On a trip to Maui this summer, I got alot of red super itchy bumps on chest, legs and arms that I thought may be dermatitis due to some allergen. But after researching a bit I think it was due to alot of open H20 ocean swimming and contact with ‘sea lice’ (jelly fish larvae). Anyone familiar with this and use of any of the products (eg safe sea) that are supposed to be preventative- do they work?
It probably was sea lice, as what you describe seems consistent with sea lice stings. When I was in Hawaii for Ironman I got quite a few sea lice stings.
Putting a layer of something waterproof like sunscreen or aquaphor can help, but it is limited to its’ effectiveness in staying on your skin. I’ve never used Safe Sea, so I can’t comment on its’ effectiveness, but I have found that putting on a good layer of sunscreen works to minimize the effects. If I do get stung, I wash it off quickly and if I’m near a public beach I try to find a lifeguard who may have a spray bottle of vinegar to neutralize the toxin. I take a Benadryl afterwards to lessen the breakout. That’s about all the tools I have in my kit for this one.
We used to sell SafeSea. Success rate against Sea Lice was probably 75% of those that used it found it effective against Sea Lice.
Pee on it!
sea lice not common in all Hawaii near shore waters. Usually not a problem.
I have been a lifeguard in hawaii for over 20 years. The latest study on Man of War stings is that you should not put vinegar or anything else but fresh water and ice or a cold pack. When and If it starts to itch you can take benedryl or there is a steroid creme you can get from doctor that my daughter had to use.
Aloha Jason