The Unexpected Type Of Lotion Tourists May Not Know To Pack For Tropical Vacations

Whether you're swimming or surfing at one of Florida's best beaches or planning your next trip to the stunning turquoise waters around Cancun, be on the lookout for local outbreaks of seabather's eruption. This immune system reaction to micro jellyfish stings from sea lice can be irritating, to put it mildly, and may get more than under your skin.

"Sea lice," as they are commonly called, are tiny larvae of thimble jellyfish (Linuche unguiculata) and sea anemones (Edwardsiella lineata) that can become trapped in the fibers of clothing or hair. If the little critters can't get out, they sting as a defense mechanism, releasing a toxin that causes skin inflammation. Don't worry — the condition usually isn't serious and normally heals up in a few days, with no long-lasting effects. Unlike common lice, sea lice can't be passed from person to person, unless you share swimwear or a rashguard that has been in water infested with the larvae.

However, some victims, especially children, may suffer from fever, abdominal pain, and stomach illness after being stung. Previous sufferers of seabather's eruption are also more likely to feel the stings as well as have a more difficult time getting rid of symptoms and treating the rash. As sea lice aren't contagious, if several people in your group get stung, jellyfish may be in the water, and you should notify a lifeguard or local authority.

Packing and putting together the perfect accessories for a beach vacation is key to enjoying your time to the fullest. While it has been reported that applying topical sunscreen may help prevent jellyfish stings, one commercially available sunscreen has been developed to block sea lice stings in addition to UV rays. This product may be worth packing in your luggage if you're planning to go surfing, snorkeling, or diving in a subtropical area such as Florida, the Caribbean, Central and South America, or Southeast Asia.

Although the only way to ensure you don't get stung is to stay out of the water, you can take precautions to lower your risk. Be sure to check local wind and ocean currents, especially if you will be visiting beaches during the jellyfish larvae season, which normally spikes in the late spring and summer months. Currents, such as the Gulf Stream, affect when and where outbreaks happen. Since outbreaks can rise and fall and conditions can change within days, check local public health reports before getting in the water. If you spot purple flags in Florida, do not get in the water due to dangerous marine life, including sea lice. 

If you do swim in an area where there may be sea lice, don't wear a T-shirt or rash guard. Wearing less clothing in the water will minimize the number of spots where larvae can be trapped, but covered areas or areas where friction can occur, such as the swimsuit's waistband, can irritate larvae, causing them to sting.

Sea lice stings may first feel a "prickling" under your bathing suit while in the water. However, you will likely not see any immediate changes to your skin. Several hours after you get out of the water, though, on lighter-skinned people, a red, acne-like itchy rash or raised pimples will appear on areas that were covered by clothing. For people with darker skin, the rash may be pink or purple.

If you believe you've been stung, begin treatment by taking off all of your swimwear when feasible. Once you've done that, the Cleveland Clinic recommends you try to rinse in clean salt water that hasn't been affected by sea lice before showering in fresh water. If you can't access salt water, you can also use 5% vinegar to prevent the jellyfish from stinging. Directly bathing in fresh water, jumping in a pool, or drying yourself in a towel may antagonize the jellyfish and cause you more irritation. If you have been stung, wash your swimwear with laundry detergent and dry it out with a heat source to kill the remaining larvae before you use it again.

To minimize the itch from sea lice, use topical medications such as hydrocortisone cream or antihistamines on the affected area. Ice packs or cold compresses can also help to relieve skin inflammation. Try not to scratch the rash or affected area, as it can cause more irritation and potentially an infection. Always check with your doctor before using any medicines, medical creams, or for medical concerns before traveling.