Medical Author: John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP
Medically Reviewed on 9/30/2021
Doctor's Notes on Seaweed Irritation
Seaweed such as algae and coelenterates are found worldwide in salt water and fresh water and can cause skin irritation. A seaweed rash usually occurs when swimmers have direct contact with Lyngbya majuscule. This seaweed is found worldwide and resembles dark matted clumps of hair (gray, greenish-black, reddish and yellow colors) and produces two toxins that cause skin irritation. It can cause a rash when it gets under bathing suits or in areas where skin-to-skin contact occurs such as under the breasts or in the groin region. It is also common to see this rash along the waistband of bathing suits.
Symptoms of seaweed irritation include
- skin itching,
- burning sensation,
- skin redness, and in some people,
- blisters can develop or swelling may occur.
What Is the Treatment for Seaweed Irritation?
Seaweed irritation usually only causes mild to moderate symptoms. If you have contact with seaweed that causes irritation, it is best to rinse your skin and bathing suit right away with soap and fresh water.
If a rash develops in the area of the seaweed exposure, home self-care with over-the-counter (OTC) treatments such as the following can be used:
- Calamine lotion
- Topical sunburn cream containing lidocaine
- Oatmeal soothing baths
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl cream) for itching
- Hydrocortisone cream or ointment
If you develop severe symptoms of seaweed irritation such as shortness of breath, hives, eye irritation, or fever, seek medical care right away.
Trauma and First Aid : Training and Supplies Quiz
QuestionEmotional trauma is best described as a psychological response to a deeply distressing or life-threatening experience.
See AnswerMust Read Articles:
-
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are prescribed to individuals to cure disease by killing bacteria. There are over 100 antibiotics. The main classes of antibiotics include penicillins, cephalosporins, macrolides, flouroquinolones, sulfonamides, tetracyclines, and aminoglycosides. Antibiotic resistance is a growing problem due to the overprescription of antibiotics to individuals. Allergic reactions to antibiotics commonly have the following symptoms shortness of breath, rash, hives, itching, swelling of the lips, face, or tongue, and fainting. -
Blue-Ringed Octopus Bite
The blue-ringed octopus bite is a medical emergency. Blue-ringed octopus are not aggressive marine animals; however, when it bites it has a deadly venom. If you are bitten by a blue-ringed octopus it is a medical emergency. Symptoms include pain, bleeding, numbness, nausea, vomiting, changes in vision, and difficulty breathing. If medical care is not provided, the patient will likely go into respiratory failure, which leads to cardiac arrest and death. -
Bristleworm Sting
Bristleworm sting symptoms include: redness, a burning sensation, pain, swelling, and rash. Treatment of bristleworm sting include removal of the spines and possibly antibiotics to prevent infection. -
Cone Snail Sting
Cone snail stings generally occur when an individual picks up a cone snail. Symptoms of a cone snail sting include: a burning sensation, a sharp stinging sensation, numbness, cyanosis, and possibly coma. Treatment of a cone snail sting includes pressure immobilization technique, immersion of the affected are in hot water, and prescription medication. -
Coral Cuts
Marine coral is an exoskeleton secreted by many types of marine polyps. Some coral formations are sharp and rigid and can cause an accidental injury when coming in contact with the coral. Symptoms of a coral cut include swollen, inflamed, red, and tender skin. Some coral cuts may become infected and will need medical care. -
Cuts or Lacerations
Cuts and lacerations are both terms that apply to a tear in the skin, though a laceration implies a more jagged tear. These terms do not include abrasions where the skin is scraped away, or avulsions where the skin is torn from the flesh. Cuts and lacerations must be disinfected and sutured in more serious cases. Basic first aid may be all that is necessary for more minor wounds. Infection is the biggest medical concern when it comes to cuts or lacerations. Signs of infection include severe pain, draining pus, redness beyond the wound edges, fever and chills, and excessive wound swelling. -
Fever (in Adults)
A fever is a body temperature of 100.4 F or greater. A fever may be caused by a virus, bacteria, fungus, blood clot, tumor, drug, or the environment. Treatment of fever in adults usually involves ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or aspirin. -
Fever in Children
Fever is defined as a rectal temperature over 100.4 F or 38 C. Fever isn't life-threatening unless it is persistently high - greater than a 107 F rectal temperature. Fever is usually caused by an infection. Treatment focuses on controlling the temperature, preventing dehydration, and monitoring for serious illness. -
Fire Coral Cuts
Fire corals are not true corals. Fire corals are members of the Cnidaria phylum, and although fire coral looks like coral, it is more closely related to jellyfish and other stinging anemones. Symptoms of a fire coral sting or cut are an immediate burning sensation; stinging pain; a red rash; lymph node swelling; nausea; and vomiting. Most treatment of fire coral does need medical attention; however, if the cut or sting area develops pus, a blister, or red streaks appear around the injury, seek medical care immediately. -
How Do I Identify A Rash?
