Sea Lice

The Sea Lice season typically lasts from March through August along the southeast Florida Atlantic coastline. Sea Lice are a larvae form of jellyfish, and are so small that they are barely visible. In the ocean, the larvae pass through the material of swimmers' bathing suits and become trapped. When the material is compressed against the skin, toxins from the larvae are triggered and deposited onto the skin. The body typically reacts to the toxins within a few minutes to several hours.

Symptoms:

Sea Lice causes an itchy rash to develop that typically lasts from three to seven days. However, in cases of severe reactions, the rash can sometimes last for several weeks. Other symptoms of Sea Lice reactions include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting

Treatment:

Visit the nearest MedExpress location, and have the Sea Lice reaction checked out by a medical provider. Hydrocortisone cream and oral antihistamines may help to relieve the itching.

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