Wilderness: Seaweed Irritation (cont.)
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Seaweed Irritation Treatment
- Scrub the wound with soap and water and flush extensively with fresh water. Rinse with isopropyl alcohol.
- Hydrocortisone cream may be applied 2-3 times daily to relieve itching. Immediately discontinue if any signs of infection appear.
- Allergic reactions, such as itching or rash, should be treated with diphenhydramine (Benadryl) 50 mg every 6 hours and 1 ranitidine (Zantac) tablet every 12 hours.
- If the wound shows any evidence of infection, such as redness, pus, pain, foul odor, heat, or fever, antibiotics are usually recommended. Continue antibiotics for at least 5 days after all signs of infection have cleared. Check for drug allergy prior to starting any antibiotic. A doctor can recommend the right antibiotic. Some antibiotics can cause an increased sensitivity to the sun, so use a sunscreen (at least SPF 15).
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Contact Dermatitis, Irritant »
Irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) is inflammation of the skin typically manifested by erythema, mild edema, and scaling.