Symptoms of skin rashes depend on the condition and can be identified by some hallmark characteristics, including shape, color, texture and where they appear on the body. -
Life-Threatening Skin Rashes
Rashes are very common conditions and can have many causes. Most rashes are not dangerous but rather are merely nuisance illnesses. Life-threatening skin rashes are rare. Five potentially life-threatening disorders that have skin rash as the primary symptom are pemphigus vulgaris (PV), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), toxic shock syndrome (TSS), and staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS). -
Marine Animal Bite
Many animals in the ocean can bite or cause scrapes and puncture wounds, and some are even venomous. The first step in treatment is to identify the animal, the time of injury and nature of the attack. Then, first aid should be applied as appropriate. -
Puncture Wound
A puncture wound is caused by an object piercing the skin such as nails, glass, pins, or other sharp objects. A puncture wound can become infected if not treated properly. A tetanus booster may be necessary for some puncture wounds. -
Rash (Causes, Types, and Cures)
A rash is a visible skin outbreak. Examples of noninfectious rashes include eczema, psoriasis, contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea, hives, and allergic dermatitis. Types of infectious rashes include ringworm, impetigo, scabies, herpes, chickenpox, and shingles. Rashes may be caused by fungi, viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Treatment depends upon the type of rash. -
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Tips
Safe scuba diving and snorkeling tips include protecting marine animals while enjoying the sport, equipment care, and emergency preparedness. -
Scuba Diving Emergency Contacts
Diving (SCUBA) emergency contacts worldwide. Find information and numbers for scuba diving emergencies accross the globe. -
Sea Cucumber Irritation
Sea cucumbers are marine creatures that have elongated, armless bodies. Sea cucumbers live in temperate, subtropical, and tropical waters. Contact with their excrement or eating undercooked sea cucumbers can cause a rash. -
Sea Snake Bite
Sea snakes are generally not aggressive unless provoked or cornered. Sea snakes are highly venomous. Symptoms from a sea snake bite will occur within three hours of the bite and include: painful muscles, inability to move the legs, joint aches, blurred vision, thick tongue, excessive saliva production, vomiting, and droopy eyelids. There is an antivenom available for sea snake bites. -
Sea Sponge Irritation
Sea sponges grow on shells, stones, or other solid objects on the ocean floor. Accidental contact with the sea sponge is generally the cause of irritation. Symptoms of sea sponge irritation include: itchy, stinging, prickly sensation at the site of irritation; burning, pain, blisters, and joint swelling. Cases of extensive body exposure can lead to fever, chills, dizziness, nausea, and muscle cramps. Treatment is cleaning the affected area and OTC treatment. -
Sea Urchin Stings and Puncture Wounds
Sea urchins are non-aggressive marine animals and have spines and pedicellaria (venomous organs). Symptoms of puncture wounds include, redness, swelling around the area, fatigue, muscle aches, weakness, shock, or respiratory failure if the puncture wound is deep. Treatment of sea urchin puncture wounds are removal of th spines and pedicellaria. Antibiotics may be necessary if infection occurs. -
Skin Rashes in Children
Skin rashes in children may be categorized as bacterial, viral, life-threatening, fungal, and parasitic rashes. Oftentimes, the associated symptoms help establish the diagnosis. Treatment depends upon the type of rash and the severity of the signs and symptoms. -
Starfish Puncture Wounds
Sea stars (starfish) and crown of thorns are both bottom dwellers. They can puncture the skin, which causes pain. Symptoms of starfish or crown of thorns puncture wound include pain, bleeding, inflammation at the injury site, nausea, vomiting, weakness, numbness, and in rare cases paralysis.Treatment methods include cleaning the area, removing any spines if possible, antibiotic cream, and oral antibiotics if infection occurs. Sea stars and crown of thorns punctures may need to be treated by a doctor. -
Stingray Sting
Stingrays have flat bodies with long, slender tails that have serrated spines. Their serrated spines can cause lacerations (cuts) and puncture wounds. The spines also contain venom. Stingray stings are one of the most common dive and beach-related injuries, and most require immediate medical attention. -
Sunburn (Sun Poisoning)
Sunburn is a burn on the skin caused by UV radiation. Mild sunburn symptoms include skin redness and pain. Severe cases of sunburn (sun poisoning) are complicated by skin burning and blistering, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and possibly infection. A sun rash is caused by a condition referred to as polymorphous light eruption (PMLE). Home remedies for sunburn include over-the-counter pain medicine, aloe vera gels and lotions, and cool tepid baths. Severe sunburn may need medical treatment. Prevention of sunburn include staying out of the sun during the peak hours of the day, wearing sunscreen often and reapply often, and wear protective clothing shielding the exposed body from the sun. -
Sunscreen and Sunblock
Sunscreens absorb or reflect UV light so that it doesn't reach the skin. Ideally, sunscreen should be applied 15 to 20 minutes before exposure to sun. Sunscreen use is not recommended for infants under 6 months of age. -
Surgeonfish Cuts
Surgeonfish (doctorfish, tang) is a tropical reef fish that has spines near the tail that can inflict cuts or lacerations. Symptoms of a surgeonfish cut are pain and bleeding. -
Weeverfish Sting
Weeverfish (weever fish) are the most venous fish found in the North Sea, European coastal areas, the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea, and Eastern Atlantic Ocean. Symptoms and signs of a weeverfish sting may include fever, chills, seizures, fainting, nausea, low blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, headaches, sweating, and difficulty breathing. -
Wound Care
Wounds are lacerations, cuts, or punctures in the skin. Wounds can be superficial, deep, punctures, or pressure sores. The amount of pain, inflammation, and bleeding depend on the type of wound. Most superficial wounds can be treated at home. Deep wounds, or complicated wounds generally need medical care. Sutures, staples, or surgical glue for a wound depend on the depth of the wound and the time lapse between the injury and when medical care is sought.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.