Clinical perspectives on seabather's eruption, also known as 'sea lice'
R. S. Tomchik, M. T. Russell, A. M. Szmant and N. A. Black
Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Miami, School of Medicine, FL 33101.
Seabather's eruption is usually a benign clinical syndrome that resolves
spontaneously, although severe symptoms and long-term sequelae have been
identified. Recent research has implicated the larvae of a jellyfish,
Linuche unguiculata, as the cause of this syndrome; confirmation by
serological and experimental studies is pending. Clinical signs and
symptoms are consistent with this etiology. Outbreaks occur when jellyfish
larvae are transported to shore by ocean currents. Treatment is symptomatic
and involves use of antihistamines and steroids.
