begin anywhere from a few minutes to several hours after exposure. A red, itchy rash will appear over parts of the skin that were covered by hair or a bathing suit. This can include your groin, rear end, chest, abdomen, neck or back. You may have 200 stings or more. Other symptoms include headache, chills, fever, nausea, and abdominal cramps. It’s rare, but some people do end up having to go to the hospital for treatment, according to WebMD.
- Stinging occurs progressively faster each time. If you’ve had a sea lice inflicted rash before and happen to get stung again, you or your loved ones will likely feel it right away. Symptoms have been reported to occur faster the second time.
- What not to do if you get stung. Immediately rinsing off with clothing still on will not give relief. Rinsing in fresh water makes the jellyfish larvae start to sting again and may worsen the pain and irritation. Instead, take off any garments or bathing suits as soon as possible first before rinsing your body.
- What to do. Wash your suit or inflicted garments in hot water and toss them into the dryer making sure all the jellyfish larvae are eradicated. If a severe rash occurred, you may even opt for getting rid of the suit entirely.
- What can help? Treatments such as hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion applied to the site of the rash a few times a day may help ease the itching and pain caused by the sea lice. Anti-inflammatory medicines like ibuprofen may also help alleviate any symptoms for at-home treatment.
- Can you prevent it? Jellyfish sting-blocking sunscreens can be purchased to help prevent any sea lice rashes or jellyfish stings from occurring. Products such as Safe Sea, can help protect children and adults from receiving jellyfish stings, sea lice rashes, swimmers itch, and sunburn.
Sarah Claire McDonald
The Island Packet